How Old Do You Have to Be to Scuba Dive? (2023)

Scuba diving is a fantastic way for the whole family to experience the wonders of the underwater world. If you’re going on vacation, doing an introductory scuba dive or even getting scuba certified is a way to make life-long memories, and doesn’t mean the young ones have to be left behind. So how old do you have to be to scuba dive? This article is going to look at the age requirements for the most popular scuba agencies.

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PADI

PADI is the world’s largest diving agency. For over 50 years PADI has been certifying new scuba divers. Over 1 million certifications are issued each year and over 29 million certifications have been issued since their inception. PADI has a few different options for young aspiring scuba divers.

Bubblemaker Program

The Bubblemaker program is designed for children who are at least 8 years old and introduces them to the thrill of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment. During the session, kids will learn how to use the equipment and take their first breaths underwater no deeper than 6 feet (2m).

Padi Seal Team

The Seal Team is a fun activity-filled diving experience in the pool. Kids 8 years and older complete underwater “aquamissions” like clearing their masks, buoyancy control, underwater photography, and environmental awareness. The program provides kids with the knowledge and skills necessary to feel comfortable and confident underwater, teaching them basic scuba skills.

Junior Open Water

The Junior Open Water (JOW) program is a great way for children aged 10-14 to learn how to scuba dive safely and responsibly. In the JOW program, kids will go over the same academics and diving skills as in the regular Open Water program. After certification, however, Junior Open Water divers are limited to a maximum depth of 40 feet (12m). Divers are automatically eligible for the full Open Water certification after turning 15 years old.

Discover Scuba Diving

The Discover Scuba Diving program is an entry-level scuba experience for all ages. The minimum age is 10 years old and takes place is the pool or in calm open water conditions. This program is a fantastic way to find out what it’s like to scuba dive before taking a full certification course. You will learn basic skills, how to equalize your ears, hand signals, and how to use the gear.

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SSI

SSI is a large, worldwide scuba agency with over 3,500 training centers in over 150 countries. SSI has structured courses and age requirements similar to PADI.

Try Scuba

The Try Scuba program from SSI is the best way to dip your toes into scuba diving. The minimum age is 8 years old, but is intended for all ages. It is a confined water dive with a maximum depth of 16 feet (5m) where you can experience breathing underwater.

Open Water Diver

The Open Water course is a full certification course that allows you to dive in the ocean or other open waters all over the world. The minimum age for the course is 10 years old, which can be upgraded to the full Open Water Diver certification at 15 years old. Divers aged 10 to 14 do have depth restrictions with a maximum depth of 50 feet (15m).

SDI

SDI is another international scuba diving organization that has programs similar to PADI and SSI. SDI is a branch of the organization TDI, which trains technical divers for deep advanced dives. SDI has two courses that are geared for kids under 15 years old.

Future Buddies Program

Future Buddies is fun program is designed for kids 8 to 10 years old to learn the basics of scuba diving. This program goes more in-depth than the similar courses that PADI and SSI offer. The Future Buddies Program covers diving history, aquatic nature/environment, diver physiology, equipment, and diving accessories. Divers are limited to 20 feet (6m).

Junior Open Water Scuba Diver

Junior Open Water certification program is designed to train youth scuba divers with the skills needed to ensure safe diving in open water environments. Kids aged 10 to 14 years old qualify for this course. When the diver reaches 15 years old, they qualify to upgrade to the standard Open Water certified diver.

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Naui

NAUI is well known for being a comprehensive, high-quality certifying organization with an emphasis on knowledge and underwater skills. The US Navy Seals and NASA both use NAUI qualifications for their programs. NAUI has one option for kids under 15 to begin their journey into scuba diving.

Junior Scuba Diver

In the Junior Scuba Diver program, kids aged 10 to 15 years old learn the required skills to safely descend on their first open water dives. This is a full certification course with a wide range of knowledge and skills. This entry-level course allows divers to drop down to 60 feet (18m).

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Should I Allow My Child To Scuba Dive?

Before allowing children to scuba dive there are several things to consider. Scuba diving is an exhilarating experience but can have serious consequences if not done safely.

• Is your child mature enough to scuba dive? Scuba diving requires learning new concepts and underwater skills. Your child should be able to read the materials and understand these concepts.
• Does your child want to scuba dive? Even if the parent is excited about scuba diving, the child should not be pressured to scuba dive if they are not excited about it. The child should be curious and willing to try something that could feel very foreign.
• Does the scuba shop have child-sized gear?
• If you want to dive with your child, are you willing to stay within the maximimum depth limits of your child?
• Is your child medically fit to dive? If you have any doubts, visiting a doctor beforehand is the safest thing to do.
• If you don’t think your child is ready for scuba, snorkeling is a fantastic alternative. Snorkeling is a great way to see the different creatures and beauty of the open water.
• Does your child know how to swim? Many of these programs have swimming and floating requirements to ensure safety in the water.

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Conclusion

Scuba diving is a fun, memorable activity that can involve the whole family. If the whole family is excited about scuba diving, you may find new, exciting travel destinations that everyone can enjoy.

Getting kids in the water and excited about underwater habitats and the creatures that live there can be very fulfilling and have a positive impact on their lives.

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