To learn to scuba diver, how old must you be? The answer to this question will depend on your individual situation. Junior certification can be completed by children who wish to dive deeper. Adult certification courses can be taken by teens and adults. Both courses require you to be at least fifteen years old and have a minimum of a few years experience. The physical and medical requirements for each certification level are outlined below.
You must be at minimum age to scubadive
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. Due to limited scientific research on the effects of scuba divers on children, this age requirement may not be met. Individual results will vary. Always have a qualified instructor train children in scuba diving.
There is no minimum age requirement to learn to scuba diver. PADI and some schools may train children as young at ten. The majority of children under 10 years old are junior-level divers. When they reach adult level, they will be upgraded. Similarly, the British Sub-Aqua Club allows young people to become trained, though they must be at least 12 years old before they can participate in any training programs.
Medical and physical requirements
Certain conditions can make it challenging for someone to safely dive. A person's ability to safely dive can be affected by chronic or certain medications. Regular exercise is required to dive safely. Diving is not recommended for pregnant women. Before taking the plunge, it is a good idea to consult your physician if you have any conditions. For more information, see the following page.
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 is available from many sources. The RSTC will assess the completed questionnaire and determine if the prospective diver must undergo a medical exam. While those who answer yes to the questions will not necessarily be disqualified from diving, they can indicate that they may be suffering from a medical condition that would affect their safety.
Courses available
At least eight years old is required to go scuba diving. Depending on where your are from, this age could be lower or higher. You can still check the PADI Bubblemaker program if you're unsure whether you're old enough. The program teaches them basic diving skills, including pressure and buoyancy. They also learn how to dive in a pool. They can go as deep as 12 feet during this training.
To be fully certified, you need to have at least eighteen. 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. While it might not be the best for beginners, this program can give you a taste.
Certification requirements
You can keep your Scuba Diving certifications valid for life. However, to be able to teach beginners or start your own business, you will need an Instructor's Card. Divers who have been to reputable centers are required to provide information such as your certification, number, and dive history. A refresher course is recommended if you haven’t scuba dived for at least six months. You can still keep your certificate valid, but it won't expire. However, you should make sure you are up-to-date on the most recent 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 simulate an emergency situation and require you to be able quickly to return to the surface. This portion of the course is similar to getting a driver’s license. For open-water diving, you must pass both knowledge and exam.