If you’d like to dive in any part of the world, your scuba diving certification is an excellent option. The scuba skills you’ve learned will be applicable everywhere. Just be sure to choose a course that matches your level of experience and goals. You should aim to spend about four to five full days training in order to pass the exam. Then you can start your certification journey. If you’ve never done scuba diving before, you may be interested in learning more about scuba diving.
The most important thing to keep in mind is your fitness level. Although scuba diving certification is generally regarded as an activity for people of average fitness level, you should be in good physical condition to complete the course. You should be able to swim for at least a few hundred yards without stopping, and you should be able to tread water for at least 10 minutes. A certified diver can expect to swim at least 40 feet.
There are many different agencies that offer training for scuba diving. Look for those with the largest brand names. In the US, 98.2% of retailers are affiliated with PADI, NAUI, or SSI. Those three companies have established standards for diver training and use these standards to assess their courses. You should choose a major agency as well. If you’re unsure, you can check the CMAS website for more information.
A PADI certification will cost approximately $350. The PADI certification requires you to complete three different sections of an open water diver certification course. It includes a final exam that is typically multiple choice. The last administrative step varies from training agency to training agency. PADI uses a PIC envelope to mail out the certification card and other details. SSI handouts certification cards directly after a course is complete. Once certified, your scuba diving certification is valid for life.
Once you’ve mastered the basic scuba skills, you can continue your education by choosing a specialty course. For example, if you’re interested in underwater archaeology, you can choose a specialization course in this field. A PADI certification will also allow you to dive into the ocean’s depths, which may be more adventurous than you thought possible. A PADI course will give you the confidence you need to enjoy beautiful underwater destinations.
You can even become an instructor if you want. Many dive shops and dive centers hire dive instructors to guide certified divers. You can become a divemaster after completing the rescue diving certification. You can earn this certification after you have logged at least 50 dives and completed five PADI specialty courses. The courses include practices and specialized seminars that help you become an instructor. There are several different levels of scuba certification. All levels are valid for life.
Obtaining your first scuba diving certification is simple and quick. You can choose to take a basic open water course or an advanced course, depending on your level of experience. For beginners, the basic certification is enough, but if you want to explore the ocean’s depths, you should go for a more advanced course. You can start your training by acquiring your PADI or NAUI certification and then progress to the next level.