Scuba diving is a fun and relaxing exercise. For some, it’s the adrenal rush of exploring underwater, while others love the scenic beauty of marine life or reefs that inhabit it. Let’s dive into the article exploring the different age requirements for beginner scuba divers as per certifying agencies like SSI and PADI.
Imagine nobody taught you to look out for cars before crossing the road! Wouldn’t it get dangerous to your life? Well, so is the case with scuba diving. It would be best if you learned the basic rules from a professional instructor to avoid risks possibly. It is for this reason you need to be a certified driver. Joining scuba diving certification agencies will be highly beneficial for teaching you basic rules, skills, and safety measures that all scuba divers must know regardless of age.
Now, if you’re ready to take scuba diving lessons , you should meet the age requirement before enrolling in the various certification agencies. Many agencies offer courses for children as young as eight years old. PADI and SSI have offered fun scuba diving programs for younger children like the bubble maker, seal team, and SSI scuba rangers.
If you wish to move on to the advanced level of scuba diving certification, firstly, you need to enroll in the open water diver program.
The Ideal Age to Start Diving
Thinking about starting scuba diving at a young or old age, there are always some pros and cons to practicing a sport. Likewise, each period of life brings its pros and cons, fulfilling the desire and needs of an activity.
Read on to know the ideal age you can prefer to start scuba diving.
Childhood ( Age: 8-12 yrs old)
Under the eye of a well professional instructor, children can learn to scuba dive in protected areas like swimming pools. Promoting learning to scuba dive at a young age does marvel as children learn faster during this age. However, none of the research has been done on the effect of scuba diving on children. Therefore it’s essential to take into account the physical specifications of the child.
Teenager
Teenage is the age of desire and challenges to surplus oneself, but it’s also the age of self-construction. Currently, there is no evidence signifying the effects of diving on the body of a teenager. However, starting to dive as a teenager has a benefitting impact, particularly in acquiring the spirit of mutual aid and developing good attitudes in practicing scuba diving.
Adulthood
Adulthood is when you’ll be caught up in professional life, starting a business, or starting to work on big projects; however, the desire to extend social networks, go on vacations and play sports leaves behind the stress and worries of an active life.
Scuba diving can also be a fun activity during adulthood as physical limitations are least restrictive, and everything is possible.
After 60 yrs
People over 60 who have excellent health to devote their part of their time to time-consuming leisure can still do diving, but diving at 60 is not like we do at 20 years old. Precautions have to be taken to make diving a success. Before you think about diving, consult your doctor so that there is no physical problem in your body incompatible with practicing diving.
PADI scuba course
If you wish to take driving lessons from a PADI instructor, you should be 10 to 15 years of age. To become junior open water divers, you need to complete the most basic course, i.e., open water diver certification. Junior open water divers are allowed to dive down up to 40feet and have to be accompanied by an adult to ensure their safety.
Once junior open water divers attain the age of 15, their credentials are automatically upgraded to open water divers certification, and they are allowed to dive down to 60 feet.
SSI scuba course
Suppose you want to pursue open water diver schooling like the PADI certification course. The minimum age requirement to get enrolled in Scuba Schools International is ten years of age. However, children under 15 years of age are recognized as juniors level divers, while their credentials are upgraded once they attain proper age.
BSAC scuba course
British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) is open to training young student-athletes 12 years of age. Complete all your medical self-declaration forms and start your fun journey with renowned instructors.
Conclusion
There is no age boundary for scuba diving in the USA. Those over 60 should be medically fit before diving, while those who experience blurred vision, chest pain, or shortness of breath are not the right fit for diving. Diving schools are enrolling children above 8 yrs old.
So why are you waiting? Discover the color coral reef system filled with marine life of all kinds, from watching tiny crustaceans to watching massive whale sharks, and diving is an experience like no other. There is no ideal age to start diving, and you can learn the fun sport anytime you want by fulfilling the essential requirement for scuba diving. As you grow bolder and become a better diver, exciting opportunities will surely open up for you.
