You're not the only one wondering about how long it takes for a scuba certification. There are many options available depending on your level of experience. PADI offers a beginner course which teaches you the basics of diving. PADI Open Water Diver is another option to get certified.
PADI's entry-level diver course
The PADI entry-level diver course consists of five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews and a final exam. You can complete the course in 3-4 days. If you prefer to take the online course, it may take less time. This course covers the basics of diving and includes open-water dives.
The PADI Open Water Diver Manual is your guide to the basics of diving. It covers terminology, safety, equipment, and much more. You will also find five videos explaining each topic and answering any questions.
Open water certification dives
There are several steps that you need to complete in order to be certified open water. Start by getting your training. Before you can begin open water diving, you will need to spend a few sessions in the pool. These sessions will be used to refresh your skills in the water. The first dive is dedicated to orientation, while the second dive is devoted to scuba skills. The third dive is for relaxation, while the last dive is for consolidating everything you have learned.
You can get your certification done in a weekend if you are a member of a local dive club. However, if you choose a different location, you may need to work around the schedule of the dive center or instructor to get your training completed. Open water certification usually takes 3-4 days.
Next-level certification dives
Beginning scuba divers can start out with some pool-side practice dives before moving onto the next level. Most of the time, try-dives take place in shallow water (less than 6 feet). Open water diving requires that you are more confident in all aspects. Open water diving is done in bodies of water like the ocean, lakes, or even flooded quarry mines.
Although the time required to become certified varies depending on where you live, it usually takes around four days. The entire process can be completed online in a matter of days or two if you are taking an online course. For entry-level courses there are no set deadlines. However, some professionals may need to wait.
Prerequisites to next-level certification
Before you get your next-level scuba certification, you should first get some experience in the water. It is a great way to learn the sport. Dive in lakes and flooded pits is also possible. Open water diving requires more experience than a try-dive.
The SDI open-water training course is designed for those who want to continue their scuba training. It will give you basic scuba skills, as well as problem solving skills. It will also teach you how to perform a self-rescue, a technique used by rescue divers. Open water training is a prerequisite for many liveaboards and more challenging dive sites.