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 course which teaches you the basics of diving. You can also get certified through the PADI Open Water Diver program.
PADI's entry-level diver course
The PADI entry-level diver course consists of five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews and a final exam. The entire course takes approximately three to four hours. However, you can do it online. This course covers the basics of diving and includes open-water dives.
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. The first step is to get your training. Before you can begin open water diving, you will need to spend a few sessions in the pool. These sessions will allow you to re-examine your diving skills. The orientation portion of the first dive is focused on scuba skills, while that of the second is for orientation. The third dive is designed to relax and consolidate what you have learned.
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. It takes approximately three to four working days to become open water certified.
Next-level certification dives
Beginners can begin by doing a few test dives in the pool. Try-dives are usually done in shallow water (under 6 feet). Open water diving demands that you be more confident in all aspects. 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 required for certification at the next level
First, get some experience in the water before you apply for your next-level scuba certification. You can start by taking a few dives in a pool to get familiar with the sport. Dive in lakes and flooded pits is also possible. Open water diving takes more practice than a "try-dive".
The SDI open-water training course is designed for those who want to continue their scuba training. This course will help you to master basic scuba skills as well as problem-solving skills. It will also teach you how to perform a self-rescue, a technique used by rescue divers. Open water training can be a prerequisite to many liveaboards or more difficult dive sites.