What Is The Best Dive Training Agency
There are hundreds of dive training agencies all over the world and each one will have its own way of being the best at something. Each agency will train differently so do your research and you will find what is best for you.
While PADI might be the most popular and most widespread training agency all over the world, their style might not necessarily be the best for you. For all you know, PADI scuba diving courses might not even be available in your region or your language. So these are the things you might want to consider.
Many divers also advise that rather than choosing any dive agency, find a great scuba diving instructor who will guide and mentor you into becoming the best scuba diver that you can be.
A lot of students quit their scuba diving lessons not because of the agency but because of instructors. So find one who is compatible with your learning style and personality.
Check out this interesting video by Divers Ready on what to ask your potential dive instructor before you do your scuba diving certification.
Remember that you are hiring dive instructors to teach you how to scuba dive properly and safely. So at least do a brief interview with them before handing over your money to them.
Familiarize Yourself With The Equipment And Start Getting Comfortable Breathing Underwater
Your first in-water session will take place in either a pool or confined water site . This is where you will begin to familiarize yourself with the equipment and start getting comfortable breathing underwater. Your instructor will spend several hours in the pool with you, teaching you the basic skills of scuba diving including proper buoyancy control, proper finning techniques, mask clearing, regulator clearing, how to ascend and descend, and emergency procedures. The confined water is where all skills should be practiced until they are second nature and can be done comfortably while neutrally buoyant. By the time you head out to the open water, you will no longer be learning new diving skills, just practically applying them in the real world. By this point, you should be comfortable hovering motionless while maintaining a constant depth in the water column and performing basic skills such as mask removal and replacement and regulator recovery while neutral. If you do not feel 100% confident with your skills in the water, be sure to speak up and let your instructor know that you do not feel ready for the open water yet.
First Things First Should You Scuba Dive
This is an honest question you need to ask, and for some, a discussion that you need to have with your physician. Diving is a physical activity where you are relying on specialized equipment and skills to survive in a foreign environment. A wide variety of people can dive successfully, but it takes training, is inherently dangerous, and needs to be taken seriously. If you can answer yes, or even maybe to any of the questions on the medical questionnaire found HERE, seek advise from your family doctor before signing up for class.
Don’t Miss: Community Health Worker Certification Ohio
Some Signs You Need A Refresher
- You cant remember the dive hand signals
- You dont remember how to set up and check your diving equipment
- You dont know the Buddy Check
- You cant remember what to do if you or your buddy run out of air
- You feel anxious or nervous about getting back into the water
Remember, you might feel comfortable in the water but ultimately it will be your instructor and the dive center to decide if you need a scuba refresher or not. This is because how you act in the water will also impact the safety of your dive leader and the rest of the dive group.
What Is A Scuba Diving Certification
A scuba diving certification, also known as a C-card, is proof that you have completed and passed a scuba diving course under a scuba diving agency.
There are many scuba diving courses that you can take that will teach you to dive safely and properly in different underwater conditions and environments.
If you want to become a recreational scuba diver, you will want to get your Open Water Certification first.
Also Check: How To Find Birth Certificate Online
When Do I Need To Take A Refresher
The general rule is that if you have not dived for 6-12 months, then it is a good idea to take a refresher course. Dive agencies will differ in their recommendations, but there is no law or strict rule about this. It will be up to the dive center or your instructor to decide if you need to take a refresher course. This will be based on your past diving experience, any factors that may have changed your diving capabilities, and exactly how long ago you last went on a dive.
For example: If an Open Water diver has 4 dives, and has not dived for 7 months, they may need to refresh their diving skills as they do not have much experience.
However, if a Rescue diver has 50 dives but has not dived for 13 months, then they may not need to do a refresher based on their experience level and the number of dives they have.
Does Scuba Diving Hurt The Environment
A scuba certification teaches respect for the ocean and its creatures and corals. Dont touch anything and dont leave anything behind is taught. Take only pictures, leave only bubbles, we say.
A properly trained scuba diver knows the Dos and Donts of scuba diving. When a diver is a witness to damage or destruction, it is mourned. Read more about a divers impact on a coral reef for more guidelines on how to avoid harming the ecosystem.
We are also guardians of the sea, picking up trash and able to report when something is amiss like overfishing or illegal drilling.
Being a responsible diver is self-evident and requires very little brainwashing to generate respect. We are visitors and quickly learn to behave appropriately. Coral reefs, for example, are not to be touched nor harvested for souvenirs.
The one time I accidentally scuffed my arm against a wall in a cave, I had to tangle with a stubborn wound that just didnt want to heal. That was the last time I touched anything other than an anchor line while diving.
