Your Step by Step Guild to Becoming a Certified Diver
If enrolling in a scuba diving course has been on your bucket list for years, it's time to stop putting it off. Most people are surprised to find out how easy it is to become a certified diver and even more surprised to learn that credentials from an internationally accredited diving school will allow you to dive nearly anywhere in the world.
So if you are ready to explore the world, or even your own backyard, from a whole new perspective, here is how easy it is to get your diving certification.
Find the Right Diving School
It's back to school, only much more interesting. Registering in a scuba diving course is step one toward getting your open water diving certificate. Many schools offer diving instruction, but one of the best ways to find one that will work for you is by visiting your local dive shop. Dive shops often provide instruction; otherwise, you can consult with other local divers to choose the right program for you. There are a few different international diving organizations, but the material taught is generally the same, particularly for entry-level diving. The instructor will matter more than the actual program.
Classroom Lectures
Before you can get your feet wet, there are some essential bits of information regarding equipment, safety, communication, and other concepts that you need to be familiar with. The knowledge portion of your diving course can be done either online or in person and will cover all these topics. You will be quizzed on the understanding of this material before you can progress to the next stage.
Pool Dives
Time to get wet. After you have demonstrated your grasp of basic diving concepts and terminology, you can test your new skills in the pool under your instructor's careful guidance. You can expect to go on at least a few of these dives while you become more comfortable and familiar with your diving gear.
Open Water Dives
Just like a pool, only way bigger. The last step before your final exam will be a series of ocean or open water dives accompanied by your instructor. This is your chance to become more comfortable with your developing skills and demonstrate to your instructor that you have mastered the required material. Provided that all goes as planned, your instructor will sign off, and you will be presented with a temporary "certified diver card" while you await your permanent card to be delivered. You're ready to go.
Further Study
Many divers choose to take other advanced diving courses to refine their skills and open up additional diving opportunities. Advanced open water diving courses will take you to the next level of your diving instruction and allow you to go on deeper water dives.
After that, an advanced open water diver has many options. Many choose to continue with adventure diver certification and other specialty diving courses, like deep water, or rescue diver, while others combine these courses with other specialties to earn the rank of master diver.
When it comes to diving, nature is your only boundary!
