You're not the only one wondering about how long it takes for a scuba certification. There are several options that you can choose from depending on your 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. The course is usually completed in three to four days. However, you may be able to complete it faster if you take the online course. 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. It includes information on proper equipment, terminology, safety procedures, and more. It also contains five videos that explain each topic and answer any questions you might have.
Open water certification dives
You need to take a few steps before you can get your open water certification. 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 focuses on relaxation and consolidating all you have learnt.
A local dive center can help you complete your certification in just a few days. But, you will need to follow the instructions of your instructor or dive center if you are training at a remote location. It usually takes between three and four days to become open water certified.
Next-level certification dives
A beginner scuba diver can start with a few pool-side try-dives before progressing to the next level. You can usually do try-dives in shallow water (less 6 feet). Open water diving will require you to become more comfortable in all aspects, from navigation to safety. Open water diving takes place in bodies of water such as the ocean, lakes, and even flooded quarry pits.
You can get certified in a few days, although it may take longer. 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 to next-level certification
Before you get your next-level scuba certification, you should first get some experience in the water. Try-dives in a pool are a good way to get acquainted with the sport. You can also go diving in lakes, or in flooded quarry pits. Open water diving requires more training than a first dive.
The SDI open-water training course is designed for those who want to continue their scuba training. It will give you basic scuba skills, as well as problem solving skills. The course also teaches you how to do a self rescue, which is used by rescue divers. Open water training will be required to access many dive sites, including those with more difficult dives.