If you're wondering how long it takes to get scuba certified, you're not alone. There are many options available depending on your level of experience. PADI offers a beginner course that focuses on the basics of diving. PADI Open Water Diver is another option to get certified.
PADI's entry-level diver course
PADI's entry-level diving course includes five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews, a final examination, and one final exam. Although it takes three to four working days, the majority of the course can be completed within three to five days. You can also take the online version. This course teaches the basics of diving. It also covers open-water diving.
PADI Open Water Diver Manual will guide you through the basics of diving. This manual includes information about proper equipment, terminology, safety procedures and many other topics. It also contains five videos that explain each topic and answer any questions you might have.
Open water certification dives
There are several steps that you need to complete in order to be certified open water. Your training is the first step. Before you go open water diving, there will be several sessions in the swimming pool. During these sessions you will redemonstrate 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 designed to relax and consolidate what 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. Open water certification usually takes 3-4 days.
Next-level certification dives
A beginner scuba diver can start with a few pool-side try-dives before progressing to the next level. Try-dives are usually done in shallow water (under 6 feet). Open water diving demands that you be more confident in all aspects. Open water diving occurs in water bodies such as lakes, oceans, and even flooded pits.
While the actual time to become certified can vary, it typically takes four days. The entire process can be completed online in a matter of days or two if you are taking an online course. Online courses do not have a set deadline, although waiting periods might be necessary for professional ranks.
Prerequisites for the next-level certification
It is important to get some experience with scuba diving before you are able to obtain your next-level certification. A pool is a great place to start learning the sport. You can also dive in lakes or flooded quarry pits. Open water diving takes more practice 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. It will also show you how to perform self-rescues, which are used by rescue divers. Open water training must be completed before you can dive on more difficult dive sites or liveaboards.