Getting certified to scuba dive isn’t as easy as you might think. Typically, it takes three to four days to become certified to the open water level. However, you can speed up the process by taking an online course.
The first step to getting certified is to find a good instructor. A PADI instructor will teach you how to use your scuba gear. This includes a scuba tank, a regulator, and a buoyancy control device. It’s important to find an instructor who is also a technical diver.
The second step is to complete an academic portion of the course. This involves reading the scuba manual and answering quizzes. You can complete this portion online or in a classroom. You’ll spend about two hours each day studying. You’ll also be required to take a written exam.
After completing the academic portion of the course, you’ll go to the dive site and complete a confined water test and an open water test. You’ll learn how to manage increased water pressure and how to deal with emergencies. This can take up to two days to complete.
Your instructor will take you through each chapter in the manual, and you’ll answer questions at the end of each section. If you take an online course, you’ll be asked to complete quizzes after each chapter. The instructor will also review your answers with you.
Depending on your location, you can take the PADI Open Water Diving course over two days, five days, or even a year. The length of time will depend on the instructor you choose.