Obtaining a Scuba Diving Certification in Florida or any place in fact where diving is a popular recreational activity, is an exhilarating experience. Anyone over the age of ten in good health and who can swim qualifies to enroll in a diving course. It’s a breathtaking pursuit, but you also learn lifesaving techniques and how to manage the risks. It’s not illegal to dive without being certified, but it’s certainly not safe if you haven’t had adequate training.
What is Scuba Diving Certification?
A scuba diving certification takes you through a theoretical and practical course of using breathing equipment and functioning underwater. So, does scuba diving certification expire? No, as it normally lasts a lifetime.
But, if you don’t scuba dive often after doing the course and you decide to go diving years later, then refreshing your skills through review classes are highly recommended. There are various courses available, but the PADI Open Water Diver is the most prevalent certification.
What Can I Do With It?
The certification means you are trained to use and maintain diving equipment and execute safe diving practices. You can then confidently enjoy diving in the ocean as a hobby or make a career out of it as a navy diver, oil rig diver, rescue diver or diving instructor.
Taking advanced courses will open up many possibilities.
What is PADI Diving Certification?
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) was founded in 1966 by two scuba divers who wanted to offer professional scuba diving courses. Today, PADI is the most well-known and respected scuba school providing certifications through performance-based training. PADI courses are usually between 4 and 7 days and the qualification earned is accepted worldwide.
Choosing a Scuba Course
PADI has extensive training choices for different disciplines, experience levels and course types such as a refresher or specialty course. If you’re new to diving, it would be advisable to try the introductory courses and if you find diving is for you, then get started as a beginner. This level offers the highly sought-after PADI Open Water Diver certification.
How to Get Your Scuba Diving Certification?
After completing the first open water course, you can go on to do the scuba diving advanced open water certification or other specialized training. The PADI Open Water course provides comprehensive instruction on how to navigate the world underwater.
A shorter course is also available to provide basic training if you don’t have enough time for the full course. The standard Open Water course comprises three curriculum modules.
Part I: Theory
PADI’s Knowledge Development module offers online, independent or classroom study to learn the basic principles of scuba diving. Understanding the theory is a solid foundation from which to build your diving experience.
Part II: Confined Water Dives
The fun starts here with developing and practicing scuba skills in a pool with an instructor. This module aims to improve your abilities and confidence needed for diving in the ocean.
Part III: Open Water Dives
Once you feel ready to take the next step, you’ll proceed to the open water dives. Get ready to be awestruck. Everything you learned up to this point gets put to use. And with more practice, you will enable yourself to confidently enjoy unforgettable adventures below the deep blue sea.
In Summary
So, can you go scuba diving without a certification? You shouldn’t. Ever. You’re putting yourself and those around you at great risk. Invest in a PADI Open Water certification that prepares you to operate and look after scuba equipment and look afterlives. With sufficient experience, you can participate in continuing professional dive courses to keep enriching your skills and diving experiences.