To learn to scuba diver, how old must you be? Your individual circumstances will determine the answer. The junior certification course can be completed by young children. They can then move on to more challenging dives. Adult certification can be pursued by both teens and adults. For both courses, you must be at least 15 years old and have at least a little bit of experience. Below are the required physical and medical requirements to be certified at each level.
You must be at minimum age to scubadive
The recreational scubatraining council (RSTC), advises that no one under 15 years of age should scuba dive. Children as young as 8 years old can learn to scuba dive, and receive training. Due to limited scientific research on the effects of scuba divers on children, this age requirement may not be met. Individual results will vary. It is important that children are trained by qualified instructors.
Scuba diving is not a sport that requires a minimum age. PADI is one school that trains kids as young a ten year old. Under 10-year-olds are usually considered junior divers. If they reach the required age, they will be elevated to the appropriate adult diving level. The British Sub-Aqua Club permits young people to train, although they must have attained the age of 12 in order to participate.
Needs for medical and physical care
There are some conditions that make it difficult for a person to safely participate in scuba diving. Some chronic conditions or medications can make it difficult for someone to safely dive. Regular exercise is required to dive safely. Women who are pregnant should avoid scuba diving. Before you take the plunge, consult your doctor if you have any of these conditions. Find out more about the requirements for scuba diving.
To start, you will need a Medical Questionnaire from the Recreational Scuba Training Council. It is an organization in North America. This form can be downloaded from many places. Upon completion of the questionnaire, the RSTC will determine whether the prospective diver needs to undergo a medical examination. Answering "yes" to any medical questions does NOT automatically disqualify you from diving. However, this indicates that you may have a preexisting medical condition that could cause problems while scuba diving.
Courses available
To dive, you must be at minimum eight years old. Depending on where your are from, this age could be lower or higher. The PADI Bubblemaker program is designed for children if you are unsure if you are old enough. It teaches them how to dive, including pressure and buoyancy. They also practice in a pool. During this training, they can go as deep at 12 feet.
To be a fully qualified diver, you must be eight years old. Many agencies offer courses that are suitable for children aged 8 and up, but will not allow you to dive in open water. PADI has programs for younger divers such as the Seal Team and Bubblemaker. Although this program may not seem like the best choice for beginners, it can be a great way to get a taste of the experience.
Certification requirements
Scuba diving certifications never expire, but if you want to teach scuba to beginners or start a business, you will need to have an instructor's card. Divers who have been to reputable centers are required to provide information such as your certification, number, and dive history. Refresher courses may be required if you have not dived in six months. While the certificate doesn't expire, you should take a refresher course every now and then to ensure you're still up to date on the latest rules and regulations.
You will need to have at least five types diving knowledge in order for you to become a scuba diver. The first two are the classroom component and the second is an open-water dive. Each dive simulates an emergency situation. This portion of the course is similar to getting a driver’s license. For open-water diving, you must pass both knowledge and exam.