Do you need to be 18 years old 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. Adult scuba certification is also available for teens and adults. For both courses, you must be at least 15 years old and have at least a little bit of experience. The physical and medical requirements for each certification level are outlined below.
You must be at minimum age to scubadive
The recreational scubatraining council (RSTC), advises that no one under 15 years of age should scuba dive. Children as young as 8 years old can learn to scuba dive, and receive training. Due to limited scientific research on the effects of scuba divers on children, this age requirement may not be met. Individual results will vary. A qualified instructor should instruct children.
There is no minimum age requirement to learn to scuba diver. PADI and some schools may train children as young at 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.
Physical and medical requirements
Certain conditions can make it challenging for someone to safely dive. A person's ability to safely dive can be affected by chronic or certain medications. Regular physical activity is essential for diving. Women who are pregnant should avoid scuba diving. You should consult your doctor if any of these conditions are present before you attempt to scuba dive. You can find more information on the physical and medical requirements to scuba dive.
To begin, you will need to complete a medical questionnaire provided by the Recreational Scuba Training Council, an organization in North America. This form is available from many sources. The RSTC will then determine if the prospective divers needs to be examined for medical reasons. 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. Check out the PADI Bubblemaker Program, which is specifically designed for children. They learn the basics of diving like pressure and buoyancy. They also practice in a pool. During training they can reach depths of up to 12 feet.
At least eight years of age is required to become a fully certified diver. Many agencies offer courses that are suitable for children aged 8 and up, but will not allow you to dive in open water. PADI has programs for younger divers such as the Seal Team and Bubblemaker. Although this program may not seem like the best choice for beginners, it can be a great way to get a taste of the experience.
Certification requirements
You can keep your Scuba Diving certifications valid for life. However, to be able to teach beginners or start your own business, you will need an Instructor's Card. Most reputable dive centers ask about your certification, number of dives, and dive history. A refresher course is recommended if you haven’t scuba dived for at least six months. Even though your certificate will not expire, you should still take a refresher class every now and again to ensure that you are current with all 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 simulates an emergency situation. This is similar to getting your driver's licence. Open-water diving requires that you pass both your knowledge tests as well as an exam.