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A dive center is the base location where recreational divers usually learn scuba diving or make guided dive trips at new locations. Many dive centers operate under the guidelines of ISO 24803, in which case the facilities must meet the ISO minimum standard for a service provider for recreational diving.
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Shop
Divers commonly refer to dive centers as dive shops. It is normally a shop selling diving equipment equipped with a diving air compressor to fill the cylinders. The dive center usually offers the facilities to repair and maintain scuba gear.
Diver training and guided dives
Professional recreational diving instructors are often associated with, or employed by, a dive center. The center may be located near a swimming pool and open water, where training and guided dives can be conducted. Some operate boats or road transport and offer guided dives at recreational dive sites in the vicinity. Classrooms are often available for diver training which may include training according to ISO 24801-1 to ISO 24801-3, and other courses according to the certification agency to which they are affiliated.
Organization
Most dive centers are affiliated to one or more diver certification agencies like PADI, SSI or CMAS to offer their range of specialty courses.