Is It Worth the High Price Paid?

The Same Certification, Different Costs

Every diver deserves an internationally recognized, ISO-certified qualification. That part is standard across agencies. But behind the identical certification outcomes lies a dramatic difference: the cost to the dive professional.

We examined the real-world expenses for a medium-sized dive center training around 240 divers a year (15 Open Water and 5 Nitrox per month). The numbers speak for themselves:

Certification Kits: High-brand kits run over US$13,000 annually. The new model (as used by ISC) delivers the same ISO certification for less than half that amount, about US$7,000 annually.

Branding and Uniforms: Some agencies require centers to buy flags, stickers, banners, and branded shirts — costing hundreds of dollars. New model: $0 mandatory spend.

Training Center Renewal Fees: Annual renewals can reach over US$200, but often only after hitting discounts linked to kit sales. In the new model: no center renewal fees.

Instructor Renewals: In many systems, instructors pay US$200+ per year just to remain active. New model: no renewal fee in the first year and discount given on certifications completed during the year.

These differences are made possible because the new model reduces overheads and streamlines business operations, shifting the savings directly back to the professional. This is the Dive Professionals First approach.

The Total Price Tag

For one year of operation:

• High-brand model: ~US$15,200
• New model: ~US$7,540

That’s a saving of over US$7,600 per year. Multiply that across five years, and the difference is staggering.

But What About Advertising?

The big argument from large agencies is: “We advertise for you.” Let’s break that down:

Locator Listings: You appear on a website alongside thousands of competitors. Visibility, yes — exclusivity, no.

Social media campaigns: They promote the agency brand first. Leads are distributed, not dedicated. Only a select few centers are ever featured.

Certification Cards: Your dive shop logo appears, but always second place to the agency brand.

Travel Bookings: Most platforms even take commission on travel bookings — further cutting into margins.

The reality? You pay thousands every year to advertise their brand, not yours.

The Better Question

If both paths lead to the same ISO-recognized certification for your students, ask yourself:

Is the additional cost worth it?

Is the commission and compulsory branding bringing you direct, measurable business? What is your ROI (return on investment).

Couldn’t the savings be better spent on your own Google ads, social media, and local partnerships that build your name?

Own Your Brand. Keep Your Independence.

The dive industry grew because dive professionals-built trust, doing the work, having all the risks, the long hours, the frustrations and highs. 

Today, the choice remains yours: pay more to promote a big name or save thousands and build your own brand.

Is it worth the high price paid?

Learn more at https://www.diveisc.com