If you're wondering how long it takes to get scuba certified, you're not alone. There are several options that you can choose from depending on your experience. PADI offers an entry-level course that teaches basic diving skills. PADI Open Water Divers allows you to become certified.
PADI's entry-level diver course
The PADI entry-level diver course consists of five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews and a final exam. 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 basic diving skills and includes open water dives.
PADI Open Water Diver Manual - This manual will teach you the basics of diving. It covers terminology, safety, equipment, and much more. The book also includes five videos that will explain each topic in detail and answer any questions.
Open water certification dives
Open water certification is possible in 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 first dive is for orientation. The second dive is for scuba skills. The third dive is for relaxation, while the last dive is for consolidating everything you have learned.
Local dive centers can usually complete your certification in less than 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. Open water certification takes about three to four days.
Next-level certification dives
Beginning scuba divers can start out with some pool-side practice dives before moving onto the next level. Most try-dives are done in shallow water (6 feet or less). Open water diving requires you to be more confident in all aspects of the aquatic environment, from navigating the waters to staying safe. Open water diving occurs in water bodies such as lakes, oceans, and even flooded 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. You don't have to meet any deadlines for entry-level classes, but some professionals might need to wait.
Prerequisites for next-level certification
It is important to get some experience with scuba diving before you are able to obtain your next-level certification. A pool is a great place to start learning 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. 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 a prerequisite for many liveaboards and more challenging dive sites.