how to take a padi course

by Aliya McDermott 3 min read

How to get PADI certified?

The PADI Open Water Diver course is flexible and performance based, which means that your PADI dive shop can offer a wide variety of schedules, organized according to how fast you progress. 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 …

How to pass the PADI Open Water Diver course?

The most popular online PADI programs do not expire. Take as much time as you need to complete: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Enriched Air Diver and the Instructor Development Course (IDC). After finishing your online training, you can go back and review the study material as many times and for as long as you want.

How to become a PADI Divemaster?

How to Earn your Scuba Diving Certification. 1. PADI eLearning®. PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology ... 2. With Your Instructor. Practice using scuba gear in a …

How much does a PADI certification cost?

Master Scuba Diver (sometimes referred to as “MSD”) is the highest level of recreational diving, Above all, to become a PADI Master Scuba Diver™ you must: Hold an Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver certification. Complete five PADI Specialty Diver Courses. Log a minimum of 50 dives.

How long does it take to get your PADI?

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 PADI certification hard?

Getting your PADI Certification is not hard, it's fun and it's an incredible experience, but you do need to follow the rules to make sure that your PADI Open Water Course is also a safe experience. After you have completed the PADI course you will receive the PADI Open Water Certification Card.

Is it worth getting PADI certified?

Then comes the best part, to complete your journey, you'll do approximately four ocean dives with your instructor to demonstrate your newfound skills. What is this? You can expect a PADI Open Water Diver certification to cost between $350-$500 depending on where you learn. But I promise, the cost is worth it.Sep 12, 2018

How long does it take to get certified to scuba dive?

Overall, the process to get certified can take anywhere from 4 days to several weeks, depending on how the course logistics are organized.

Can you fail PADI?

All PADI courses comprise the following: Knowledge development: theory work to help you understand the basic principles of scuba diving. This is reviewed in a final test in which you must score 75% or higher. If you fail, you can retake the test.Feb 23, 2015

Is the PADI test multiple choice?

There is no being a "stickler" about the tests. They are set, everybody does the same quizzes and exam. They are multiple choice. My advice, do not over think the questions or the options for the answers.Aug 15, 2016

What are the 4 open water dives?

There are four components to the PADI Open Water Diver course: theory, confined water work, waterskills asessement, and open water dives.May 27, 2016

What does PADI stand for?

Professional Association of Diving InstructorsProfessional Association of Diving Instructors | PADI.

Can you scuba dive without certification?

There are no laws that currently prohibit you from going scuba diving without a certification. This does not mean that you should try and do it. Scuba diving can be very dangerous and without the proper training, it can often be fatal for those who try and do it. So, get certified.

Can I dive without my PADI card?

Do I Need My PADI Card To Dive? Technically, you do not need your physical card to scuba dive. Dive centers will need to verify and check that you are a certified diver, but most dive centers can do this online within the PADI system.Aug 11, 2021

Can you scuba dive with asthma PADI?

Many experts agree that people with asthma can scuba dive safely if they have normal lung function.

Can I find my PADI certification online?

Get instant access to your proof of PADI certification anywhere you need it right on your mobile device. Use the PADI App to access right after purchase.

How do I learn to scuba dive?

Becoming a scuba diver is a wonderful adventure! Scuba certification includes three phases: 1. Knowledge Development During the first phase of your...

How long does it take to get certified?

The PADI Open Water Diver course is flexible and performance based, which means that your PADI dive shop can offer a wide variety of schedules, o...

How much do scuba lessons cost?

Compared with other popular adventure sports and outdoor activities, learning to scuba dive isn’t expensive. For example, you can expect to pay abo...

What gear will I need to scuba dive?

Choosing and using your scuba gear is part of the fun of diving. Your local PADI Dive Center or Resort will help you find the right gear. Each piec...

How do I find the best scuba gear?

There is no “best gear,” but there is the best gear for you . The dive professionals at your local PADI dive shop are trained to help you find s...

What are the requirements for learning to scuba dive?

If you have a passion for excitement and adventure, chances are you can become an avid PADI Diver. You'll also want to keep in mind these requireme...

Do I have to be a good swimmer to scuba dive?

Some swimming ability is required. You need to have basic swim skills and be able to comfortably maintain yourself in the water. Your PADI Instruct...

Where is the best place to get certified?

All PADI Dive Centers and Resorts worldwide adhere to the same training standards, so no matter where you are there’s likely a PADI Instructor re...

Where can I scuba dive?

You can dive practically anywhere there’s water – a swimming pool, the ocean and all points in between, including quarries, lakes, rivers, springs...

How to start scuba training?

Start your scuba training digitally whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you. PADI eLearning is the easiest way to fit scuba lessons into your busy schedule. Work at your own pace, online or offline, using your computer or mobile device. Schedule in-water training whenever you’re ready.

What is a dry suit diver?

Becoming a dry suit diver allows you to expand your boundaries and dive more places, more often. This suit seals you off from the water and keeps you comfortable, even in surprisingly cold water.

Do I need a PADI app?

For the ideal experience, devices should be no more than 3 models old and updated with the most current OS. You don’t need the PADI Training app to access your online material, only offline.

Can you use the PADI app without internet?

If you plan to be somewhere without internet access, use the PADI Training app to download course content in advance. Use the app to study offline, and when your internet connection is restored, upload your progress. The PADI Training app is available for Android and iOS.

Can you change your PADI dive center?

If you lose access, don’t worry, you can still complete your training. Contact a PADI Shop to discuss your options. Once registered, you can’t change the PADI Dive Center or Resort associated with your online program; however, you may complete your training with any PADI Dive Center, Resort or Instructor worldwide.

What are the medical requirements for scuba diving?

