Scuba Diving Certifications

Despite how it might look in the movies, scuba diving does not just involve putting on a wetsuit, breathing through a gas tank and swimming in the deep sea.
In order to get a license to be a recreational scuba diver you must be certified and there are different methods and teaching codes to achieve this.

Teaching codes. Which one?

The largest, most recognised and accepted teaching code in the world is PADI followed by SSI. Most teaching codes have the same fundamental information and teachings. SSI is considered to be more flexible and personalized as apposed to PADI which is very rigid in its structure.

Many divers will tell you that the teaching code and course is not as important as your instructor. The quality of your instructor and your personal preference towards their personality and teaching method will determine how enjoyable and successful your course will be. Word by mouth and referral is therefore a very good way to choose the school for your certification.

Find some background on the theory taught for recreational diving here.

Cost of diving certification

The cost of scuba diving certification course can vary significantly based on:

• Where you are in the world
• Number of dives included in your course
• The length of your course
• The location and nature of the open water dives
• The facilities of the centre you undertake your course. E.g. Purpose built diving training facilities and air conditioned classrooms
• The reputation of the Diving School and its instructors

If you join and undertake dive training via a club, the cost of certification is generally reduced.

Scuba diving certification requirements

The requirements for the PADI open water course are:

• Number of Dives: Five Confined Water Dives and Four Open Water Dives
• Knowledge Development/Theory: Five sessions
• Prerequisites:
  • Aged 10 for Junior Open Water Divers
  • Aged 15 for Open Water Diver
  • Good health, reasonable fitness
  • Comfortable in the water
• Equipment you’ll use during the course includes: mask, fins, snorkel, tank, regulator, buoyancy compensator, submersible pressure gauge and exposure protection (e.g. wet suit) as required by the local environment.

Length of course (based on PADI)

The length of the course is designed to vary according to:

• How often you have classes/meet with your instructor
• How quickly you progress and reach a suitable level of confidence
  It also varies depending on the setup of various courses which may include more dives then others or allow students to cover the theoretical component online

Basic course structure

1. Knowledge Development: Much of the basics of diving are covered from a theoretical perspective before entering the pool. As part of your certification, you will be tested on your knowledge at the end of the course.
2. Confined Water Dives: The next step after achieving a firm grasp on the theoretical is the practical. You won’t be taking to the ocean just yet; you will start off in a confined body of water like a swimming pool. This component consists of 5 water dives that will put into practise the theoretical and prepare divers for open waters.
3. Open Water Dives: Now that you have developed underwater skills in the pool you can now put those skills into practise in open waters. You will do this over four dives at a safe diving location. It is not uncommon for people to undertake the course on holidays in a location where the open water dive is ideal.

Types of courses

The PADI open water diver course is a standard course for beginners. This will open up a diverse range of underwater environments for you to explore. Certain environments however will require further training/courses such as ice diving and deep water diving.
Other courses required for different types of diving, environments and purposes include:

• Advanced Open Water
• Rescue Diver Course
• Divemaster
• Instructor Development Course