How old do you have to be to learn to scuba dive? Your individual circumstances will determine the answer. The junior certification course can be completed by young children. They can then move on to more challenging dives. Teenagers as well as adults can take adult scuba certification courses. 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.
Minimum age to scuba dive
The recreational scuba diving council (RSTC), recommends that children under 15 years old not scuba dive. Children as young as 8 years old can learn to scuba dive, and receive training. Because there is limited scientific study on the effects of scuba diving on children, this age requirement is not absolute and can vary from person to person. Children should always be trained by a qualified instructor.
You don't have to be at least 18 to learn to dive. Some schools, such as PADI, will train kids as early as age ten. Generally, kids under the age of 10 are classified as junior level divers and will be upgraded to the appropriate adult level when they reach the appropriate age. The British Sub-Aqua Club offers training for young people, but they must also be at least 12 to take part in any programs.
Medical and physical requirements
Certain conditions can make it challenging for someone to safely dive. Divers with chronic or severe conditions, such as diabetes or medication, may have difficulty diving safely. Regular exercise is necessary for diving. For this reason, women who are pregnant should not attempt to scuba dive. 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 start, you will need a Medical Questionnaire from the Recreational Scuba Training Council. It is an organization 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
You must be at least 8 years old to dive. 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. It teaches them the basics of diving, such as buoyancy and pressure. They also practice their skills in a pool. They can go as deep as 12 feet during this training.
You must be at least eighteen years old to become a fully-certified diver. Most agencies offer courses even for children as young at eighteen, but these won't allow you to be certified to dive open water. PADI offers Seal Team programs and the Bubblemaker program for younger divers. While it might not be the best for beginners, this program can give you a taste.
Certification requirements
Scuba diving certifications never expire, but if you want to teach scuba to beginners or start a business, you will need to have an instructor's card. Many reputable dive centers require information about your certification, number and history of diving. A refresher course may be necessary if you haven’t dived in six or more 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 is required in order to attain scuba certification. The classroom component is the first, while the open-water portion is the second. Each dive will simulate an emergency situation and require you to be able quickly to return to the surface. This portion of your course is similar in nature to obtaining a driver's permit. You will need to pass your open-water dive knowledge exam and complete the required knowledge tests.