The beauty of the underwater world is fascinating and so many people would love the opportunity to explore what’s down there. 71% of the Earth is covered by oceans, and there’s a lot we still don’t know about what’s beneath the waves without diving in!
That’s where scuba diving comes in! You can become a diver and learn the skills to swim under the waves, just like the fish!
In this blog, we’ll explain how long does it take to become scuba certified, talk about how you can become a certified diver, and answer frequently asked questions you may have about learning to dive.
How Do I Become a Scuba Diver?
Before starting their underwater adventure, new divers need to become scuba-certified. Various training agencies offer certification courses to get certified, and each one has its own curriculum and requirements.
Usually, getting certified takes about three to four days. During this time, you learn basic skills and how to stay safe underwater. PADI, which stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors, is one of the most well-known agencies for scuba training around the world.
Choose a Reputable Dive Center
In order to start getting your scuba certification, you need to pick a good dive center first. Since there are countless to choose from, it’s important to do some research. Compare places based on things like how experienced the instructors are, how safe they keep everything, the quality of the equipment they provide, and what courses they offer.
Try to find dive centers that are associated with well-known training groups like PADI or SSI (Scuba Schools International). They usually give thorough and consistent training.
Other agencies include:
- NAUI – National Association Of Underwater Instructors
- SDI – Scuba Divers International
- CMAS – Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (France)
- BSAC – British Sub-Aqua Club (UK)
Let’s Dive Deeper into The PADI Open Water Diver Course
The basis of the scuba certification is the Open Water Course, consisting of three key components: knowledge development, confined water dives, and open water dives.
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Knowledge Development
The course starts with the knowledge development. You can do this by studying online, using textbooks, or in classroom sessions with a certified instructor. You’ll learn about diving theory, planning dives, using dive tables or computers, selecting and taking care of equipment, staying buoyant underwater, navigating underwater, and safety rules.
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Confined Water Dives
After learning the theory, you’ll do practice dives in a controlled environment like a pool or calm, shallow water. With an instructor, you’ll practice basic diving skills like mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, underwater communication, and emergency procedures. There are 5 confined water dive sessions, which often will be combined and can be done in 1 or 2 days.
These confined water dives help you get comfortable and confident underwater before going into open water.
3. Open Water Dives
The final part of the course are the open water dives in a natural setting, like oceans, lakes, or quarries. This usually is usually done over two or more days. You’ll get to experience real diving conditions, like different depths, currents, and marine environments.
During these open water dives, you’ll show that you’ve learned the skills from the confined water dives. You’ll also get to see underwater landscapes, meet marine animals, and improve your diving techniques with a certified instructor.
Throughout the PADI Open Water Diver course, safety, learning skills, and understanding the environment are very important. If you pass all the tests and complete all the dives successfully, you’ll get your PADI Open Water Diver certification card. This card lets you dive with a buddy down to a maximum of 18 meters (60 feet) in similar conditions to those you trained in.
How Much Does A Scuba Certification Cost?
The cost of getting certified for scuba diving can vary based on where you are, which organization you train with, and how the course is structured. In the United States, it usually costs around $500 on average. This covers things like study materials, renting equipment, and the certification itself.
Another option is to do part of the course at home and then finish the open water dives in a place like Mexico during a vacation. In Mexico, the cost for certification through this referral program is usually much cheaper. This makes it a good choice for people who want to save money. Plus, you get to explore not just the beautiful Caribbean Sea but also the mysterious Cenotes!
How Hard Is It To Become A Scuba Diver?
Not at all. Getting certified as a diver is something most people can do, no matter how old they are or how fit they are. Even though some people think it’s hard to get certified, the process is made to be doable for beginners.
You need to be at least 10-12 years old, know how to swim, and get a doctor’s approval. Despite what some people might say, you don’t have to be super athletic or experienced to get certified. Anyone who loves exploring underwater can give it a try.
You Made It, You Are A Certified Diver! What Now?
Once you’re certified to scuba dive, a whole new world opens up for you. There are all kinds of things you can do underwater, from relaxed dives just for fun to exploring shipwrecks and helping protect marine life.
The Open Water certification isn’t the end of the road; there are lots of ways to keep learning, like taking the Advanced Open Water Course or getting specialty certifications. Some people even train to become dive instructors themselves.
Getting scuba certified is just the start of an exciting adventure into the deep sea, where you’ll find colorful fish and amazing landscapes. With the right training and a bit of determination, anyone can experience the wonders of underwater exploration.
Get Certified with DivePoint
Ready to start your scuba journey? Coming on vacation to Playa del Carmen? Get in touch with us now to plan your Open Water Course with us here!
Our carefully trained staff are waiting to introduce you to your new favorite hobby!
