BECOME A
MEMBER
Join the official national governing body for freediving in the United States. Compete on the world stage. Connect with a community that takes the sport as seriously as you do.
USFF Membership
Membership connects you to the global CMAS network — 130+ nations, annual World Championships, and a US community of freedivers who are serious about the sport.
READY TO
GO DEEPER?
USFF Annual Membership
JOIN THE FEDERATION
Membership is managed through MemberPlanet — our secure registration platform. Click below to complete your application. Questions? Email us at membership@usfreedivingfederation.org before joining.
Managed via MemberPlanet · Secure checkout
The U.S. Freediving Federation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your membership and any donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor.
NOT YET
CERTIFIED?
Get Certified First
To be an official USFF member — and to be eligible to compete in any CMAS competition worldwide — you must have successfully completed a recognized freediving instruction program and hold a valid certification.
Program developed by world record holder Alexey Molchanov — rigorous, progressive, and trusted at the highest competitive levels.
Visit Molchanovs →Freediving Instructors International. An international reputation built on upholding the highest safety standards in the sport.
Visit FII →Scubapro Instructor International. Uncompromising standards-focused freediving methodology with a global instructor network.
Visit SSI →The longest-running freedive certification agency in America — deep expertise and a proven track record.
Visit PFI →The world's leading recreational dive organization. An excellent first step into the sport with instructors available worldwide.
Visit PADI →USFF does not endorse any one program over another. The five organizations above are among those recognized by USFF — but they are not the only options out there. There are other reputable certifying agencies, and we encourage you to do your research. Explore your options and choose the program that best aligns with your approach, learning style, and standards. What matters most is that you get properly trained by qualified instructors before you dive.
FAQ
QUESTIONS
ANSWERED
Everything you need to know about joining the USFF — from eligibility to records to how your membership supports the wider community.
Still have questions? Email us at
membership@usfreedivingfederation.org
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Any freediver who has successfully completed a recognized freediving instruction program and holds a valid certification is eligible to join. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to become a USFF member — though only U.S. nationals are eligible to hold national records or compete on the U.S. National Team.
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Yes. To be an official USFF member — and to be eligible to compete in any CMAS competition worldwide — you must have successfully completed a recognized freediving instruction program. USFF is neutral toward certifying organizations, so you can choose the one that fits you best. Programs recognized by USFF include SSI, Performance Freediving, FII, PADI, and Molchanovs.
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Membership benefits include:
• Eligibility to compete in CMAS competitions worldwide — including national open competitions hosted by any of the 130+ CMAS national federations (view events at cmas.org/events)
• Eligibility to be considered for the U.S. National Team
• Discounts on diving equipment from our partner brands using code TEAMUSA2026
• Access to USFF merchandise
• Connection to a national community of freedivers across 16+ states
As part of CMAS — recognized by the International Olympic Committee and UNESCO — your membership links you to a global network spanning over 130 countries. -
Membership is managed through our registration platform at memberplanet.com/usfreedivingfederation. If you have any questions before joining, you're welcome to reach out at membership@usfreedivingfederation.org.
✓ Secure checkout via MemberPlanet -
Yes — membership is a prerequisite for National Team eligibility, but there are additional requirements. You must hold U.S. nationality, maintain a valid USFF membership through the end of the competition year, carry DAN Insurance (or equivalent), and currently meet competitive performance thresholds — including a documented competition dive within 75% of the current U.S. national record in any discipline you wish to compete in.
Full team selection guidelines are available on the US National Team page. -
Yes. Records recognized by USFF follow CMAS guidelines, and the athlete must be a USFF member. Note that as of 2023, only U.S. nationals can hold a "national record." If you are a USFF member but not a U.S. national, you can still achieve and hold a "member record (MR)" in recognition of your performance within the U.S. freediving community.
To inquire about organizing a national record event, email membership@usfreedivingfederation.org. -
Yes — and we appreciate every bit of support. You can donate directly through our GoFundMe campaign, shop gear from our partner brands using member discount code TEAMUSA2026 (a percentage of every purchase funds the national team), or pick up official USFF merchandise. If you have another idea for how you'd like to get involved, reach out at membership@usfreedivingfederation.org.
HELP SEND
TEAM USA
TO THE WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Support the Team
Every year, the USFF selects the best American freedivers to represent the United States at the CMAS World Championships. Getting them there — travel, accommodation, competition fees, equipment — is expensive. Your contribution goes directly to making that possible.
🏊
SUPPORT TEAM USA
Every dollar contributed through our GoFundMe goes directly to the athletes — no overhead, straight to the team.
International travel to World Championship venues
Competition entry fees and CMAS registration
Accommodation during competition weeks
Team equipment and branded wetsuits