Curious about what it really takes to start your scuba journey?

Whether you’re dreaming of exploring coral reefs, meeting marine life up close, or simply checking “get certified” off your bucket list, the Open Water Diver course is your first big step.

This FAQ guide breaks down everything you’ve been wondering in a simple way, so you can dive into your new adventure with confidence.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Diving License?

The average cost to get the PADI certification will vary depending on the dive course and location. To get the Open Water Diver certification, for example, you need to have the sufficient knowledge development and in-water training. Plus, PADI eLearning that costs nearly $230 USD.

After completing this, you will begin your in-water training with your chosen Dive Shop at an added cost. Communicate with your Dive Shop directly for pricing as costs may vary by location. Let your Dive Shop know if you’ve already purchased your eLearning.

Is it Hard to Get Scuba Certified?

Anyone having 10 years old and older can learn to dive and explore the underwater world. PADI knowledge development provides the fundamentals you need to confidently advance to your in-water dive training.

In the eLearning part, you will read, watch videos, and take quizzes at your own pace before you move on to your next step. During in-water training, an experienced PADI Instructor will help you during the in-water training to learn the necessary scuba skills to be a safe and competent scuba diver.

Why PADI?

PADI is considered the largest scuba diving training organization in the world in addition to being the most widely recognized dive certification, with 30,000,000 PADI certified scuba divers and counting.

PADI leads the way in the satndards of top-level dive training, strong safety practices, and ocean protection, while encouraging people to enjoy and connect with the underwater world.

Learn with PADI eLearning in your own time so you can build the knowledge and basics you need and feel confident before starting your in-water training. With over 6,600 PADI Dive Centers and resorts around the world in addition to 128,000 PADI Professionals, you will find it easy to complete your dive training.

How Long Does a Scuba Certification Last?

Your scuba diving certification lasts forever! However, It is highly recommended to practice diving at regular manner to enhance both your dive skills and knowledge. Avoid stopping from diving for long periods (6 months or longer). If you haven’t dived in a while, it’s best to take the PADI Reactivate refresher program.

How Many Dives Do You Need for Scuba Certification?

After learning the basic skills of scuba diving in confined water (a pool or pool-like environment), you besides with your PADI Dive Instructor will conduct 4 open water dives, usually over two days. During these dives, you’ll practice the dive skills you learned in confined water and start discovering the underwater world.

What is a Scuba Certification?

With a PADI scuba diving certification in your pocket, you can explore the deep blue, have encounters with amazing marine wildlife, and learn how to protect the underwater world.

On the other hand, the PADI Open Water Diver certification will enable you to dive anywhere in the world up to a depth of 18m/60ft, book dive boats or resorts trips, get air fills and rent scuba gear, in addition to meeting fellow ocean lovers from the largest diver community around the world.

What are the Scuba Certification Levels?

Both PADI dive education and dive certifications are categorized under recreational diving or professional diving: Beginner, Continuing Education, and Professional.

• Beginner: PADI Open Water Diver is considered the first scuba diving certification. After finishing this course, you can dive at home or abroad up to the depth of 18m/60ft.
• Continuing Education: Expand your knowledge and scuba skills after getting your Open Water Diver certification. Continuing Education dive courses prepare you to explore the world beneathe the waves at deeper depths, spend extended periods at the sea bottom, discover your unique diving aptitude, and enhance your skills as a better dive buddy.
• Professional: As a PADI Divemaster or Instructor, You’ll be taught how to lead dives and support others in their journey to learn diving.

What are the Different Scuba Certifications?

• Beginner: The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular and widely-recognized scuba diving certification around the world. In this course, you will begin your journey as a new scuba diver. You can get your scuba certification in just four days, or over the course of a year. After getting your PADI Open Water Diver certification, you can dive at any place in the world up to a depth of 18m/60ft.
• Specialty Courses or Continuing Education: Many scuba divers choose to enroll in one of the PADI Specialty Courses to enhance their dive skills and become a better dive buddy, engrain your buoyancy skills and underwater navigation, dive deeper and enjoy extended periods underwater, learn shooting underwater photos, explore underwater wrecks and much more. Many PADI Specialty Courses demand Advanced Open Water Diver Certification.
• Professional: Having a professional scuba certificationenables you to travel around the world andrecieve money for practicing the sport you love or share your local diving knowledge. As a PADI Divemaster or Instructor, you’ll learn how to lead dives and help others in their journey for learning diving.

How Does Scuba Certification Work?

The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular and widely-recognized scuba diving certification around the world. In this course, you will begin your journey as a new scuba diver. You can get your scuba certification in just four days, or over the course of a year.

Once getting your certification, you can dive at any place around the word with a partner (without professional supervision), get air fills or rent scuba gear, book dive boats and resorts trips, and become a PADI-certified diver.

How Far Do You Have to Swim for Scuba Certification?

To get your scuba diving certification, you must swim around 200 metres/219 yards with your own (or 300 metres/328 yards with the help of mask, fins and snorkel) without stopping, and float or tread water for 10 minutes, regardless of the used swimming method. There is no time limit.