It doesn't take long to become a certified scuba diver. There are several options depending on what level of experience you desire. PADI offers a beginner course which teaches you the basics of diving. The PADI Open Water Diver certification program is also available.
PADI's entry-level diver course
The PADI entry-level diver course consists of five chapters, four Knowledge Reviews and a final exam. Although it takes three to four working days, the majority of the course can be completed within three to five days. You can also take the online version. This course covers the basics of diving and includes open-water dives.
PADI Open Water Diver Manual will guide you through the basics of diving. It contains information about equipment, terminology, safety protocols, and other important topics. Five videos are included to explain each topic and answer your questions.
Open water certification dives
You need to take a few steps before you can get your open water certification. The first step is to get your training. You will spend several sessions in the pool or a shallow area before you begin your open water diving. These sessions will help you improve your water skills. The orientation portion of the first dive is focused on scuba skills, while that of the second is for orientation. Relaxation is the goal of the third dive, while the final dive is intended to consolidate all that you have learned.
Local dive centers can usually complete your certification in less than a weekend. You may have to work around the instructor or dive center's schedule if you choose to do your training in a different place. Open water certification usually takes 3-4 days.
Next-level certification dives
An instructor can give a beginner scuba diver a few try-dives in a pool before moving on to the next level. You can usually do try-dives in shallow water (less 6 feet). Open water diving demands that you be more confident in all aspects. Open water diving is done in bodies of water like the ocean, lakes, or even flooded quarry mines.
Although the time required to become certified varies depending on where you live, it usually takes around four days. The entire process can be completed online in a matter of days or two if you are taking an online course. 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
Before you get your next-level scuba certification, you should first get some experience in the water. You can start by taking a few dives in a pool to get familiar with the sport. Dive in lakes and flooded pits is also possible. Open water diving takes more practice than a "try-dive".
The SDI open-water training course is designed for those who want to continue their scuba training. It will teach you basic scuba skills and problem-solving skills. You will learn how to self-rescue, which is a technique used by rescue divers. Open water training will be required to access many dive sites, including those with more difficult dives.