What age do you need to be to learn how to scuba dive. The answer to this question will depend on your individual situation. Children can finish their junior certification and dive to greater depths. 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 physical and medical requirements required for each certification level.
Minimum age to scuba dive
The recreational scuba diving council (RSTC), recommends that children under 15 years old not scuba dive. Children as young as 8 years old can learn to scuba dive, and receive 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.
Scuba diving is not a sport that requires a minimum age. PADI and other schools will instruct children as young as 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. 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.
Needs for medical and physical care
Certain conditions can make it challenging for someone to safely dive. Certain medications or chronic conditions may impact the ability of a person to dive safely. Regular exercise is required to dive safely. Diving is not recommended for pregnant women. 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. You can obtain this form 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. Depending on where your are from, this age could be lower or higher. The PADI Bubblemaker program is designed for children if you are unsure if you are old enough. It teaches them about buoyancy and pressure. They also practice in a pool. During this training they can dive to as much as 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 offers Seal Team and Bubblemaker programs for young 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. If you haven't dived in six months or more, you may need to take a refresher course. 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 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 portion of the course is similar to getting a driver’s license. You will need to pass your open-water dive knowledge exam and complete the required knowledge tests.