SCUBA Diver Certification
SCUBA diving provides the opportunity to explore the underwater world of exotic fish, coral and caves. SCUBA is an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Certification is vital prior to SCUBA diving. Divers must learn how the equipment functions, how to acclimate to pressure underwater and safety rules associated with SCUBA diving. Organizations throughout the world offer SCUBA diving classes and certification including Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Scuba Schools International (SSI) and National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI).
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Equipment
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The main piece of equipment you will need is your SCUBA unit. This includes a regulator, oxygen tank and buoyancy control device. The regulator allows you to breath the oxygen from your breathing tank and the buoyancy control device allows you to adjust the amount of air in your suit to sink or float. Other equipment includes a mask, flippers and a wet suit. Different wet suits may be used depending on whether you are diving in warm or cold water. A dive light is useful for exploring caves and crevices.
Minimum Qualifications
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PADI requires divers to be at least 10 years old to take classes and become certified. Divers under 15 years of age receive a Junior Open Water Certificate. Older divers receive an Open Water Certificate. In addition, divers must show that they can float for 10 minutes and swim for 200 meters or yards. Other certifying agencies may have slightly different prerequisites for divers.
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Classroom Knowledge
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Prior to receiving training in the water, divers must complete academic training. Specific requirements vary by school. PADI offers the classroom portion at various dive shops, online and by home study. Students will learn about the equipment they will be using, how the changes in water pressure during the dive affect the body and other safety considerations.
Dive Experience
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Most SCUBA certification classes include at least one dive in a pool before diving in an open diving in a lake or ocean. Pool dives provide calm water and a controlled environment for students to familiarize themselves with the equipment and to practice dive techniques. Typically, at least one open dive is required for certification.
Medical Considerations
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Some medical conditions may temporarily or permanently disqualify you from SCUBA diving. Divers should be in good physical condition and free from drugs and alcohol to dive safely. Due to pressure changes underwater, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory health are important to dive safely.
According to PADI, conditions such as seizures, venous emboli, spontaneous pneumothorax, inner ear disease and pregnancy present severe risks and may disqualify a person from SCUBA diving. Other relative and temporary health risks include obesity, sickle cell disease, asthma and pacemakers.
Other Courses and Certifications
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Technical diving is a course offered by PADI for divers wishing to go more than 130 feet deep or do cave diving. Technical divers use a dive computer and more than one regulator. Divers must be at least 18 years old and have completed at least 100 dives to qualify for the technical diving course.
PADI also offers advanced or adventure diving certification. Divers will learn underwater navigation and elective dives including night diving, wreck diving and underwater photography. Rescue diving covers problems that may occur while diving and how to rescue yourself and other divers in the event of problems. Divers must be at least 12 years old and be certified in CPR and first aid to participate in the PADI course.
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