What age do you need to be to learn how to scuba dive. This question is dependent on your personal situation. Children can complete their junior certification course and go to deeper depths. 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. Below are the medical and physical requirements for each certification level.
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 eighteen can learn to scuba diver and take training. The effects of scuba dive on children is still not well-studied and may vary from one person to another. Children should always be trained by a qualified instructor.
Scuba diving can be learned at any age, but there is no minimum age. PADI and other schools will instruct children as young as ten. 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
Scuba diving can be dangerous for some people. A person's ability to safely dive can be affected by chronic or certain medications. Regular exercise is necessary for diving. Pregnant women should not attempt scuba diving. Before taking the plunge, it is a good idea to consult your physician if you have any conditions. You can find more information on the physical and medical requirements to scuba dive.
To begin, you will need to complete a medical questionnaire provided by the Recreational Scuba Training Council, an organization 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. Although they are not required to complete the questionnaire, those who answer "yes" may still be able to dive.
Courses available
At least eight years old is required to go scuba diving. This age may vary depending on where you live. You can still check the PADI Bubblemaker program if you're unsure whether you're old enough. It teaches them about buoyancy and pressure. They also practice in a pool. During this training, they can dive as far as 12 feet.
To be a fully qualified diver, you must be eight years old. Although most agencies offer courses for children under eight years old, they will not give you certification to dive in open waters. PADI has programs for younger divers such as the Seal Team and Bubblemaker. Even though this might not be the best program for beginners it can provide a great opportunity to experience the diving lifestyle.
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. The certificate does not expire but you should refresh your knowledge every so often to keep up with the latest regulations and rules.
To obtain scuba certification, you need to complete five different types of diving knowledge. The classroom component is the first, while the open-water portion is the second. Each dive is a simulation of an emergency situation. You'll need to be able 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.