What age do you need to be to learn how to scuba dive. The answer to this question will depend on your individual situation. Junior certification can be completed by children who wish to dive deeper. Teenagers and adults can also pursue adult scuba certification courses. For both courses, you must be at least 15 years old and have at least a little bit of experience. Below are the medical and physical requirements 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 as eight can learn how to scuba dive and undergo training. This age requirement does not apply to all children. There is very little scientific evidence on the impact of scuba diving on children. It can also vary from person-to-person. Always have a qualified instructor train children in scuba diving.
There is no set minimum age to learn to scuba dive. PADI is one school that trains kids as young a ten year old. Under 10-year-olds are usually considered junior divers. If they reach the required age, they will be elevated to the appropriate adult diving level. 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. Pregnant women should not attempt scuba diving. If you have any of these conditions, you should consult your doctor before taking the plunge. More information about medical and physical requirements for diving can be found here.
To begin, you'll need to fill out the Recreational Scuba Training Council's medical questionnaire. This organization is located in North America. This form is available from many sources. The RSTC will decide if the potential diver requires a medical exam after completing the questionnaire. 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. The age required to dive depends on where you live. If you're still unsure about whether you're old enough, check out the PADI Bubblemaker program, designed for kids. It teaches them about buoyancy and pressure. They can also practice their skills in the pool. During training they can reach depths of up to 12 feet.
To become a fully certified diver, you'll need to be at least 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 has programs for younger divers such as the Seal Team and Bubblemaker. While it might not be the best for beginners, this program can give you a taste.
Certification requirements
The validity of your scuba diving certificate is never expired. However, if teaching scuba to novices or starting a business, an instructor's license will be required. 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. 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 components are the classroom and the second an open-water dive. Each dive will represent an emergency situation in which you must be able to quickly return to the surface. 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.