How to get certified to scuba dive.

Learning to Scuba Dive Scuba Training
toconnell

Step 1.  Qualify by age.

You must be at least 10 years old to begin scuba diver training although those younger than 10 may be able to participate in restricted, bubble maker birthday parties and pool only training programs sponsored by certain training agencies it is best if you are at least 10 years old to understand the science required to be a scuba diver.

Step 2.  See if you’re fit for diving. Scuba diving is an active sport that requires a reasonable level of good health and physical fitness. Potential divers can help determine if they are fit for training and participation in the sport by reviewing a simple questionnaire that can be downloaded from the World Recreational Scuba Training Council or International Diving Safety Standards Commission

Scuba diving is an active sport that requires a reasonable level of good health and physical fitness. You do not have to have a supermodel body but you will be carrying a pack with about 60lbs on your back and you need to be able to lift and walk and swim with this while maintaining comfort and skill building.  Some health considerations may be contraindicative to diving all together.  Things like heart conditions, high blood pressure, asthma, back injuries and diabetes may not stop you from diving but your doctor may need to determine if it is safe for you.  There will be a medical waiver that must be signed by a doctor if you have an illness that is considered contraindication to diving.

Step 3.  Find someone to teach you.
Locate a scuba instructor either through a friend you trust who is certified to dive or a reputable scuba certifying agency like SSI -Scuba Schools International, NAUI – National Association of Underwater Instructors or PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructors. You should try to find one that is both well qualified – (the instructors training crenumber of years diving and training divers, number of dives made and divers trained, breadth of experience, etc.) and whose instructional methods seem compatible with your way of learning; some people learn well from authority figures while others want hugs or high fives along with their lectures. When you find someone you think you like ask if you can watch one or two of his or her classes before committing.
 
4.  Find a place to learn.
A scuba school that offers convenience is a big factor when selecting a dive store or instructor to conduct your training. You will be spending at least a few days or perhaps even weeks learning to scuba dive depending on how the course is structured so you may want to select a facility convenient to your home or place of work. Ideally, find a dive store with an on-site pool (heated if you’re taking your training in cold weather) with hot showers and changing facilities. Since classroom studies are often combined with pool sessions in a single afternoon or evening not having to travel too far to go to the pool is a real plus.  Be sure you are offered places that provide clear water with good visibility to see well what you are being taught.  Be sure the place your instructor teaches also is large enough to allow you to train in public.  We use a very large city pool and we have a contract with them.  It is solar heated and has hot showers and locker rooms with full bathrooms and even plugs if you want to bring a blow dryer for after your class.  We also use either Lake Denton a 66acre spring fed lake or the ocean.  Both large enough to comfortably accommodate even the biggest class we allow of 7 people.

 

Related Posts