CMAS* SCUBA Diver

CMAS * SCUBA Diver, CMAS one-star Scuba diver, or just CMAS * is an entry level diving certification for recreational SCUBA issued by Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), enabling divers to undertake accompanied no-decompression dives to a maximum depth of twenty meters. CMAS describes that a One Star Diver shall be deemed "to have sufficient knowledge, skill and experience to procure air, equipment, and other diving services and to plan, conduct, and log open-water dives that do not require mandatory in-water decompression stops, without the supervision of a CMAS Instructor or CMAS Dive Leader, when properly equipped and accompanied by another certified diver of at least the same level, provided the diving activities undertaken, the diving conditions and the diving area are similar, equal or better to those in which training was received".

CMAS * training is available from two sources. Firstly, from national diving federations affiliated to the CMAS Technical Committee (known as CMAS Federations) using their member diving clubs, their member instructors where the federation is exclusively an instructor organisation or by agreement with independent underwater diving training organizations. Secondly, from specially accredited dive centers known as CMAS Dive Centers (CDC) who use dedicated CMAS training materials and who directly issue CMAS diving certificates.

The course covers the following theory topics:

and the following practical skills:

Following the training, five successful open water dives are required to complete the certification.

The course has the following minimum requirements:

Although the CMAS* Diver standard is a minimum requirement, individual CMAS Federations may recommend or require higher standards or extra coverage for their entry-level certification to suit local conditions and requirements. For example, the Sub-Aqua Association in the UK places extra emphasis on the theory and prevention of decompression sickness, diving from small boats and cold-water diving.

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