FAQS

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO SCUBA DIVE?

What are the requirements for learning to scuba dive?

If you have a passion for excitement and adventure, chances are you can become an avid PADI Diver. You'll also want to keep in mind these requirements:

 

Age Requirements

The minimum age is 10 years old (in most areas). Student divers who are younger than 15 earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, which they may upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. Children under the age of 13 require parent or guardian permission to register for PADI eLearning.

 

Medical Questionnaire

All student divers complete a brief scuba medical questionnaire that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while diving. If none of these apply, sign the form and you’re ready to start. If any of these apply to you, your doctor must, as a safety precaution, assess the condition as it relates to diving and sign a medical form that confirms you’re fit to dive. In some areas, local laws require all scuba students to consult with a physician before entering the course. Download the scuba medical questionnaire.

 

Basic Water Skills

Before completing the PADI Open Water Diver course, your instructor will have you demonstrate basic water skills to be sure you’re comfortable in the water, including:

Swim 200 metres/yards (or 300 metres/yards in mask, fins and snorkel) without stopping. There is no time limit for this, and you may use any swimming strokes you want. You also need to float and tread water for 10 minutes, again using any methods you want.

 

Any individual who can meet the performance requirements of the course qualifies for certification. There are many adaptive techniques that allow individuals with physical challenges to meet these requirements. People with paraplegia, amputations and other challenges commonly earn the PADI Open Water Diver certification. Even individuals with more significant physical challenges participate in diving. Reach out to YAY Scuba for more information.

 

Materials

Each diver must have a personal set of the learning materials to use during the course and for reference after the course. There are several options available, depending on your learning style and technology preference, including:

 

  • PADI Open Water Diver eLearning
  • PADI Open Water Diver Manual, and watching the Open Water Diver Video on DVD either on your own or with your instructor

 

YAY Scuba can provide one of the options above as part of the course enrollment process. You’ll also need a logbook and a dive-planning device such as a dive computer, and RDP table. 

COMMON PROBLEMS AND INJURIES
DO I HAVE TO BE A GOOD SWIMMER TO SCUBA DIVE?
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO GET CERTIFIED?
WHERE CAN I DIVE?
GENERAL DATA INFORMATION
COLLEGE CREDITS