You're not the only one wondering about how long it takes for a scuba certification. There are several options depending on what level of experience you desire. PADI offers an entry-level course that teaches basic diving skills. 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. 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.
PADI Open Water Diver Manual is your basic guide to diving. This manual includes information about proper equipment, terminology, safety procedures and many other topics. It also has five videos to help you understand each topic better and answer any queries.
Open water certification dives
Open water certification is possible in a few steps. The first step is to get 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 orientation dive is the first, and the scuba skills dive is second. The third dive is meant to relax, and the final dive is to consolidate everything that you have learned.
You can get your certification done in a weekend if you are a member of a local dive club. You may have to work around the instructor or dive center's schedule if you choose to do your training in a different place. Generally, it takes three to four days to get open water certified.
Next-level certification dives
Beginning scuba divers can start out with some pool-side practice dives before moving onto the next level. Most try-dives are done in shallow water (6 feet or less). Open water diving requires you to be more confident in all aspects of the aquatic environment, from navigating the waters to staying safe. Open water diving can be done in any body of water, including the ocean, lakes and even flooded quarry pits.
The time it takes to get certified varies, but usually takes about 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 for next-level certification
Before you get your next-level scuba certification, you should first get some experience in the water. You can start by taking a few dives in a pool to get familiar with the sport. Dive in lakes and flooded pits is also possible. Open water diving requires more than just a test-dive.
For those who want to further their scuba training, the SDI open-water course is ideal. It will teach basic scuba skills and problem solving skills. It will also teach you how to perform a self-rescue, a technique used by rescue divers. Open water training must be completed before you can dive on more difficult dive sites or liveaboards.