How old do you have to be to learn to scuba dive? It depends on your situation. The junior certification course can be completed by young children. They can then move on to more challenging dives. Adult certification courses can be taken by teens and adults. Both courses require that students be at the least 15 years old with some experience. Below are the requirements for each level of certification.
You must be at minimum age to scubadive
The recreational scuba training committee (RSTC) advises that anyone under 15 not scuba-dive. However, children under eight can learn to dive and are eligible for training. Although there are limited scientific studies on the effects of diving on children, this age requirement can be adjusted to suit individual needs. Children should always be trained by a qualified instructor.
Scuba diving is not a sport that requires a minimum age. PADI is one school that trains kids as young a ten year old. Children under 10 years old are considered junior divers. They will then be promoted to the appropriate adult level once they reach the right age. 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. Diving requires regular physical activity. Women who are pregnant should avoid scuba diving. You should consult your doctor if any of these conditions are present before you attempt to scuba dive. Find out more about the requirements for scuba diving.
To begin, you will need to complete a medical questionnaire provided by the Recreational Scuba Training Council, an organization in North America. This form is available at many locations. The RSTC will assess the completed questionnaire and determine if the prospective diver must undergo a medical exam. Answering "yes" to any medical questions does NOT automatically disqualify you from diving. However, this indicates that you may have a preexisting medical condition that could cause problems while scuba diving.
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.
To be a fully qualified diver, you must be eight years old. While most agencies offer courses to children as young as 8, they won't give you the certification to dive in open-water. PADI offers Seal Team, the Bubblemaker program, and Seal Team for younger divers. This program is great for getting a taste of the experience, even though it may not be the best option for beginners.
Certification requirements
Scuba diving certifications never expire, but if you want to teach scuba to beginners or start a business, you will need to have an instructor's card. Most dive centers that are reputable will want to know about your certification and diving history. Refresher courses may be required if you have not dived in six months. The certificate does not expire but you should refresh your knowledge every so often to keep up with the latest regulations and rules.
Five types of diving knowledge are required to get scuba certified. The classroom component is the first, while the open-water portion is the second. Each dive will simulate an emergency situation and require you to be able quickly to return to the surface. 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.