Don’t Miss: Dc Vital Records Birth Certificate
Becoming A Certified Scuba Diver Will Change The Way You Think About Travel
There’s a big payoff for getting certified. Remember that part about exploring 71% of the planet that is underwater? Nowadays, I can’t even consider traveling somewhere new and not at least searching whether there’s a great dive site in that destination.
During my open-water dives and subsequently afterward, it felt like a whole new world had opened up forget the fact that “Under the Sea” from “The Little Mermaid” was practically playing itself out right in front of me.
I’ve witnessed colorful, striped, and spotted fish swim in schools a turtle graze for food at the bottom of the ocean floor and eels poke their little heads out of a coral reef where they’re hiding. There were a few moments of overcoming fear, too, like when a family of sharks came to check out my dive buddies and me.
But beyond that, learning to scuba dive has also been a great way to meet new people, join a new community, celebrate something truly spectacular, and see firsthand why the ocean is so worthy of our protection.
Getting a PADI certification on vacation changed the course of my trips forever in the best possible way. I now have something to look forward to anywhere I go in the world, whether that’s a beach destination or a cold-weather spot like Iceland, where, with some advanced dry suit certification, you can even dive in frigid water and touch two continents at the same time. I know what’s next on my list.
How To Keep Diving Without Diving
If you do not get the chance to dive often, thats ok. You can continue practising diving without even getting wet!
When you were scuba certified you will have received either a hardcopy or digital copy of the dive theory. This is usually a textbook treasure trove of diving knowledge physics, physiology, the name of different parts of the dive equipment , information about the aquatic environment, and characteristics of marine life!
Our recommendation is to regularly go through and review your scuba materials so that you keep that knowledge fresh in your mind. You can also go online and use a resource like Down to Scuba for the latest information on diving and any new scuba updates!
Read Also: What Is Certificate Of Trust
What Scuba Diving Equipment Do I Need
Word to the wise: wait at least until youve tried an open water dive or two before investing in equipment.
Youll have a better feel for what you need and what you like. All dive shops provide gear for rental when you take your scuba diving lessons, giving you the insight you can use later.
However, many people cant help themselves, tempted by the allure of gadgets and gear. When you get your scuba license, youll start to think a lot about the wonderful world of scuba gear & dive equipment.
Youll want A well-fitting scuba mask and fins are great because you can also use them as snorkeling gear.
Underwater photography can create pictures to salivate over when not diving, but you should, again, wait a bit before buying a camera. Instagram isnt going anywhere. Just enjoy being a scuba diver for a spell or two first.
Dive computers and dive watches have become so central to planning and logging our dives. Some first-timers invest in these gadgets early on in their scuba career.
The great part about having your own computer is the accuracy of your dive it captures. Most dive computers measure dives conservatively. They will warn you if you approach a depth or length of time that might be dangerous, giving you peace of mind.
Still, planning a dive using the analog techniques from open water training should not be given up.
Otherwise, heres a quick summary of the gear youll strap on when scuba diving. Weve added some reviews of some solid kit on the market.
Are There Ways For Me To Dive If I Don’t Have Time To Do A Whole Certification Course
If you have limited time but you still want to try scuba on your next vacation, the PADI Scuba Diver course may be the perfect choice for you. The PADI Scuba Diver course is a subset of the Open Water Diver course. Instead of completing 5 classroom sessions, 5 pool dives, and 4 open water dives, Scuba Divers complete 3 classroom sessions, 3 pool dives, and just 2 open water dives. Although Scuba Divers are allowed to dive only under the supervision of a PADI professional and only to depths above 40 feet, most students can complete the course in as little as 2 or 3 days. Call Aquatic Adventures at 938-6827 to discuss this option.
You May Like: American Heart Association Acls Certification
How Many Years Does A Scuba Tank Last
How many years does a scuba tank last? Making sure your equipment is in working order is every certified divers responsibility. The cylinder holds your air, so it is natural to want to verify its integrity.
Read More: What Should Divers Do For Their Own Safety?
Lets have a look at how divers do this. We will also learn the possible lifespans of scuba cylinders.
Want to know how long a scuba tank will last for a dive? Read More: How Long Does a Scuba Tank Last?
Jobs That Involve Scuba Diving
One great reason to get a PADI dive certification is to gain access to scuba-diving jobs. A Divemaster certification will open up a world of opportunities.
As a dive pro, you could become a scuba-diving instructor in a remote and beautiful location. You could also find diving work as part of a marine research and conservation team using your skills to contribute to science. Or, you could run your own dive shop.
Earn your PADI certification while contributing to marine conservation efforts around the world. Explore GVIs range of dive internships and volunteer opportunities today.
