How Long Does It Take To Get Scuba Certified?

Scuba diving has grown in popularity over the last 20 years – with about one million certifications issued annually. Developing trends excite people to explore the underwater world and become passionate about its environment.

To carry out this activity you need to get scuba certified – this includes different phases where you’ll learn the basic principles of scuba diving by reading diver manuals and watching videos.

How long does it take to get scuba certified? Read on…

Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How long does scuba certification take?

This depends on who you take your course with. If you learn to dive with the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) your training may be organised in a range of options. You can complete all the theory sessions over the weekend, or do one a week for seven weeks.

You’ll need five sheltered water lessons in a pool and four open water lessons in the sea. The timing is up to you –you need to be comfortable and confident.

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is based on your performance meaning that you’ll be offered a variety of schedules, and they’ll be arranged according to your ability and progress.

You may be able to complete your confined and open water dives in three to four days alongside home study options offered. You earn your certification based on demonstrating that you know and can do everything to become a competent scuba diver.

Your schedule will basically be the same whoever you choose to study with. The first step is often self-study, reading the theory side of diving at your own pace. Second stages carried out in the swimming pool can be completed over the weekend, or in evening sessions over a couple of weeks. And the final step of open water dives can be carried out in weekend trips to selected islands.

Where do I start?

You’ll learn valuable information from your chosen instructor who’ll demonstrate all the skills you need – turning theory into reality. You’ll be taught:

• Consideration needed when planning dives
• Choosing the correct scuba equipment
• Diving procedures and underwater signals

What essential skills will I need?

Starting in the swimming pool or in an area of confined water you’ll learn how to:

• Set up your scuba gear
• Get in and out of the water
• Control buoyancy
• Navigate underwater
• Initiate safety procedures

What are open water dives?

Once you’ve completed the confined water dives you’ll head for the open sea. You’ll generally make up to four dives with your instructor over a couple of days. During these dives, you’ll get to explore an amazing underwater world and use the skills you’ve previously learned. If you opt to finish this part of your course on holiday you can be referred to another PADI instructor in a different location.

Learn to Dive with Koox

Get your scuba diving certification with Koox – you’ll be taught all the skills needed – and be safely guided through the practice training as you learn the theory. Koox dive masters will teach you the basics of open water dives, and make it fun. You’ll be able to choose a course and organisation – and the duration will depend on the course you choose.

For example, a PADI Scuba Diving course with dives up to 12m takes two days with three dives. The PADI Open Water course up to 18m dives takes two to three days with five dives in total, and you need to complete the E-learning home study prior to the course. Every course includes theory, PADI written materials, and open water exams with a PADI certified instructor. When you pass, you’ll get your certification documents sent through the post!