If you're wondering how long it takes to get scuba certified, you're not alone. There are many options available depending on your level of experience. PADI offers a beginner program that teaches the basics of diving. PADI Open Water Diver allows you to be certified.
PADI's entry-level diver course
PADI entry level diver course comprises five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews as well as a final test. It is generally completed over three to four days, though it can be faster if you can take the online course instead. This course teaches the basics of diving. It also covers open-water diving.
PADI Open Water Diver Manual provides a guide to diving basics. It contains information about equipment, terminology, safety protocols, and other important topics. It also contains five videos that explain each topic and answer any questions you might have.
Open water certification dives
There are a few steps to getting open water certification. Your training is the first step. Before you can begin open water diving, you will need to spend a few sessions in the pool. During these sessions you will redemonstrate your skills in the water. The first dive is dedicated to orientation, while the second dive is devoted to scuba skills. The third dive is designed to relax and consolidate what you have learned.
A local dive center can help you complete your certification in just a few days. You may have to work around the instructor or dive center's schedule if you choose to do your training in a different place. Open water certification takes about three to four days.
Next-level certification dives
A beginner scuba diver can start with a few pool-side try-dives before progressing to the next level. Try-dives are usually done in shallow water (under 6 feet). Open water diving is a way to improve your confidence in the underwater environment. Open water diving can be done in any body of water, including the ocean, lakes and even flooded quarry pits.
You can get certified in a few days, although it may take longer. If you take an online course, you can complete the entire process within a week or two. For entry-level courses there are no set deadlines. However, some professionals may need to wait.
Prerequisites required for certification at the next level
You should get some water experience before you can get your next-level certification. It is a great way to learn the sport. You can also dive in lakes or flooded quarry pits. Open water diving requires more experience than a try-dive.
The SDI open water training course is intended for those who want scuba certification. You will learn basic skills in scuba diving and problem solving. The course also teaches you how to do a self rescue, which is used by rescue divers. Open water training must be completed before you can dive on more difficult dive sites or liveaboards.