More Info. Medical Requirements. Scuba diving requires a minimum level of health and fitness. Chronic health conditions, certain medications and/or recent surgery may require you to get written approval from a physician before diving.

How many parts are required to become a dive shop?

Choosing a Dive Shop. There are three parts to certification: knowledge development, skill practice, and open water dives. You can complete all three parts locally, on holiday, or split between the two. Choose a dive shop close to home to: Support your local diving community.

Can you do eLearning while on vacation?

Have the time to complete your course while on vacation. If you're not ready to try diving locally, but want to support your local dive shop, you can complete eLearning and portions of the course close to home, then complete the rest of the course while travelling.

Does a PADI certification expire?

Your PADI certification never expires, but after a long period of inactivity, you may want to brush up on diving fundamentals and safety procedures. Contact your PADI Dive Center or Resort for more information.

Do you need a mask to dive?

Most dive shops require students to provide their own mask, fins and snorkel. If you already own a mask, snorkel and/or fins, bring them to your instructor before your first inwater session. Some snorkeling masks and fins are inadequate for scuba diving.

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

To enroll in a PADI Divemaster course, you must be 18 years old and have the following certifications: Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver. Emergency First Response® (or equivalent CPR and First Aid training) within 24 months.

What to do when you first deep dive?

You’ll make your first deep dive with an instructor by your side, work on your navigation skills, and try three different types of specialty diving. Choose whatever interests you: photography and videography, wreck diving, fish identification, etc.

What is a master scuba diver?

Master Scuba Diver (sometimes referred to as “MSD”) is the highest level of recreational diving, To become a PADI Master Scuba Diver™ you must: Hold an Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver certification.

How can I improve my diving skills?

The fastest way to improve your skills is to take additional scuba courses. About one in four divers enroll in the Advanced Open Water course, while others take specialties to improve their buoyancy, underwater navigation, or underwater photos. The chart below shows the many PADI specialty courses available.

What is technical diving?

Technical diving attracts experienced divers who want to go beyond the limits of recreational diving. Tec divers get to explore underwater caves, visit spectacular, untouched wrecks and use cutting-edge dive equipment. Divers who learn to dive a rebreather enjoy unparalleled animal encounters and dramatically longer dive times.

What is a scuba instructor?

Scuba instructors are often portrayed as vagabonds or beach bums, but in reality, they are passionate ocean defenders. Every day, scuba instructors around the world certify new underwater ambassadors who will be a voice for the ocean. Dive instructors also transform lives.

What is a reactivate scuba course?

If it’s been awhile since you went scuba diving, PADI’s interactive online scuba refresher course (ReActivate™) is the perfect way to refresh the skills and knowledge learned during your scuba certification.

What is PADI Instructor Development?

PADI Instructor Development is the independent study portion of the Instructor Development Course (IDC). The nine online sections provide foundational information that better prepares the candidate to focus on learning to become a dive educator and teach the PADI System of diver education.

How long is a PADI eLearning program good for?

PADI eLearning programs are valid for 12 months from the time you first log on. Prior to the end of this 12-month period, you’re reminded via email at 90 days and again at 60 days before the expiration date. If you let your PADI eLearning program expire, please contact your affiliated PADI Dive Center or Resort to discuss options for completing your training.

What is elearning in diving?

Electronic learning (eLearning) is the delivery of education, using your mobile device or web browser. PADI eLearning allows you to begin your dive education at your convenience, using your desktop, laptop or mobile device, and finish your training in the water with a PADI Professional. With PADI eLearning, you complete ...

Is PADI eLearning compatible with Internet Explorer?

The PADI eLearning system is not compatible with the 64-bit version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser. If you are using the 64-bit version (versus the 32-bit version) of Explorer, please update your browser or download an alternate browser – recommended browsers are Chrome Internet Explorer, Safari (for Mac), or Firefox.

Can you change your PADI dive center?

Once registered, you can’t change the PADI Dive Center or Resort associated with your online program. However, the eRecord you receive when you complete your online study is accepted by any PADI Dive Center, Resort or Instructor worldwide.

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.

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 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.

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 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 did I learn during the course?

The course consists of a theoretical part and 3 dives. The theory covers the potential risks of diving alone, the necessary precautions and equipment to take with you to manage these risks and how to plan your dives. My instructor, John (Chicken), was very knowledgeable which made me confident and excited about the upcoming dives.

Dive Planning

When you’re diving on your own it’s important somebody knows where you are. Compare it to a first date. I always let my best friend know the location of the date, the time and his name. I then check in at a set time. Well diving solo is pretty much the same.

Solo Diving

The next day, after getting certified, I directly did my first few solo dives. It was amazing. It is such a thrill to successfully execute a dive plan and just go exploring on your own. The course really made me a more confident diver, with or without a buddy.

JamesK Solo Diver

Don't worry, once PADI see's the fact that they do not have a shop near you, they will make one. LOL...

gurnie NAUI Instructor

It may not be a PADI shop but the instructor may hold both agencies an could cert under either. Honestly why would it matter if the cert is PADI? Focus on the quality of the instruction and the instructor not the agency..

agilis Cat Lives Matter

While you are at it, consider taking courses at MIT and Princeton in order to get a degree from the Hollywood School of Harmonica Repair and Pet Embalming.

KoryBeth Guest

My reasoning for wanting to persue my PADI cert rather than my NAUI cert is because my parents have both taken the course and we have always been certified through PADI so I am already very firmilliar with their methods and such. Also, I have all of the books and course materials for the program.

parzdiver Solo Diver

KoryBeth - There are actual benefits to moving cross agency, but the most important thing is the instructor and what they are going to provide for your training. I took both a NAUI AOW and a PADI AOW. Due to a sinus infection and other reasons I never completed the NAUI course which is why I subsequently did the PADI class.

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