RSTC Europe[2] Diving Equipment and Marketing Association
Formerly called
Florida Skin Divers Association (FSDA) Scuba Training Committee
The International Diving Educators Association or (IDEA) was founded in 1952 as the Florida Skin Divers Association (FSDA) Scuba Training Committee, and later changed its name to the Florida Scuba Divers Association.[3] Then, in February 1976 the FSDA Scuba Training Committee members voted to create the International Diving Educators Association, based on the principles of the FSDA to make the organization an international Scuba diving certification agency.[citation needed]
IDEA has affiliates operating in Asia and Europe.[4]
The Star System is a diver qualification system that is intended for use in Europe:
1 Star Diver which is equal to IDEA Open Water Diver plus 2 dives in the 20-25 metre depth range.
2 Star Diver which is equal to IDEA Advanced Open Water Diver plus 2 dives in the 35-40 metre depth range.
3 Star Diver/Advanced Deep Diver which is equal to IDEA Deep Diver, IDEA Dive Medic (or equivalent) and IDEA Rescue Diver plus 5 dives to 45 metres.[9]
Instructors[]
IDEA offers the following instructional qualifications:
