Questions About Certifications You Must Know the Answers To
How to Acquire a Scuba Diving Certification.
So you’ve been thinking of acquiring your scuba diving certification yet you’re not sure about the process? All the processes and details are summarized here. Scuba diving is an exciting leisure activity and sport which you will enjoy for many years to come. Nothing is as impressive as floating effortlessly on the water and drifting alongside other sea creatures as you explore the marine world.
What is scuba diving certification? For you to go scuba diving with any reputable dive shop, you will be required to possess a certification (otherwise known as c-card). For you to receive the card, you will have to take and pass a certification course. Once you’ve finished your scuba diving classes and successfully passed, you will be supplied with your c-card, and you will be good to go.
The two scuba certification bureaus are PADI and NAUI. Other recommended agencies are YMCA and SSI. The dive store where you’re taking your classes ought to be connected with one of those bureaus. Open water diver is the most popular certification awarded to recreational divers. After completing the diving courses and passed the appropriate tests, you will be given the lifetime certification in the form of a c-card.
Requirements for the course.
As far as age is concerned, you need to have attained the age of ten for you to take the diving course and acquire PADI certification. Those below the minimum age are given the PADI Open Water Diver Certification which can be upgraded when the age limit is attained by the individuals. NAUI certification, on the other hand, is awarded to applicants of 12 years and above.
You also need to be comfortable in water environments as well as in good physical shape. You might be asked to obtain medical clearance to determine whether you meet these conditions. The time you may take to get these certificates varies according to the acquisition avenue.
The Procedure.
To begin with, you will be required to determine whether or not you meet the specific requirements of scuba diving. With advances in scuba dive medication and coaching, everybody irrespective of their size and age can learn the art of diving. Several conditions, however, must be fulfilled before registering for scuba diving courses.
The other step involves choosing a diving program. Diving has its dangers just like any other sporting activity. However, the risks can be effectively managed when you learn to use the diving gear appropriately and follow the safety guidelines. Most scuba diving training centers offer test dives and open water courses. Once you’re finished the training, you will now be able to embark on acquiring the dive gear. As an activity that highly depends on the relevant equipment, you’ll need to have a complete set of well-maintained scuba gear.
With the appropriate diving gear, you will be in the right position to learn the fundamental dive theory. This includes nitrogen absorption, buoyancy fundamentals, decompression limits, and security stops. With the necessary dive theory at your fingertips, you will now be ready to practice simple diving skills with a certified instructor.