3 Things You Must Be Able to Do to Become Scuba Certified
Scuba diving is an exceptional sport that allows you to enjoy a world that is magical, mysterious, and compelling. At Island Divers there isnt a day that goes by that we’re not celebrating the beauties of Hawaii’s amazing marine environment. And in this spirit, we are always excited when people come to us wishing to become scuba certified.
Certification is important, because by properly using the ‘Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus’ (scuba) you will be able to explore the depths easily, comfortably, and safely.
Requirements
To become scuba certified, you have to be at least 10 years old, although even children under 10 can participate in junior dive training programs. You must be fit and healthy, showing us that you can swim and float without aids. We will ask you to fill out a medical and fitness questionnaire and once all is in place, you’re ready to go!
Three Basic Elements
There are three essential elements things that go into scuba certification, and they all have to do with the techniques and procedures for safety that lead to achieving your lifetime certification.
1) Academic Learning
The first step is self-guided course work that includes quizzes and a final exam. Here you will learn the basic principles and theory behind diving and safety procedures. These include:
· How pressure affects the body
· How to choose the right scuba diving gear
· How to intelligently plan your dives
2) Pool Practice
A pool offers a sense of security until you are ready for open water training. It’s where you learn how scuba diving equipment functions and how to use it correctly. This includes:
· Clearing water from a flooded mask without surfacing
· Breathing from your regulator
· Using fins
· Controlling buoyancy by adding or releasing air from your buoyancy control device
· Descending and ascending
· Easily recovering a misplaced regulator
…and other skills.
3) Open Water Training
We call these “check out dives,” which are several dives made under our supervision. You will not be in very deep water, which allows you to adjust to the sensation of being out in the real ocean world. Here you will show us that you can handle all the knowledge you’ve gained, as well as the absolute thrill you’ll feel finally seeing some amazing underwater sights.
The Coveted Cert Card
Once we see that your skills are in place, you are ready for certification. Now you can get that coveted Cert Card that vouches for your training and qualifies you to dive in open water without supervision!
Contact Us
At Island Divers Hawaii, we are trained and certified through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) to lead courses for divers of all abilities, from beginner to advanced. Here on the island of Oahu you’ll be in one of the best places to learn, with crystalline water, extraordinary sea creatures, along with spectacular reefs and wrecks to explore. Sharing the underwater world is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, so sign up today at www.oahuscubadiving.com !
