To learn to scuba diver, how old must you be? This question is dependent on your personal situation. You can take your junior certification course with children and then go deeper. Teenagers as well as adults can take adult scuba certification courses. Both courses require that students be at the least 15 years old with some experience. Below are the physical and medical requirements required for each certification level.
Minimum age to scuba dive
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. Qualified instructors should be trained to teach children.
You don't have to be at least 18 to learn to dive. PADI and other schools will instruct children as young as ten. Kids under the age 10 are generally considered junior level divers. Once they reach the appropriate age, they will be upgraded to the adult level. The British Sub-Aqua Club also allows young people to be trained. However, they must be 12 years or older before they can take part in any training programs.
You will need to meet your medical and physical needs
There are some conditions that make it difficult for a person to safely participate in scuba diving. Some chronic conditions or medications can make it difficult for someone to safely dive. Regular exercise is required to dive safely. 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. Learn more about the medical and physical requirements to scubadive.
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 at many locations. After completing the questionnaire, the RSTC determines whether the prospective diver will need to have a medical examination. The answer to the medical questions does not automatically disqualify a person from diving. However, it indicates that they might have a pre-existing condition that could affect their safety.
Courses available
Scuba diving requires that you be at least eight years of age. Depending on your location, the age requirement can vary greatly. If you're still unsure about whether you're old enough, check out the PADI Bubblemaker program, designed for kids. It teaches them the basics of diving, such as buoyancy and pressure. They also learn to dive in a swimming pool. During this training, they can go as deep at 12 feet.
To be fully certified, you need to have at least eighteen. 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 and Bubblemaker programs for young divers. While it might not be the best for beginners, this program can give you a taste.
Certification requirements
Although scuba diving certifications are non-expiring, you'll need an instructor's card if you wish to teach scuba or start your own business. Reputable dive centers will ask you about your certification, dive history, and number of dives. If you haven't dived in six months or more, you may need to take a refresher course. Although the certificate is not valid for expiration, it's a good idea to take a refresher course each now and again to stay current on all the rules and regulations.
You will need to have at least five types diving knowledge in order for you to become a scuba diver. The classroom component is the first, while the open-water portion is the second. Each dive will be a simulation of an emergency situation, wherein you'll need to be able to return to the surface quickly. This part of the course is much like getting a driver's license. Open-water diving requires that you pass both your knowledge tests as well as an exam.