Is it necessary to be at least 18 to learn to dive. It depends on your situation. You can take your junior certification course with children and then go deeper. Adult certification can be pursued by both teens and adults. Both courses require that students be at the least 15 years old with some experience. Below are the physical and medical requirements required for each certification level.
Scuba diving is only for those over 18
The recreational scuba training committee (RSTC) advises that anyone under 15 not scuba-dive. Children as young at eight years old can learn how to dive and get training. Because there is limited scientific study on the effects of scuba diving on children, this age requirement is not absolute and can vary from person to person. Always have a qualified instructor train children in scuba diving.
There is no minimum age requirement to learn to scuba diver. Some schools, such as PADI, will train kids as early as age ten. The majority of children under 10 years old are junior-level divers. When they reach adult level, they will be upgraded. Similarly, the British Sub-Aqua Club allows young people to become trained, though they must be at least 12 years old before they can participate in any training programs.
Physical and medical requirements
Certain conditions can make it challenging for someone to safely dive. A person's ability to safely dive can be affected by chronic or certain medications. Diving requires regular physical activity. For this reason, women who are pregnant should not attempt to scuba dive. Before you dive, make sure to talk to your doctor about any of the above conditions. More information about medical and physical requirements for diving can be found here.
The Recreational Scuba Training Council in North America will require you to complete a medical questionnaire. This form is available at many locations. The RSTC will then determine if the prospective divers needs to be examined for medical reasons. While those who answer yes to the questions will not necessarily be disqualified from diving, they can indicate that they may be suffering from a medical condition that would affect their safety.
Courses available
You must be at least 8 years old to dive. Depending on your location, the age requirement can vary greatly. The PADI Bubblemaker program is designed for children if you are unsure if you are old enough. They learn the basics of diving like pressure and buoyancy. They also learn how to dive in a pool. During this training, they can dive as far as 12 feet.
You must be at least eighteen years old to become a fully-certified diver. Most agencies offer courses even for children as young at eighteen, but these won't allow you to be certified to dive open water. PADI offers Seal Team programs and the Bubblemaker program for younger divers. Although this program may not seem like the best choice for beginners, it can be a great way to get a taste of the experience.
Certification requirements
Although scuba diving certifications are non-expiring, you'll need an instructor's card if you wish to teach scuba or start your own business. Many reputable dive centers require information about your certification, number and history of diving. Refresher courses may be required if you have not dived in six months. While the certificate doesn't expire, you should take a refresher course every now and then to ensure you're still up to date on the latest rules and regulations.
You will need to have at least five types diving knowledge in order for you to become a scuba diver. The first two are open-water and the second is classroom. Each dive is a simulation of an emergency situation. You'll need to be able return to the surface quickly. This portion of the course is similar to getting a driver’s license. The open-water dive requires you to take your knowledge tests and complete an exam in order to pass.