We understand that you may have questions about how COVID-19 will affect your travel plans. Visit our FAQs page which explains our latest safety protocols in response to COVID-19.
Disclaimer: The images in this article were taken pre-COVID-19
Read Also: Best Certificates Of Deposit Rates
The Average Longevity Of A Scuba Tank
Quite a few factors come into play when calculating how long your scuba tank will last when you are scuba diving.
As I mentioned before, for an average size and physical health diver, using an average-sized tank at an average depth , a scuba tank should last between 35 and 60 minutes.
However, no one is just average, so you should expect these values to differ depending on who you are and the environment you dove in. Still, for our purposes, taking the averages will give you a baseline to go off of, so lets discuss the most common, average scenario for scuba tanks.
Who Can Take The Padi Open Water Certification Course
Anyone 15 years of age and older can qualify for The PADI open water certification. There is even a Junior Open Water course that is suitable for children as young as 10 or 12 years of age, depending on the country offering the course.
Kids certified as junior open water divers are upgraded to the standard Open Water Diver level when they reach the age of 15 and complete the other parts of the course required.
In general to enroll in the PADI open water scuba certification course the scuba diving certification requirements state that you should be in good health, without any major health issues that would impede you from being able to dive safely. In some cases, even being physically handicapped is no contraindication for scuba diving! Just consult your doctor beforehand and find a suitable dive center.
Als read more: The differences between PADI and SSI
Recommended Reading: How To Get Your Pmp Certification
What Is Padi Reactivate
PADI Reactivate is a comprehensive refresher program designed to remind you of the core principles and skills from the PADI Open Water Course. It involves two components, theory and an optional in-water session.
The theory session can be completed easily online or from your mobile device with PADI eLearning. It takes between 2 6 hours to complete.
Although the in-water session is optional, you are strongly advised to complete a session with an instructor. Although the Reactivate theory is interactive and will provide you with videos, its not the same as actually doing it for yourself. Its always better to be over-prepared rather than under-prepared when diving. With your instructor, youll assemble your gear and practice vital skills, including buoyancy control and emergency out-of-air procedures.
Dive centers love to see a recent Reactivate date on your record too! Check out the refresher experience here.
Guide To Getting Certified Including Cost Time It Takes Requirements Types And More
Your scuba diving certification. Once you get it, you won’t regret it. A whole new world has just opened up to you. Welcome to the world of diving!
If you are thinking about becoming a scuba diver, we have put together a guide for you which contains all the basics about getting certified. It is a fairly straightforward process and we give you all the details here.
If you have any questions after reading this introduction, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Don’t Miss: New York Birth Certificate Office
Is It Hard To Get Scuba Certified
There are five scuba certification levels youll need to learn, with inquiries toward the finish of each segment, and your plunge educator will control you through this. This may appear to be difficult for the beginner.
However, its truly not so illegal, particularly with your teacher there to help with anything you dont comprehend! PADI will offer several scuba online courses if you want to do the diving coursework at home. After youre comfortable with those five areas, the swimming starts in a pool or pool-like condition.
It isnt illegal to plunge without scuba certification, yet no safe dive place or club would permit somebody to dive with them without first being guaranteed to scuba dive.
Is it challenging to decide out how to scuba dive and how to get scuba certified? As dynamic recreational leisure activities go, scuba plunging is one of the most effortless to learn. While youre coasting around getting a charge out of the submerged sights, youre occupied with just three essential abilities like skimming, kicking, and relaxing. The essential abilities are not extreme for the vast majority to ace. The PADI Open Water Diver composed test isnt difficult to do. Indeed, you are allowed to see the inquiries in your books audit segments in some structure.
Some Shops Require Refresher Training
I note that once you have started diving, some shops may also require you to take a test dive or a refresher course if it has been a long time since your last dive . If you are getting your scuba diving certification from a local dive center, this can take several weeks as lessons are often held once or twice a week.
Choosing to take your scuba diving certification on site can mean it can take several weeks, as diving schools usually run classes on a weekly basis. In general, the process of obtaining a certificate can take from 4 days to several weeks, depending on how the logistics of the course are organized.
The course can be scheduled for a minimum of four days, or up to five weeks, or something in between, depending on the needs and logistics of the students. Although scuba divers can only dive under the supervision of a PADI professional and only to depths greater than 40 feet, most students can complete the course in as little as 2-3 days.
While the PADI Scuba Diver course is one way to avoid any training during your trip, you may want to consider taking the reference course if you live in a cold climate and cannot dive in open water during the winter.
Also Check: San Bernardino Birth Certificate Office