It takes approximately two years to become scuba certified. There are a variety of options depending on how experienced you are. PADI offers a beginner class that teaches the fundamentals of diving. PADI Open Water Diver allows you to be certified.
PADI's entry-level diver course
PADI entry level diver course comprises five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews as well as a final test. The course is usually completed in three to four days. However, you may be able to complete it faster if you take the online course. This course covers all aspects of diving, and also includes open-water dives.
PADI Open Water Diver Manual is your basic guide to diving. It covers terminology, safety, equipment, and much more. The book also includes five videos that will explain each topic in detail and answer any questions.
Open water certification dives
Open water certification is possible in a few steps. First, you need to complete your training. You will be spending several sessions in the water or in a shallow area before you start open water diving. You will also be able to demonstrate your skills in water during these sessions. The first dive is dedicated to orientation, while the second dive is devoted to scuba skills. The third dive is designed to relax and consolidate what you have learned.
A local dive center can help you complete your certification in just a few days. But, you will need to follow the instructions of your instructor or dive center if you are training at a remote location. Open water certification takes about three to four days.
Next-level certification dives
Beginners can begin by doing a few test dives in the pool. You can usually do try-dives in shallow water (less 6 feet). Open water diving requires that you are more confident in all aspects. Open water diving takes place in bodies of water such as the ocean, lakes, and even flooded quarry pits.
You can get certified in a few days, although it may take longer. You can complete the whole process in one week if you take an online course. Entry-level courses have no deadlines, but waiting periods may be necessary for professionals.
Prerequisites for next-level certification
You should get some water experience before you can get your next-level certification. A pool is a great place to start learning the sport. You can also go diving in lakes, or in flooded quarry pits. Open water diving requires more than just a test-dive.
The SDI open-water training course is designed for those who want to continue their scuba training. You will learn basic skills in scuba diving and problem solving. You will learn how to self-rescue, which is a technique used by rescue divers. Open water training is required for divers who wish to dive at more difficult sites and liveaboards.