It takes approximately two years to become scuba certified. There are many options available depending on your level of 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
PADI entry-level divers course consists five chapters, 4 Knowledge Reviews and a Final Exam. It is generally completed over three to four days, though it can be faster if you can take the online course instead. 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 contains information about equipment, terminology, safety protocols, and other important topics. It also contains five videos that explain each topic and answer any questions you might have.
Open water certification dives
There are several steps that you need to complete in order to be certified open water. First, you need to complete your training. You will spend several sessions in the pool or a shallow area before you begin your open water diving. These sessions will allow you to re-examine your diving skills. The first dive is dedicated to orientation, while the second dive is devoted to scuba skills. The third dive is designed to relax and consolidate what you have learned.
Your certification can be completed in one weekend if your local dive center is available. However, if you choose a different location, you may need to work around the schedule of the dive center or instructor to get your training completed. It usually takes between three and four days to become 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. You can usually do try-dives in shallow water (less 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.
While the actual time to become certified can vary, it typically takes four days. An online course can take you through the entire process in less than a week. For entry-level courses there are no set deadlines. However, some professionals may need to wait.
Prerequisites required for certification at the next level
It is important to get some experience with scuba diving before you are able to obtain your next-level certification. To get a feel for the sport, you can try scuba diving in a pool. You can also go diving in lakes, or in flooded quarry pits. Open water diving takes more practice than a "try-dive".
The SDI open water training course is intended for those who want scuba certification. You will learn basic skills in scuba diving and problem solving. It will also show you how to perform self-rescues, which are used by rescue divers. Open water training can be a prerequisite to many liveaboards or more difficult dive sites.