Last Updated on August 7, 2021 by Dan
Do you have what it takes to scuba dive with no experience?
The first step is to get your PADI Open Water certification. The Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular scuba diving qualification, and it allows you to dive safely in open water as far down as 18 metres (60 feet), providing that you are accompanied by a buddy who can watch out for your safety.
If your goal is to become an instructor or Divemaster, then this course would be considered basic training – but if all you want to do is experience what underwater life has to offer without becoming bored with repetitive dives on shallow reefs, then the Open Water Diver certification could be perfect for you. Completing the scuba certification will generally take about a week, between the courses and the dives. The Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular scuba diving qualification, and it allows you to dive safely in open water as far down as 18 metres (60 feet), providing that you are accompanied by a buddy who can watch out for your safety.
This course will teach you everything that you need to know about scuba diving, and it’s something that every diver should do before continuing with more advanced courses like the Advanced Scuba Diver or Deepsea Adventurer program. It can be completed in three days of classroom lectures and pool sessions, followed by five days of open water dives including a final exam on the last day outside of Roatan, Honduras.
Download a formatted copy of the 55 practise Open Water Diver Q&As for $5 and print it out in preparation for your test.
After completing this course successfully (and passing any required exams), most people are ready for their next steps: getting technical training from experienced divemasters who have many years of experience.
Is it an expensive hobby to get started in Scuba diving?
The equipment is expensive and will need to be replaced every few years. So yes, it’s a costly hobby.
-However, if you’re willing to put in the time learning how to scuba dive with no experience (and there are plenty of instructional courses available) then your costs can go down significantly once you purchase gear that suits your needs and interests best. For example, some people buy new tanks for their compressed air but others rent them when they want to explore more than one site each day on vacation. Many divers carry several sets of fins so they stay streamlined versus carrying all three types or styles.
-The cost of the exams is approx $300 depending on which PADI dive shop you go through. That can be worth it in the long run if you want to become a certified diver.
When you are unqualified.
The best way to learn how to scuba dive quickly? You could enrol in a vacation course where certified instructors teach this skillful sport while also having fun exploring new depths each day all over the world! Just keep your depth to above 30ft with your guide.
While untrained, your diving guide will keep you under at a certain depth, normally above 30 feet.
Safety tips:
- Remember to stay safe while diving
- Listen to diving instructors and guides at all times
- Check your gauges frequently
- Stay within dive limits even if you are alone with a buddy
- Always have a dive buddy and keep track of your buddy at all times
- Never take someone’s word that they are qualified
- Always have a safety stop in the water
- Watch out for decompression sickness and other hazards.
If you want to scuba dive with no experience, start by reading some of our articles on what diving gear is available and so forth. The more you know before your first breath underwater, the better prepared you will be to make an educated purchase or decision when it comes time to buy equipment!
If you are looking for a complete study kit to practise for your exam at home then click on the link below. This is the 2020 Imperial edition with fast shipping from Florida.