Learn to Dive

There are three steps to becoming a certified diver: knowledge development, In-water training, and open water dives.

Knowledge development is the first step and requirement for a recreational Open Water Diver certification. PADI eLearning is an independent study option that lets you learn at your own pace, providing the knowledge and fundamentals you will need to confidently advance to your in-water training with a PADI Instructor.

In-water training: During this step, you will practice your dive skills and learn how to use your scuba gear with a PADI Professional in a pool or pool-like environment. These practice dives will help you build your confidence before you begin your open water dive training.

Open water training: During this third and final step you will complete four open water dives with a PADI Instructor to complete your PADI dive certification.

The first level of a scuba certification is Open Water Diver, which on average can be completed in 3-5 days.

The independent study using PADI’s digital learning program (eLearning) takes about eight hours. In-water work with a professional PADI Dive Instructor, includes pool training and open water dives which can be completed in just a few days.

The PADI Open Water Diver course is flexible and performance-based, which means you progress at your own pace. Once you and your instructor feel confident that you've mastered a skill, you’ll move on to the next one. If you want to try the new skill a few more times, that’s okay too. The goal is for you to learn how to be a safe, confident diver and feel comfortable in the water.

Learning to dive is an exciting and challenging experience. With PADI eLearning you can read, watch videos, and take quizzes at your own pace to achieve the dive knowledge and fundamentals required to confidently advance to your in-water training. An experienced PADI Instructor will help you every step of the way during your training to become a safe and competent diver.

No, it’s never too late to start diving. You only need to be in good health and reasonably fit. All PADI students are required to complete a medical questionnaire prior to diving. Some regions also require a doctor’s medical statement confirming you’re medically fit to dive prior to course enrollment/diving. As diving has inherent risks, minimum age limits are in place to ensure children can understand dive theory and react to situations responsibly, but there is no maximum limit.

Average Certification Cost: The average cost of obtaining your PADI certification will vary based on the specific course and location you choose. Please contact your chosen Dive Shop for pricing. 

PADI eLearning Cost:  If you wish to start your knowledge portion of the training first you can purchase PADI eLearning and begin this step on your own time. If you are new to diving, you will want to start Open Water Diver eLearning which costs around $230 USD. Continuing education course prices vary by certification type. See full list of PADI eLearning courses. 

In-Water Training Cost: After you complete your PADI eLearning you will need to complete your in-water training with your chosen Dive Shop. The cost for this specific training will depend upon your location. Please contact your chosen Dive Shop for in-water training cost. If you have already purchased your eLearning, please notify the Dive Shop when asking for pricing.

There are many affordable options when learning to scuba dive. For the required knowledge development portion of your dive training, PADI eLearning is an independent study option that allows you to learn at your own pace for a moderate price. Check with your local Dive Shops and compare prices for your in-water training. Many Dive Shops offer discounted packages during off-peak seasons, depending on location. Dive equipment rental may also be included in training packages, providing cost savings. After you become certified, renting scuba gear is an affordable alternative to buying your scuba gear, and also saves the trouble of storing and traveling with dive gear. Diving locally is a budget-friendly alternative to dive travel and a great way to meet other divers within your community.

Yes. People with missing limbs, reduced mobility, or other physical challenges commonly earn the PADI Open Water Diver certification. Even individuals with more significant physical or mental challenges can still take part in scuba experiences. Talk to your PADI Instructor at your local PADI Dive Center or Resort for more information.

All student divers complete a brief scuba medical questionnaire that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while diving and will determine if you need to be evaluated by a physician before being able to scuba dive. If the doctor approves, or none of the conditions applied to you, you're ready to start!

You need basic swimming skills and the ability to comfortably maintain yourself in the water. Your PADI Instructor will ask you to:

• Swim 200 metres/yards (or 300 metres/yards wearing mask, fins and snorkel) without stopping. There is no time limit, and you may use any swimming strokes you want. 
• Float and tread water for 10 minutes, using any method(s) you want.

Your PADI certification does not expire. If you haven’t been diving in a while and wish to refresh your scuba safety knowledge and skills, ask your dive shop about the PADI ReActivate™ course.

When you’re lucky, you get to see a shark. Although incidents with sharks occur, they are very rare and, with respect to diving, primarily involve spear fishing or feeding sharks, both of which trigger feeding behavior. Most of the time, if you see a shark it’s just passing through and a rare sight to enjoy.

Aside from pregnancy, no. Because physiologists know little about the effects of diving on the fetus, the recommendation is that women avoid diving while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Menstruation is not normally a concern. 

Your PADI Instructor will be by your side the entire time. Your first dives will be to 12 meters/40 feet or shallower. The maximum depth allowed for any dive during the open water course is 18 meters/60 feet.

People find the “weightlessness” of scuba diving to be quite freeing. Modern scuba masks are available in translucent models, which you may prefer. During your scuba diving training, your instructor will give you plenty of time and assistance to ensure you are comfortable.

Once you have completed your certification, you will receive a PADI certification card! The card has details of your certification level and date, along with you and your instructor's name and number.

For questions regarding plastic or eCard (electronic version), please see our Certification Card FAQ.

If you have an eCard, you can access through the free PADI App.

• Download the PADI App for Apple iOS devices
• Download the PADI App for Android OS devices 

Please contact your local PADI Dive Center or Resort.