If you're wondering how long it takes to get scuba certified, you're not alone. There are several options depending on what level of experience you desire. PADI offers an entry-level course that teaches basic diving skills. The PADI Open Water Diver certification program is also available.
PADI's entry-level diver course
PADI's entry-level diving course includes five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews, a final examination, and one 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 all aspects of diving, and also includes open-water dives.
PADI Open Water Diver Manual - This manual will teach you the basics of diving. This manual includes information about proper equipment, terminology, safety procedures and many other topics. You will also find five videos explaining each topic and answering any questions.
Open water certification dives
There are several steps that you need to complete in order to be certified open water. Get your training. You will spend several sessions in the pool or a shallow area before you begin your open water diving. These sessions will help you improve your water skills. The orientation portion of the first dive is focused on scuba skills, while that of the second is for orientation. Relaxation is the goal of the third dive, while the final dive is intended to consolidate all that you have learned.
Your certification can be completed in one weekend if your local dive center is available. You may have to work around the instructor or dive center's schedule if you choose to do your training in a different place. Generally, it takes three to four days to get 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. Most dives are performed in shallow water, usually less than 6 feet. Open water diving is a way to improve your confidence in the underwater environment. Open water diving takes place in bodies of water such as the ocean, lakes, and even flooded quarry pits.
The time it takes to get certified varies, but usually takes about four days. The entire process can be completed online in a matter of days or two if you are taking an online course. You don't have to meet any deadlines for entry-level classes, but some professionals might need to wait.
Prerequisites for the 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 requires more than just a test-dive.
The SDI Open-Water Training Course is designed for people who want to continue their diving training. This course will help you to master basic scuba skills as well as problem-solving skills. You will learn how to self-rescue, which is a technique used by rescue divers. Open water training is a prerequisite for many liveaboards and more challenging dive sites.