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Learning
to dive is a fantastic and rewarding experience. Classes are
fun and easy and can become a new family experience. For most
certification agencies, you must be 15 years of age for certification.
However children 12 -14 may earn a Jr. Certification. Jr. divers
must complete the same class and meet the same physical and
aptitude reqirements, but they must dive with a certified adult.
There are introductory classes to give you just a taste of what
diving is all about, or you may choose a full certification
courses that can be completed while you are on vacation. And
if you have already started your course and just need the open
water dives, you have a great excuse for a great trip to complete
your class in a tropical location?
Resort
Course or Introduction to Scuba
This course is designed to give you a diving experience and
the opportunity to "try it before you buy it". The
class includes a short lecture to give you some basic knowledge,
a pool session to acclimate yourself to the equipment and breathing
underwater, and finally a open water ocean dive on a shallow
reef in calm conditions, under the supervision of a qualified
dive instructor. This class does not lead to certification.
Certification
Course
If you are ready to take the plunge, the Basic or Open Water
course can be completed at your local dive center or while on
vacation. If you take a local class, you have the flexibility
to sign up for weekend or evening classes that fit your schedule.
You can also complete a class while on vacation and become certified
in as little as 3 - 5 days.
While courses may vary a little among different certification
agencies, most of the content is similar. You will be required
to sign a medical statement to assure that you are able to dive.
If there is any question, you will need to get clearance from
your doctor (standard forms are available from your instructor).
Generally you will be required to have the ability to swim 200
yards and tread water for 10 minutes. You will undergo academic
training in the classroom which may include bookwork, lectures,
videos and slides, pool sessions to practice and reinforce what
you have learned, and a series of open water dives to fine tune
your new skills in the diving environment.
Referral
Program
Many people begin their scuba training with their local dive
center where they complete the classroom and pool portions of
the course. Then while on vacation, you can complete the open
water dives portion of your course and receive your certification.
This is an excellent and popular way to become certified, and
is called the Referral Program.
Your local instructor or dive center will provide the necessary
paperwork to show that the initial portion was completed satifactorily
and the instructor at the open water location will conduct your
dives and issue your certification. Enjoy the warm clear waters
of a tropical location as you complete your dive training. The
open water dives can be completed in two days, then your off
on your own for more diving.
Remember to check ahead to make sure the referrel program for
your agency is available. Your local dive center should be able
to help with this.
Certification
Agencies
So which is best certification agency to certify with? All major
agencies are members of the Recreational Scuba Training Council
(RSTC) and adhere to the same general rules and course contents.
Classes vary in length, and reqiurements to continue your diving
education may differ, but what you learn to become a diver will
generally be the same. The best advice is to check with local
dive centers and find out who they are affiliated with. Remember,
you will probably be using them for advanced and specialty training
later on. As for travel destinations, most accept all major
certification cards. We have included a list of major agencies
below to help you get more information.
Your diver certification card is your ticket to fun and adventure.
But don't stop with an entry course. There is a whole new world
awaiting down there. Continue your education to become more
comfortable and experienced, learn underwater photography, fish
identification, explore wrecks, and much, much more.
For
More Information Contact Your Local Dive Center
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