Master Scuba Diver (MSD) is a scuba diving certification or recognition level offered by several North American diver training agencies, such as the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Scuba Diving International (SDI), and Scuba Schools International (SSI). Other agencies (e.g., The International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers) offer similar programs under other names, such as "Elite Diver". Each of these (and other) agencies touts their program at this level as the highest, non-leadership program.
Most organizations have a minimum age requirement of 15 to undertake the Master Scuba Diver course, although some organizations do permit certification of "Junior" Master Scuba Divers.
Different agencies take different approaches to this program creating both a disparate level of indicated diver competence both within most agencies[clarification needed] as well as from agency to agency. The specific methodologies of the main agencies are as follows:
IANTD awards their Elite Diver Recognition[1] to a diver who completes:
The NAUI Master Scuba Diver course[2] is one of such courses that has both skill based and academic component. The course was designed by Paul Heinmiller (NAUI 5141L) and Phil Sharkey (NAUI 4505L),[3] to meet a specific need that had been identified by the NAUI membership: a clearly defined course that provides, assesses, and certifies for all the academic and skills training required of a NAUI Instructor, excepting topics covering teaching and supervision of students and certified divers, topics that are part of NAUI's Divemaster and Instructor Training Courses. The NAUI Master Scuba Diver course involves training in the theory and practice of:
PADI awards their Master Scuba Diver Recognition[4] to a diver who completes:
SDI awards their Master Scuba Diver Recognition[6] rating to a diver who completes:
SSI awards their Master Diver Recognition[7] to any diver who completes:
