Padi Scuba Diving Guide

This PADI scuba diving guide will help progress the curious dabbler to a certified scuba diver and beyond. Though different types of certification exist, PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is currently considered the world’s largest and most respected diver-training organization. Different levels of PADI diving qualifications exist, ranging from the novice to the seasoned professional.

1. Know the natural laws that govern the principles of diving. You need to know this so you’re not tempted to go off dare-deviling, which can potentially cost you you’re life. Having basic knowledge of how water pressure, matter and buoyancy affect your diving will be a primer that can not only give you further respect for the sport, but make you less prone to injury and death.
2. You’ll need to register for PADI courses. There are more than 3,000 PADI dive centers in the entire world where you’ll have access to reading and interactive material regarding scuba diving techniques and safety. You can also take the courses online. You’ll need to pass a test at the end in order to move on to actual training.
3. Get fitted for scuba diving equipment. Basic gear, such as scuba masks, booties, fins, scuba weights/belts, snorkels are need to be personalized to the individual and must be purchased. However, you’ll be able to rent other gear, such as scuba tanks, regulators, wetsuits and etc.
4. Pass snorkeling proficiency.  Scuba training usually commences with a primer in snorkeling, which is usually done in a pool. This will help increase physical fitness, swimming ability and confidence in the water. Snorkeling also exposes the aspiring diver to the effects of water pressure and other aspects of scuba diving.
5. Pass a basic scuba course. This is also done in a pool or a mellow, calm natural location. Here you’ll learn to prepare diving equipment and do pre-dive checks under the supervision of the instructor. You’ll also practice breathing underwater with the tanks and do shallow dives, usually not more than 30 feet—depending on the practicing location.
6. Pass the first level of open water scuba diving. This level will permit you to travel as deep as 60 feet—but you’ll need to prove that you can swim 200 yards with no swimming equipment, swim 12 feet with a single breath of air, tread water for five minutes and float unaided for a minimum of 10 minutes. Scuba equipment will be explored in more depth and dive patterns are some of important information you’ll go over.
7. Go for higher PADI qualification. After you’ve passed the open water test and become a PADI certified open water diver, you may want to go for more advanced certifications. Some may take many years of diving mastery before you can reach them (master instructor is presently the highest level available).