Dive center

A dive center is the base location where sports divers usually start scuba diving or make dive guided trips at new locations. Many dive centers operate under the guidelines of ISO 24803, in that case the requirements to a service provider for recreational diving are standardized.

Shop

Divers commonly refer to dive centers as dive shops. It is normally a shop selling diving equipment equipped with a gas compressor to fill the cylinders. The dive center usually offers the facilities to repair and maintain scuba gear.

Education and trip organization

Professional 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 own boats or cars and offer different tours to dive spots in the vicinity. Classrooms are often available for dive classes and to plan dive trips or simply continue education organized in different courses according to ISO 24801-1 to ISO 24801-3.