CMAS Americas Standards

CMAS AMERICAS STANDARDS OVERVIEW

The first most obvious difference between the CMAS training system and others is the avoidance of using confusing and inaccurate titles for the various certification levels. CMAS uses the simple Three Star system below:

One Star Diver - This entry-level course is designed to provide the student with the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to become a safe and efficient diver. Our students receive an in depth academic foundation not a glossed over condensed version. Coupled with skills training that is practical and complete the CMAS One Star Diver attains the greatest comfort and skill level possible. This training program results in a diver who can more completely enjoy the underwater world with the confidence that comes from mastering skills not performing them once or twice. Additionally, included in all CMAS One Star Diver programs is Hazardous Marine Life training which provides you the skills needed to identify, avoid and/or contend with potential difficulties.

Two Star Diver - The two star diver program is a course, which takes the one star diver further into the world of diving by introducing them to a wide variety of activities and advanced skills. This is accomplished through a series of diving experiences and classroom training. In this course you will also complete the DAN Diver Emergency Management Provider program which trains you to assist a diver in distress.

Three Star Diver - This is the highest non-instructor level available. The Three Star Diver is fully trained to lead and guide divers in open water experiences, to assist Instructors in classes and work on dive boats and at dive resorts. This level provides the opportunity to become a DAN Instructor.

Four Star Diver - The four star diver is a diver who has reached the level of Three Star Diver and has chosen to continue on into an assisting level of Instruction. A four star diver is qualified to teach Skin Diving/Snorkeling Skills to student divers as well as lead and guide divers independently of an Instructor. This level provides the opportunity to become a DAN Instructor.

One Star Instructor - The entry level Instructor program that provides the training and experience designed to qualify a CMAS Four or Three Star Diver to direct and certify a full CMAS One Star Diver Course. They will also be qualified to run DAN Dive Rescue programs.

Two Star Instructor - qualified to direct and certify all CMAS diver levels, all CMAS Snorkel Instructor levels and Instructor level programs for DAN Dive Rescue programs including Hazardous Marine Life and Diver Emergency Management Provider courses. They are an experienced one star instructor who has completed a two star Instructor course to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience required to teach groups of divers in the classroom, pool, and in open water, from One Snorkelers up to One Star Instructors. Two Star Instructors are Instructor Trainers for all CMAS Programs.

Three Star Instructor - A fully experienced instructor who has completed a three star Instructor course to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience required to train all grades of divers, instructors and Instructor Trainers including DAN Instructors and to take responsibility for the conduct of diving schools, centers, and specialized training courses and events. Three Star Instructors are Instructor Trainer Evaluators for all CMAS Programs.