You're not the only one wondering about how long it takes for a scuba certification. There are a variety of options depending on how experienced you are. 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 divers course consists five chapters, 4 Knowledge Reviews and a Final Exam. 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.
The PADI Open Water Diver Manual is your guide to the basics of diving. This manual includes information about proper equipment, terminology, safety procedures and many other topics. The book also includes five videos that will explain each topic in detail and answer any questions.
Open water certification dives
There are a few steps to getting open water certification. Get your training. You will spend several sessions in the pool or a shallow area before you begin your open water diving. During these sessions you will redemonstrate your skills in the water. The first dive is for orientation. The second dive is for scuba skills. The third dive focuses on relaxation and consolidating all you have learnt.
If you have a local dive center, you can complete your certification within a weekend. To complete your training, however, you might need to adapt to the schedule of the instructor or dive centre if the location you chose is not available. Open water certification usually takes 3-4 days.
Next-level certification dives
For beginners, you can start by trying out a few dives at the pool. Then, you can move on to the next level. Most dives are performed in shallow water, usually less than 6 feet. Open water diving will require you to become more comfortable in all aspects, from navigation to safety. Open water diving is performed in bodies of water such the ocean, lakes or even flooded quarry holes.
The time it takes to get certified varies, but usually takes about four days. If you take an online course, you can complete the entire process within a week or two. Entry-level courses have no deadlines, but waiting periods may be necessary for professionals.
Prerequisites to next-level certification
First, get some experience in the water before you apply for your next-level scuba certification. Try-dives in a pool are a good way to get acquainted with the sport. You can also dive in lakes or flooded quarry pits. Open water diving is more difficult than a simple try-dive.
The SDI Open-Water Training Course is designed for people who want to continue their diving training. You will learn basic skills in scuba diving and problem solving. It will also teach you how to perform a self-rescue, a technique used by rescue divers. Open water training will be required to access many dive sites, including those with more difficult dives.