Scuba Certification F.A.Q.

Select the knowledge development option you prefer:

Start right now and learn to scuba dive online with PADI eLearning at your own pace—anytime, anywhere (great for busy schedules)

Attend a scheduled scuba diving class at your local PADI dive shop (great for meeting new friends and dive buddies)
There are five confined water dives, with each building upon the previous. Over the course of these five dives, you attain the skills you need to dive in open water.

Q: What scuba gear do I need to learn to scuba dive?

A: Choosing and using your scuba gear is part of the fun of diving. Each piece of scuba equipment performs a different function so that collectively, it adapts you to the underwater world.

When you start learning to scuba dive, as a minimum, you want your own scuba mask,scuba fins & boots and snorkel. These have a personal fit, Texan Scuba will help you choose ones that have the fit and features best suited to you.

As part of the enrollment fee for all or part of your PADI Open Water Diver course, Texan Scuba provides:

-dive regulator
-scuba BC
-dive computer
-scuba tank scuba wetsuit weight system and weights

It’s recommended that you invest in your own scuba equipment when you start your course because:

-you’re more comfortable using scuba gear fitted for you

-you’re more comfortable learning to scuba dive using gear you’ve chosen

-scuba divers who own their own scuba diving equipment find it more convenient to go diving

-having your own scuba diving gear is part of the fun of diving.

Q: What’s required to take scuba lessons?

A: If you have an appetite for excitement and adventure, odds are you can become an avid PADI scuba diver. You'll also want to keep in mind these requirements:

Minimum Age:

-10 years old

Students younger than 15 years, who successfully complete the course qualify for the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, which they may upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15.

You must be at least 13 years old to take scuba lessons online with PADI eLearning, due to international internet laws. If you’re younger, you can still learn to dive – just have your parent or legal guardian contact Texan Scuba.

Physical: For safety, all students complete a brief scuba medical questionnaire that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while diving. If none of these apply, you sign the form and you’re ready to start. If any of these apply to you, as a safety precaution your physician must assess the condition as it relates to diving and sign a medical form that confirms that you’re fit to dive. In some areas, local laws require all scuba students to consult with a physician before entering the course.

Download the scuba medical questionnaire.

Waterskills: Before completing the PADI Open Water Diver course, your instructor will have you demonstrate basic waterskill comfort by having you:

swim 200 metres/yards (or 300 metres/yards in mask, fins and snorkel). There is no time limit for this, and you may use any swimming strokes you want.

float and tread water for 10 minutes, again using any methods that you want.

About Physical Challenges: Any individual who can meet the performance requirements of the course qualifies for certification. There are many adaptive techniques that allow individuals with physical challenges to meet these requirements. Individuals with paraplegia, amputations and other challenges commonly earn the PADI Open Water Diver certification. Even individuals with more significant physical challenges participate in diving. Talk to your PADI Instructor at your local PADI Dive Shop or Resort for more information.

Learning Materials : Unless you choose PADI eLearning, you’ll need and use the following training materials during the PADI Open Water Diver course, and for your review and reference after the course:

The PADI Open Water Diver Manual

PADI Open Water Diver Video on DVD

You will also need your PADI Log book and Recreational Dive Planner (Table, The WheelTM or eRDPTM). Texan Scuba can set you up with these as part of the course enrollment process.