how long is a scuba training course

Full Answer

What do you learn in a scuba certification course?

You'll develop basic scuba skills in a pool or in confined water – a body of water with pool-like conditions, such as off a calm beach. The basic scuba skills you learn during your certification course will help you become familiar with your scuba gear and become an underwater explorer. Some of the essential skills you learn include:

How long does it take to learn to dive?

Sign up to learn to dive with a BSAC Training Centre (to learn in around five days) or find a local club (to learn over a period of weeks/months). If you train with a centre, you can always join a club later. Important note: if you're already a member, you can access your learn to dive training options here.

What is a PADI scuba diving course?

This course is an intermediate step for earning an Open Water Diver certification, if that’s your ultimate goal. PADI Scuba Divers are qualified to: Dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet.

What happens at the end of a scuba diving course?

At the end of the course, you’ll take a final exam that ensures you have thorough knowledge of scuba diving basics. You'll also watch videos that preview the scuba skills you'll practice in a swimming pool or pool-like environment. In addition to the video, your instructor will demonstrate each skill for you. 2. Confined Water Dives

How fast can you get scuba certified?

It's possible to complete your confined and open water dives in three or four days by completing the knowledge development portion via PADI eLearning, or other home study options offered by your local dive shop or resort.

Is it hard to get scuba certified?

Open Water certification can take anywhere from three days to a year to complete, depending on your preference and schedule. Your local dive center may offer a variety of training options, mixing classroom and home-based computer training with pool sessions and local open-water checkout dives.

How much does scuba gear cost?

Buying a basic scuba gear set would cost around $300, and a complete scuba gear set would go up to $1000 and more. Renting a scuba gear unit would cost you less, at just $30, and it would be a better solution if you plan to dive only once a year or during a vacation.

Does scuba certification expire?

Your PADI certification never expires; but if you haven't been diving in a while, it's better to be over-prepared than risk a problem because you forget something important. Dive shops also appreciate seeing a recent ReActivated date on your certification card.

How long does it take to get a SCUBA certification?

Typically a SCUBA certification for open water takes up to three to four days. If you really want to immerse yourself into your SCUBA training and complete it within a short period of time, consider taking time off and setting aside time in advance for the course. The time to obtain the certification does not include book work and pool time.

How long should I teach scuba diving?

Depending on your instructor you may have to spread your days of instruction over a week or two. Keep in mind First Aid, and other lifesaving courses are recommended long term for those choosing to dive in small groups. If you plan to dive regularly with a few other people scuba diving first aid may come in handy .

How long do you have to study for PADI?

If you are a fast learner, you can study for a full week and train in the pool for a week or longer . Some individuals may be able to certify by studying a day before each training course and then pass each module. That would be up to your PADI instructors protocol.

What is the PADI scuba diving course?

The PADI Scuba Diver course consists of three main phases: Knowledge Development ( eLearning, independent study or in a classroom) to understand basic principles of scuba diving - just the first three of five sections of the Open Water Diver course.

How old do you have to be to be a PADI diver?

To enroll in a PADI Scuba Diver course (or Junior Scuba Diver course), you must be 10 years old or older. You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health. No prior experience with scuba diving is required, but you can try it first through the Discover Scuba ® Diving program.

What is a PADI diver?

The PADI Scuba Diver course is a subset of the PADI Open Water Diver course. If you're short on time but really want to become a diver, the PADI Scuba Diver rating might be right for you ̶ particularly if you expect to go scuba diving primarily with a dive guide. This course is an intermediate step for earning an Open Water Diver certification, if that's your ultimate goal.#N#PADI Scuba Divers are qualified to: 1 Dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet. 2 Obtain air fills, rent or purchase scuba equipment and participate in dive activities as long as properly supervised. 3 Continue dive training by completing the PADI Open Water Diver certification and taking certain specialty diver courses.

How to become a scuba diver?

Start your scuba journey today with eLearning 1 Sign up for eLearning today - get started on your training with our online platform. 2 Work your way through your theory modules online - work at your own pace with instructors on hand to help. 3 Hook up with a BSAC club or training centre to complete your practical training and become a fully qualified Ocean Diver - use our 'Find a Club tool' to contact your local BSAC diving and snorkelling clubs.

