You're not the only one wondering about how long it takes for a scuba certification. There are a few different options, depending on the level of experience you want to achieve. PADI offers a beginner course that focuses on the basics of diving. PADI Open Water Diver is another option to get certified.
PADI's entry-level diver course
PADI entry-level divers course consists five chapters, 4 Knowledge Reviews and a Final Exam. Although it takes three to four working days, the majority of the course can be completed within three to five days. You can also take the online version. This course covers basic diving skills and includes open water dives.
PADI Open Water Diver Manual - This manual will teach you the basics of diving. It includes information on proper equipment, terminology, safety procedures, and more. You will also find five videos explaining each topic and answering any questions.
Open water certification dives
You need to take a few steps before you can get your open water certification. First, you need to complete your training. Before you go open water diving, there will be several sessions in the swimming pool. 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.
Local dive centers can usually complete your certification in less than a weekend. However, if you choose a different location, you may need to work around the schedule of the dive center or instructor to get your training completed. It takes approximately three to four working days to become open water certified.
Next-level certification dives
An instructor can give a beginner scuba diver a few try-dives in a pool before moving on to the next level. Most try-dives are done in shallow water (6 feet or less). Open water diving will require you to become more comfortable in all aspects, from navigation to safety. Open water diving is done in bodies of water like the ocean, lakes, or even flooded quarry mines.
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. There are no pre-set deadlines for entry-level courses, though waiting periods can be required for some professional ranks.
Prerequisites for the next-level certification
You should get some water experience before you can get your next-level certification. You can start by taking a few dives in a pool to get familiar with the sport. You can also go diving in lakes, or in flooded quarry pits. Open water diving requires more than just a test-dive.
The SDI open-water training course is designed for those who want to continue their scuba training. 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 is required for divers who wish to dive at more difficult sites and liveaboards.