You will be a certified scuba diver after demonstrating the skills, knowledge, and judgment required to dive in conditions similar to those you were trained in.

Dive shops and operators will request to see your certification card before providing you with equipment, filling your cylinder, or allowing you on a chartered boat dive. You will be able to participate in most dive activities, but additional certifications are required for specialties such as cave, wreck penetration, ice, and technical diving.

Most countries, including the United States, do not have laws requiring certification to dive. Instead, the industry is self-regulated by responsible professionals who care about your safety. They have the right to refuse to do business with you, but cannot prevent you from diving on your own, and cannot revoke your certification.