Are you curious about the time it takes to become certified as a diver? There are a few different options, depending on the level of experience you want to achieve. PADI offers a beginner course which teaches you the basics of diving. The PADI Open Water Diver certification program is also available.
PADI's entry-level diver course
PADI entry level diver course comprises five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews as well as a final test. 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.
The PADI Open Water Diver Manual is your guide to 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
There are several steps that you need to complete in order to be certified open water. First, you need to complete your training. Before you can begin open water diving, you will need to spend a few sessions in the pool. You will also be able to demonstrate your skills in water during these sessions. The orientation dive is the first, and the scuba skills dive is second. The third dive is meant to relax, and the final dive is to consolidate everything that you have learned.
You can get your certification done in a weekend if you are a member of a local dive club. 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. You can usually do try-dives in shallow water (less 6 feet). Open water diving requires that you are 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. If you take an online course, you can complete the entire process within a week or two. For entry-level courses there are no set deadlines. However, some professionals may need to wait.
Prerequisites for the next-level certification
Get some experience in the pool before you start to earn your next-level diving certification. Try-dives in a pool are a good way to get acquainted with the sport. You can also go diving in lakes, or in flooded quarry pits. Open water diving requires more training than a first dive.
This course is for people who wish to continue their scuba diving training. It will teach you basic scuba skills and problem-solving skills. The course also teaches you how to do a self rescue, which is used by rescue divers. Open water training is required for divers who wish to dive at more difficult sites and liveaboards.