It doesn't take long to become a certified scuba diver. There are many options available depending on your level of experience. PADI offers a beginner program that teaches the basics of diving. You can also get certified through the PADI Open Water Diver program.
PADI's entry-level diver course
Five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews, and a final exam make up the PADI entry-level diver course. 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 fundamentals of diving and includes several open-water dives.
The PADI Open Water Diver Manual is your guide to the basics of diving. This manual covers proper equipment, terminology and safety procedures. Five videos are included to explain each topic and answer your questions.
Open water certification dives
Open water certification requires a few steps. Get your training. Before you dive open water, you'll need to have several sessions in the pool. 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 for relaxation, while the last dive is for consolidating everything you have learned.
If you have a local dive center, you can complete your certification within a weekend. If you decide to train at a different location, it may be necessary to adjust to the instructor's schedule. Generally, it takes three to four days to get open water certified.
Next-level certification dives
Beginners can begin by doing a few test dives in the pool. 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.
You can get certified in a few days, although it may take longer. An online course can take you through the entire process in less than a week. Entry-level courses have no deadlines, but waiting periods may be necessary for professionals.
Prerequisites needed for next-level certification
Before you get your next-level scuba certification, you should first get some experience in the water. A pool is a great place to start learning the sport. Divers can also take to the water in lakes or flooded pits. Open water diving requires more experience than a try-dive.
The SDI open water training course is intended for those who want scuba certification. This course will help you to master basic scuba skills as well as problem-solving skills. You will learn how to self-rescue, which is a technique used by rescue divers. Open water training must be completed before you can dive on more difficult dive sites or liveaboards.