What age do you need to be to learn how to scuba dive. It depends on your situation. Children can complete their junior certification course and go to deeper depths. 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. Below are the medical and physical requirements for each certification level.
To scuba-dive, you must be at least 18
The recreational scuba training council (RSTC) recommends that people under the age of 15 should not scuba dive. However, children as young eighteen can learn to scuba diver and take 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. Always have a qualified instructor train children in scuba diving.
You don't have to be at least 18 to learn to dive. PADI and other schools will instruct children as young as 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 permits young people to train, although they must have attained the age of 12 in order to participate.
Physical and medical requirements
Some conditions make it more difficult to dive safely. Divers with chronic or severe conditions, such as diabetes or medication, may have difficulty diving safely. Regular exercise is necessary for diving. Pregnant women should not attempt scuba diving. Before you dive, make sure to talk to your doctor about any of the above conditions. More information about medical and physical requirements for diving can be found here.
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. After completing the questionnaire, the RSTC determines whether the prospective diver will need to have a medical examination. Those who answer "yes" to the medical questions do not necessarily disqualify themselves from diving, but they do indicate that they may have a pre-existing medical condition that would interfere with their safety while scuba diving.
Courses available
You must be at least 8 years old to dive. Depending on where you are, this age can be a lot lower or higher. The PADI Bubblemaker program for kids can help you determine if your age is appropriate. It teaches them how to dive, including pressure and buoyancy. They also learn to dive in a swimming pool. During this training they can dive to as much as 12 feet.
You must be at least eighteen years old 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 offers Seal Team programs and the Bubblemaker program for younger divers. While this may not seem like the best program for beginners, it is a great way of getting a taster of the experience.
Certification requirements
While scuba diving certifications do not expire, instructors' cards are required if you plan to teach scuba, or start a business. Reputable dive centers will ask you about your certification, dive history, and number of dives. Refresher courses may be required if you have not dived in six 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.
You must have five types of diving knowledge to be able to obtain your scuba certification. The first two are the classroom component and the second is an open-water dive. 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. Open-water diving requires that you pass both your knowledge tests as well as an exam.