How old do you have to be to learn to scuba dive? Your personal circumstances will dictate the answer. You can take your junior certification course with children and then go deeper. Adult certification can be pursued by both 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 requirements for each level of certification.
Minimum age to scuba dive
The recreational scuba training council (RSTC) recommends that people under the age of 15 should not scuba dive. However, children under eight can learn to dive and are eligible for training. This age requirement does not apply to all children. There is very little scientific evidence on the impact of scuba diving on children. It can also vary from person-to-person. Always have a qualified instructor train children in scuba diving.
There is no minimum age requirement to learn to scuba diver. PADI and other schools will instruct children as young as ten. The majority of children under 10 years old are junior-level divers. When they reach adult level, they will be upgraded. The British Sub-Aqua Club offers training for young people, but they must also be at least 12 to take part in any programs.
You will need to meet your medical and physical needs
Certain conditions can make it challenging for someone to safely dive. The ability to safely dive may be affected by certain medications and chronic conditions. Regular physical activity is essential for diving. Pregnant women should not attempt scuba diving. Before you take the plunge, consult your doctor if you have any of these conditions. More information about medical and physical requirements for diving can be found here.
To begin, you'll need to fill out the Recreational Scuba Training Council's medical questionnaire. This organization is located in North America. This form is available at many locations. The RSTC will decide if the potential diver requires a medical exam after completing the questionnaire. 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
To dive, you must be at minimum eight years old. The age required to dive depends on where you live. The PADI Bubblemaker program for kids can help you determine if your age is appropriate. They learn the basics of diving like pressure and buoyancy. They also practice their skills in a pool. They can go as deep as 12 feet during this training.
At least eight years of age is required to become a fully certified diver. Most agencies offer courses for children as young as eight, but they won't get you certified 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
The validity of your scuba diving certificate is never expired. However, if teaching scuba to novices or starting a business, an instructor's license will be required. Most reputable dive centers ask about your certification, number of dives, and dive 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.
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. The open-water dive requires you to take your knowledge tests and complete an exam in order to pass.