How many lessons do you need to be an ocean diver?

To be a qualified Ocean Diver you need to complete six theory lessons ( either in-person or via eLearning), five sheltered water (pool) lessons and four open water lessons (plus some other bits, like theory and swimming tests ).

How long does it take to complete a scuba refresher?

A scuba refresher course is not a full diving course and will usually only take a few hours to complete. Depending on the dive agency, there may be compulsory skills to practice. Your dive professional will also usually ask if there is anything further that you would like to ‘refresh.’.

What is a scuba refresher course?

If you do not get the chance to dive often then you can always take a ‘refresher course.’. This is where you will review your skills with a dive professional. This is a mixture of theory and practical where you will practice scuba diving skills and emergency procedures again.

How long do you have to take a dive 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.

Do you have to dive frequently?

However, dive agencies will highly recommend that you dive frequently. This is so that you won’t forget basic scuba diving skills or important safety procedures. It is a good idea to keep practicing these as your confidence level will grow and your scuba diving skills will become second nature.

Can you dive without getting wet?

How to keep diving without diving. If you do not get the chance to dive often, that’s 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.

What is a rescue diver course?

The Rescue Diver course gives you valuable skills in emergency management. You’ll be trained to deal with scenarios where you may need to rescue a panicked or unresponsive diver, or even yourself.

How many dives are required for a PADI diving course?

These PADI diving specialities usually require between two and four dives.

What can I do as a dive pro?

As a dive pro, you could become a scuba diving instructor in a remote and beautiful location. You could find diving work as part of a marine research and conservation team, and use your skills to contribute to science. Or, you could run your very own dive shop.

What is a PADI certification?

A PADI certification is your licence for adventure. As well as making it possible for you to discover underwater worlds, PADI courses can help you to enter the dive industry professionally. Here is a breakdown of the core PADI courses and how long you can expect each of them to take.

What does PADI stand for?

PADI, which stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, offers a range of diving courses. Each training course is designed to improve and build upon your diving skills, helping you work toward your chosen goal.

How long does it take to become a divemaster?

The number of dives needed to complete the course means it can take anywhere between six weeks and six months to attain the certification.

How long does it take to get an open water certification?

You can typically gain your Open Water qualification in three to four days. This course involves elements of theoretical study, practice dives in a pool or pool-like environment, and four dives in open water.

What are the phases of scuba certification?

Scuba certification includes three phases: 1. Knowledge Development. During the first phase of your scuba lessons, you'll learn the basic principles of scuba diving such as. What to consider when planning dives. How to choose the right scuba gear for you. Underwater signals and other diving procedures.

Where do you learn scuba?

You'll develop basic scuba skills in a pool or in confined water – a body of water with pool-like conditions, such as off a calm beach. The basic scuba skills you learn during your certification course will help you become familiar with your scuba gear and become an underwater explorer.

How old do you have to be to become a PADI diver?

The minimum age is 10 years old (in most areas). Student divers who are younger than 15 earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, which they may upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. Children under the age of 13 require parent or guardian permission to register for PADI eLearning.

How many yards do you need to swim in PADI?

Your PADI Instructor will assess this by having you: Swim 200 metres/yards (or 300 metres/yards in mask, fins and snorkel). There is no time limit for this, and you may use any swimming strokes you want.

What are the problems that divers face?

Sunburn, seasickness and dehydration, all of which are preventable, are the most common problems divers face. Injuries caused by marine life, such as scrapes and stings, do occur, but these can be avoided by wearing an exposure suit, staying off the bottom and watching where you put your hands and feet.

How long can you swim without stopping?

Swim 200 metres/yards (or 300 metres/yards in mask, fins and snorkel) without stopping. There is no time limit for this, and you may use any swimming strokes you want. Float and tread water for 10 minutes, again using any methods you want.

Is it expensive to scuba dive?

Compared with other popular adventure sports and outdoor activities, learning to scuba dive isn’t expensive. For example, you can expect to pay about the same as you would for: a full day of surfing lessons. a weekend of rock climbing lessons. a weekend of kayaking lessons. a weekend of fly-fishing lessons.