Become a PADI Certified Scuba Diver

SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) Diving is a fun, exciting, and relaxing sport. It can be quite dangerous, however, if you do not have the proper training before diving. This guide will help you learn to dive quickly and safely.

Steps

  1. Consult your physician to make sure you're healthy enough to take a SCUBA course.
  2. Find a facility near you that offers PADI-approved diving courses. (Refer to the PADI website in the external links section of this article to find the closest dive course.)
  3. Contact the facility to find out which personal equipment you will need to own. Most dive courses provide most of the basic equipment but require you to own your own mask, snorkel, *Choose Swim Fins, boots, gloves, and hood. You will also need to purchase your course materials (usually a book and video) and your first dive log book. (The course materials and log book together will usually cost under $35.)
  4. Purchase the required personal equipment. Most facilities that offer SCUBA courses are also dive shops. Be sure to save your receipts when purchasing your equipment, since many facilities will give you a discount on either the course or on future equipment rentals and air refilling services if you bought your equipment at their shop. The basic personal equipment needed for the course can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, or even more if you buy the fanciest gear.
  5. Register for an open water diving course. The cost of the course varies from region to region, and may even vary greatly within one area. For example, in Massachusetts you can pay anywhere from $125 to $500 for a PADI open water diving course.
  6. Usually a PADI open water diving course will include classroom sessions, swimming pool sessions (during which you'll learn to use your equipment in a swimming pool), and open water sessions. Some courses may do all of the water sessions in open water.
  7. When you've completed the course to your instructor's satisfaction, you will receive your PADI certification card. Keep this card safe, since most dive shops will ask to see your certification card before refilling your air tanks or allowing you to rent equipment.

Tips

  • If you normally wear glasses, you may need to either wear contacts under your dive mask or purchase a prescription mask. Prescription masks are much more expensive than regular dive masks, but will be more comfortable (and safer) than diving while wearing contacts.
  • If you aren't sure whether a full SCUBA certification course is right for you, ask the training facility about a "Discover SCUBA" course, which is much shorter and less expensive, but will give you an idea about whether you wish to continue.

Warnings

  • Always follow your trainer's instructions to the letter. Diving accidents can result in serious injury or death, and most diving accidents are the result of carelessness.

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References

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