Is it necessary to be at least 18 to learn to dive. This question is dependent on your personal situation. Children can finish their junior certification and dive to greater depths. Adult scuba certification is also available for teens and adults. Both courses require that you are at least 15 years of age, and that you have at least some experience. The physical and medical requirements for each certification level are outlined below.
To scuba-dive, you must be at least 18
The recreational scubatraining council recommends that people younger than 15 years old should not scubadive. However, children as young as eight can learn how to scuba dive and undergo training. This age requirement does not apply to all children. There is very little scientific evidence on the impact of scuba diving on children. It can also vary from person-to-person. Always have a qualified instructor train children in scuba diving.
Scuba diving is not a sport that requires a minimum age. PADI and some schools may train children as young at ten. Kids under the age 10 are generally considered junior level divers. Once they reach the appropriate age, they will be upgraded to the adult level. Young people can also train with the British Sub-Aqua Club, but they must be atleast 12 years old to participate in any training programs.
Physical and medical requirements
There are some conditions that make it difficult for a person to safely participate in scuba diving. A person's ability to safely dive can be affected by chronic or certain medications. Regular physical activity is essential for diving. For this reason, women who are pregnant should not attempt to scuba dive. You should consult your doctor if any of these conditions are present before you attempt to scuba dive. Learn more about the medical and physical requirements to scubadive.
You will first need to fill out a questionnaire from the Recreational Scuba Training Council. This is an organization located in North America. This form can be obtained from many places. The RSTC will assess the completed questionnaire and determine if the prospective diver must undergo a medical exam. The answer to the medical questions does not automatically disqualify a person from diving. However, it indicates that they might have a pre-existing condition that could affect their safety.
Courses available
For scuba diving, you need to be at the least eighteen years of age. Depending on where you are, this age can be a lot lower or higher. If you're still unsure about whether you're old enough, check out the PADI Bubblemaker program, designed for kids. It teaches them how to dive, including pressure and buoyancy. They also practice in a pool. They can go as deep as 12 feet during this training.
At least eight years of age is required to become a fully certified diver. Many agencies offer courses that are suitable for children aged 8 and up, but will not allow you to dive in open water. PADI offers Seal Team, the Bubblemaker program, and Seal Team for younger divers. Although this program may not seem like the best choice for beginners, it can be a great way to get a taste of the experience.
Certification requirements
Although scuba diving certifications are non-expiring, you'll need an instructor's card if you wish to teach scuba or start your own business. Most dive centers that are reputable will want to know about your certification and diving history. You may need to refresher your certification if you haven’t dived for six months or more. While the certificate doesn't expire, you should take a refresher course every now and then to ensure you're still up to date on the latest rules and regulations.
Five types of diving knowledge are required to get scuba certified. The classroom component and open-water diving are the two main components. Each dive will be a simulation of an emergency situation, wherein you'll need to be able to return to the surface quickly. This portion of your course is similar in nature to obtaining a driver's permit. To pass the open-water dive, you will need to complete a knowledge test and take an exam.