You're not the only one wondering about how long it takes for a scuba certification. There are many options available depending on your level of experience. PADI offers a beginner course that focuses on the basics of diving. You can also get certified through the PADI Open Water Diver program.
PADI's entry-level diver course
The PADI entry-level diver course consists of five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews and a final exam. You can complete the course in 3-4 days. If you prefer to take the online course, it may take less time. This course covers the fundamentals of diving and includes several open-water dives.
The PADI Open Water Diver Manual is your guide to the basics of diving. This manual includes information about proper equipment, terminology, safety procedures and many other topics. You will also find five videos explaining each topic and answering any questions.
Open water certification dives
There are a few steps to getting open water certification. The first step is to get your training. You will be spending several sessions in the water or in a shallow area before you start open water diving. You will also be able to demonstrate your skills in water during these sessions. The orientation dive focuses on the water, while the second dive focuses on scuba skills. Relaxation is the goal of the third dive, while the final dive is intended to consolidate all 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 usually takes 3-4 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 occurs in water bodies such as lakes, oceans, and even flooded pits.
It takes approximately four days to get certified. However, the process can vary. Online courses can be completed in as little as a week. There are no pre-set deadlines for entry-level courses, though waiting periods can be required for some professional ranks.
Prerequisites for the next-level certification
You should get some water experience before you can get your next-level certification. Try-dives in a pool are a good way to get acquainted with the sport. Also, you can dive in lakes and flooded quarry pits. Open water diving is more difficult than a simple try-dive.
The SDI open water training course is intended for those who want scuba certification. It will teach 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.