There are many different scuba diving certification agencies that are currently active in the world. Each of these agencies provide people with instruction to become a certified SCUBA diver and have similar  requirements for a basic level of certification. All major agencies have non-expiring certifications that are recognized worldwide. They also all help regulate the sport and contribute to dive safety, dive medicine research, and conservation worldwide.  So how does a person decide which agency to be certified through if there are multiple options? In the beginning, a person should consider cost, convenience, and reputation over certifying agency as they mostly have very similar training requirements, but as a person looks at continuing their dive education, certain agencies may be better than others for what they would like to do.  

The 2 largest certifying agencies in the United States are NAUI and PADI. Each of these agencies is recognized and operates worldwide. They also both offer multiple levels of certifications in both recreational and technical diving. PADI tends to be available at most dive locations and has the most members currently. NAUI is the oldest certifying agency, is the second largest organization behind PADI and promotes dive safety through education. Check out the links below to learn more about these two agencies. 
www.naui.org
www.padi.com

Leydens' Dive Shop is certified to issue certifications for NAUI, SEI, PDIC, and CMAS. Learn more about these wonderful organizations at their links below
 www.pdic-intl.com
www.seidiving.org
cmas.org

Whatever agency you choose to become certified through, make sure you dive within your training and comfort level at all times and seek more training as it becomes necessary. Many agencies offer multiple certifications that can help you safely navigate new diving situations.

A common error many people make is to wear too much weight when diving. This can cause many issues from a "too fast" descent to issues with ascending and everything in between. Here are 5 tips to help you avoid over weighting yourself.

1. Check your weight. With an empty BC and holding a normal breath you should float at eye level. Add no more than 5 pounds to this to compensate for a full cylinder.

2. Pay attention to details in your pre-dive checklist. Include how much weight you used in other dives so you have an idea of how much may be needed in similiar situations in the future. This weight can also be a good starting point of weight needed for new dive situations.

3. Take a refresher class and work with your instructor on bouyancy and proper weighting. This can prepare you in advance of the actual dive with knowledge of what you need and can also help ease any worries you have which can affect your weighting.

4. Maintain situational awareness. If you notice a problem with someones weight. Mention something.

5. Use a line if you have control problems. You should be able to ascend at a proper rate without one, but if you are having issues on a dive, do what you need to in order to be safe.