What age do you need to be to learn how to scuba dive. Your personal circumstances will dictate the answer. Children can finish their junior certification and dive to greater depths. Teenagers as well as adults can take adult scuba certification courses. Both courses require that you are at least 15 years of age, and that you have at least some experience. The physical and medical requirements for each certification level are outlined below.
Minimum age to scuba dive
The recreational scuba training committee (RSTC) advises that anyone under 15 not scuba-dive. However, children as young as eight can learn how to scuba dive and undergo training. The effects of scuba dive on children is still not well-studied and may vary from one person to another. Children should always be trained by a qualified instructor.
Scuba diving is not a sport that requires a minimum age. 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. Young people can also train with the British Sub-Aqua Club, but they must be atleast 12 years old to participate in any training programs.
You will need to meet your medical and physical needs
Some conditions make it more difficult to dive safely. The ability to safely dive may be affected by certain medications and chronic conditions. Regular exercise is necessary for diving. Diving is not recommended for pregnant women. Before you take the plunge, consult your doctor if you have any of these conditions. Find out more about the requirements for scuba diving.
To begin, you will need to complete a medical questionnaire provided by the Recreational Scuba Training Council, an organization in North America. This form can be obtained from many places. 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
At least eight years old is required to go scuba diving. Depending on your location, the age requirement can vary greatly. 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 how to dive in a pool. During this training, they can go as deep at 12 feet.
To be a fully qualified diver, you must be eight years old. Although most agencies offer courses for children under eight years old, they will not give you certification to dive in open waters. PADI offers Seal Team programs and the Bubblemaker program for younger divers. 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
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. Many reputable dive centers require information about your certification, number and history of diving. If you haven't dived in six months or more, you may need to take a refresher course. The certificate does not expire but you should refresh your knowledge every so often to keep up with the latest regulations and rules.
You must have five types of diving knowledge to be able to obtain your scuba certification. The classroom component and open-water diving are the two main components. Each dive is a simulation of an emergency situation. You'll need to be able return to the surface quickly. This portion of the course is similar to getting a driver’s license. Open-water diving requires that you pass both your knowledge tests as well as an exam.