How Long Does It Take To Learn To Dive?

Scuba diving is truly among the most exciting adventure a traveler can experience especially when visiting Australia, one of the world's best diving destinations. Anyone who wishes to try this sport however, should follow simple guidelines and reminders. To accomplish the necessary skills and learn about the rules in diving in Australia, enthusiasts may go to the diving centers that have programs or courses that teach the skills needed to enjoy the sport.

The word scuba, which actually means "Self Contained Breathing Apparatus", refers to the apparatus used by divers to breath underwater, thus was also used to refer to the sport. It's not really a difficult sport and since some vacation spots offer beginners courses, everyone who is ten years old and above, and is physically fit can dive. Majority of the best diving areas, however, require a certification, so going under a diving certification program is needed to enjoy most of the nature's awesome diving sites.

If you have a certain medical condition, you just need to present a medical certificate from a doctor stating that you are fit to engage in this sport. Being certified means you have learned the basic diving skills needed from a certified instructor, and you can dive into open water on your own or with a friend, but without the assistance of a dive instructor. Meanwhile, a certification card is required so no diving operator from most of the diving spots will allow you to dive without this card. A certification from any qualified training centre will do, but an internationally recognised certification card is the best option.

Scuba diving certification programs

A standard certification program usually takes 4 - 6 weeks, however, it still depends on the student. The course may be divided into two main parts: the technical knowledge, and the practical skills. The technical knowledge usually tackles issues such as the basic theory behind the scuba equipment and suit, and the nature of the diving site -- the depth, the water visibility, the water temperature, and certain do's and don'ts, especially when swimming with aquatic animals. It also includes first-aid treatment and health topics such as decompression sickness and the effects of water pressure on the human body.

On the other hand, the practical skills include diving into open water with a diving master. This part is usually the longest since the technical knowledge is mostly taught within a classroom environment. If you already know how to swim, then you won't have problems in becoming at ease in an underwater environment. On the contrary, those who still feel uncomfortable in the diving site, they may learn some basic skills like swimming and floating, since certification will require divers to swim 200 metres and float for about 15 minutes.

It might take several weeks for some enthusiasts to master diving, but the actual learning process has no definite period because diving is a performance-based skill. It all depends if the student has properly demonstrated the skills necessary in diving. The readiness and confidence of the diving student can also determine if he or she is able to go underwater, and since it might also take some time before a beginner can get used to the suit, the equipment, and the underwater environment, the actual course can be extended.