The C.M.A.S. has established standards which form the basis of a system of International Divers Certificates, which are recognised by all national federations and other bodies which
are member of the C.M.A.S. Technical Committee.
The standards describe the knowledge and skills required in order for a diver to be granted the appropriate C.M.A.S. International Divers Certificate.
The certificates may be awarded as an equivalent to a national qualification held by the divers, or may be awarded directly by a C.M.A.S. recognised DivingSchool or by certain
national federations.
The standards describe four grades of divers
One Star Dive *
Two Star Diver **
Three Star Diver ***
Four Star Diver ****
Details of the standards will be found in the C.M.A.S. publication “ Standards and Requirements ”.
DEFINITIONS OF DIVER AND INSTRUCTOR GRADES
The CMAS system consists of three levels of diver qualification and three levels of instructor qualification. In all cases, increased competence and experience is indicated by an
increasing number of stars in the description and on the emblem.
ONE STAR DIVER
A CMAS One Star Diver is a diver who is competent in the safe and correct use of allappropriate SCUBA diving equipment for open water scuba diving to a depth of 18 m.
TWO STAR DIVER
A diver who has gained some open water diving experience and is considered ready to take part in dives partnered by a diver of at least the same or higher grade. They are qualified
to participate in diving activities to a depth of 40 m. The Two Stars Diver may also dive with a one star diver in sheltered shallow water not to exceed 18 m.
THREE STAR DIVER
A fully trained, experienced, and responsible diver who is considered competent to lead and guide open water dives for certified divers without the supervision of an
Instructor. This is a professional level of diver and the individual has mastered all of the skills necessary to plan and operate group diving experiences. Among these skills are group control,
dive planning, risk management and emergency response training.
ONE STAR INSTRUCTOR
The entry level to the CMAS Instructor program for experienced Three Star Divers. An individual who has a knowledge of the techniques of diving instruction and is competent in the
instructional skills necessary to teach both the academic and practical skills to conduct, qualify, and certify students in a CMAS One Star Diver Course.
TWO STAR INSTRUCTOR
An individual holding a CMAS One Star instructor (or equivalent) who has gained the knowledge, skills, and experience required to teach groups of divers in the classroom, pool, and
in open water, and to assist in the training of One Star Instructors. Upon completion of the Two Star Instructor Training Program they are qualified to direct and certify all CMAS diver levels
and all CMAS Snorkel Instructor levels.
THREE STAR INSTRUCTOR
A fully experienced individual holding a Two Star Instructor qualification who has gained the knowledge, skills, and experience required to teach all grades of divers and
instructors and to take responsibility for the conduct of diving schools, centers, and specialized training courses and events.
More details at http://www.cmas2000.org
