You're not the only one wondering about how long it takes for a scuba certification. There are several options depending on what level of experience you desire. PADI offers a beginner course which teaches you the basics of diving. PADI Open Water Divers allows you to become certified.
PADI's entry-level diver course
PADI entry level diver course comprises five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews as well as a final test. You can complete the course in 3-4 days. If you prefer to take the online course, it may take less time. This course covers the basics of diving and includes open-water dives.
PADI Open Water Diver Manual provides a guide to diving basics. This manual covers proper equipment, terminology and safety procedures. The book also includes five videos that will explain each topic in detail and answer any questions.
Open water certification dives
Open water certification requires a few steps. Start by getting your training. You will be spending several sessions in the water or in a shallow area before you start open water diving. These sessions will allow you to re-examine your diving skills. The orientation dive focuses on the water, while the second dive focuses on scuba skills. The third dive is meant to relax, and the final dive is to consolidate everything that you have learned.
You can get your certification done in a weekend if you are a member of a local dive club. If you decide to train at a different location, it may be necessary to adjust to the instructor's schedule. Open water certification takes about three to four 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 requires that you are more confident in all aspects. Open water diving can be done in any body of water, including the ocean, lakes and even flooded quarry pits.
Although the time required to become certified varies depending on where you live, it usually takes around four days. Online courses can be completed in as little as a week. For entry-level courses there are no set deadlines. However, some professionals may need to wait.
Prerequisites needed for 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. Also, you can dive in lakes and flooded quarry pits. Open water diving takes more practice than a "try-dive".
This course is for people who wish to continue their scuba diving training. This course will help you to master basic scuba skills as well as problem-solving skills. It will also show you how to perform self-rescues, which are used by rescue divers. Open water training can be a prerequisite to many liveaboards or more difficult dive sites.