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. PADI Open Water Divers allows you to become certified.
PADI's entry-level diver course
PADI's entry-level diving course includes five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews, a final examination, and one final exam. The entire course takes approximately three to four hours. However, you can do it online. This course covers the basics of diving and includes open-water dives.
PADI Open Water Diver Manual is your basic guide to diving. It includes information on proper equipment, terminology, safety procedures, and 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. Get your training. Before you dive open water, you'll need to have several sessions in the pool. These sessions will be used to refresh your skills in the water. The first dive is dedicated to orientation, while the second dive is devoted to scuba skills. The third dive is for relaxation, while the last dive is for consolidating everything you have learned.
Local dive centers can usually complete your certification in less than a weekend. 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
A beginner scuba diver can start with a few pool-side try-dives before progressing to the next level. Try-dives are usually done in shallow water (under 6 feet). Open water diving will require you to become more comfortable in all aspects, from navigation to safety. Open water diving is done in bodies of water like the ocean, lakes, or even flooded quarry mines.
The time it takes to get certified varies, but usually takes about four days. An online course can take you through the entire process in less than a week. Online courses do not have a set deadline, although waiting periods might be necessary for professional ranks.
Prerequisites required for certification at the next level
First, get some experience in the water before you apply for your next-level scuba certification. A pool is a great place to start learning the sport. You can also go diving in lakes, or in flooded quarry pits. Open water diving requires more experience than a try-dive.
The SDI open-water training course is designed for those who want to continue their scuba training. You will learn basic skills in scuba diving and problem solving. It will also teach you how to perform a self-rescue, a technique used by rescue divers. Open water training will be required to access many dive sites, including those with more difficult dives.