http://www.padi.com/padi/default.aspx
Years back, there is another organization called NADI - National Association of SCUBA Diving, and YMCA also certify Divers. However PADI has been the most popular and these days it seems only PADI certified is recognized.
Without the certification, you would not be really able to do SCUBA. Yes, you can still do so-called Resort Diving - that is, to let you wear the gear and come down may be 15 to 25ft with diving master for 20-30 minutes. That would be all you can do. No responsible diving operator would take anyone to dive without seeing his/her Seacard first.
Years back, there is another organization called NADI - National Association of SCUBA Diving, and YMCA also certify Divers. However PADI has been the most popular and these days it seems only PADI certified is recognized.
Without the certification, you would not be really able to do SCUBA. Yes, you can still do so-called Resort Diving - that is, to let you wear the gear and come down may be 15 to 25ft with diving master for 20-30 minutes. That would be all you can do. No responsible diving operator would take anyone to dive without seeing his/her Seacard first.