Do you need to be 18 years old to learn to scuba-dive? Your personal circumstances will dictate the answer. Junior certification can be completed by children who wish to dive deeper. Adult scuba certification is also available for teens and adults. 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.
Scuba diving is only for those over 18
The recreational scuba diving council (RSTC), recommends that children under 15 years old not scuba dive. Children as young at eight years old can learn how to dive and get training. Although there are limited scientific studies on the effects of diving on children, this age requirement can be adjusted to suit individual needs. Children should always be trained by a qualified instructor.
Scuba diving is not a sport that requires a minimum age. Some schools, such as PADI, will train kids as early as age ten. 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 also allows young people to be trained. However, they must be 12 years or older before they can take part in any training programs.
Needs for medical and physical care
Scuba diving can be dangerous for some people. Divers with chronic or severe conditions, such as diabetes or medication, may have difficulty diving safely. Diving requires regular physical activity. Women who are pregnant should avoid scuba diving. Before taking the plunge, it is a good idea to consult your physician if you have any conditions. Learn more about the medical and physical requirements to scubadive.
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 assess the completed questionnaire and determine if the prospective diver must undergo a medical exam. Answering "yes" to any medical questions does NOT automatically disqualify you from diving. However, this indicates that you may have a preexisting medical condition that could cause problems while scuba diving.
Courses available
Scuba diving requires that you be at least eight years of age. Depending on where your are from, this age could be lower or higher. 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 also learn how to dive in a pool. They can go as deep as 12 feet during this training.
To be fully certified, you need to have at least eighteen. 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
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 dive centers that are reputable will want to know about your certification and diving history. A refresher course may be necessary if you haven’t dived in six or more 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 are required to get scuba certified. The first two are open-water and the second is classroom. 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. To pass the open-water dive, you will need to complete a knowledge test and take an exam.