Questions and answers
Scuba training FAQ
This scuba training FAQ answers the questions new divers ask most, from age limits and swimming ability to what happens if you get nervous underwater. Each answer links to a fuller guide.
Getting started
Before your first course
How old do you have to be to learn to scuba dive?
Full beginner certification starts at age 10 with the major agencies. Divers aged 10 to 14 earn a junior certification with lower depth limits and supervision rules, which upgrades at 15. There is no upper age limit; fitness and medical history matter more than age. See our overview of scuba certification levels for the limits at each step.
Do I need to be a good swimmer?
You need to be comfortable in water, not fast. The usual requirement is a continuous swim of about 200 metres or yards with no time limit, and about ten minutes of floating or treading water. More on our medical and fitness page.
Do I need a medical exam?
Not usually. You fill in a medical questionnaire. If you answer yes to any question, you need a doctor's written approval before water training.
Can I learn to dive if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
Yes. Many divers use soft contact lenses under their mask, and prescription lenses can be fitted to many masks.
What if I feel claustrophobic or nervous?
It is common to feel nervous at first. Good instructors go at your pace, starting in shallow water where you can stand up. A try dive is a low-pressure way to find out how you feel before booking a full course. Tell your instructor how you feel; they have helped many nervous students.
The course
During training
How long does it take to get certified?
Most Open Water courses take three to four days in person, with the theory done online beforehand. Weekend courses spread the same training over several weeks. Our Open Water certification guide shows a typical schedule.
Which agency should I choose?
Choose the best school you can find and accept whichever agency it teaches. PADI, SSI, NAUI and the other major agencies are all widely recognized. Our PADI vs SSI vs NAUI comparison explains the differences.
Do I need to buy my own equipment?
No. Schools provide the main equipment. Many ask you to bring your own mask, and sometimes fins, because fit matters. Our post on what to bring to your Open Water course has a full list.
How much does certification cost?
It varies a lot by country, school and what is included. Ask for a written quote that lists learning materials, boat trips, site fees, equipment and the certification fee. Our page on scuba certification cost has a checklist.
Can I do the theory at home and the dives on holiday?
Yes. A referral lets you finish theory and pool training at home and complete the open water dives elsewhere, usually within about a year. Check that both dive centers accept it before you book.
After certification
Once you are certified
Does my scuba certification expire?
No. Recreational certifications do not expire. If you have not dived for a year or more, a refresher session is strongly recommended and many dive centers will ask for one.
How deep can I dive once certified?
Open Water Divers are trained to 18 m / 60 ft. Advanced Open Water Divers are trained to 30 m / 100 ft, and 40 m / 130 ft is the generally accepted limit for recreational diving with deep training.
What should I do next after Open Water?
Dive regularly to build experience. When you are ready, the Advanced Open Water course is the usual next step, followed by Rescue Diver.
How soon can I fly after diving?
Widely used guidelines recommend waiting at least 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive and at least 18 hours after multiple dives or multiple days of diving.
Can I work as a dive professional?
Yes, from age 18, starting with divemaster training after Rescue Diver. See divemaster and instructor training. Brush up on the core scuba skills and safety habits first; you will be demonstrating them to students.