Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of our frequently asked questions. 

My kid(s) want to get certified.  Is there an age requirement? Yes, children age 10 and 11 may experience introductory dives and earn the Junior Open Water Diver certification.  Children ages 12 and up may complete all levels of certification through (Junior) Master Scuba Diver.  The minimum age for Divemaster candidates is 18.  

I'm already a scuba diver, and I've lost my certification card.  Can I get another one, and how long will it take?  To replace a lost card, you can contact MDC (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or you can go to the replacement card area at padi.com. It takes about two weeks to replace a certification card, so if you are diving sooner than that, have a PADI Dive Center or Resort you're diving with call PADI.  If you were certified after 1984 in PADI Asia Pacific, PADI Americas, PADI Canada, PADI International Limited, or PADI Europe territory. PADI Dive Centers or Resorts can usually verify your certification through the computerized Dive-Check system at any time. 

I need vision correction.  Is this a problem?  No, wearing soft contact lenses shouldn't be a problem while you dive.  If you wear hard contact lenses, you'll want to dive with gas permeable lenses.  See your eye doctor for more information.  Another option is to have prescription lenses, or readers put into your mask.  

My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool.  Won't they hurt when I scuba dive?  Your ears hurt because of the water pressure on your eardrum.  In your scuba course, you'll learn simple techniques to equalize your ears in the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane.   

How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?  You must be at least ten yours old to receive a Junior Open Water Diver Certification. Ten and 11-year-old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent/guardian or PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 meters/40 feet.  Twelve to 14-year-olds must dive with an adult certified diver to a maximum depth of 18 meters/60 feet for Junior Open Water Divers and a maximum of 21 meters/70 feet for continuing education.  At age 15, the Junior certification upgrades to a regular Open Water Diver certification.    

Is learning to dive difficult? No, it's probably easier than you imagine, especially if you're already comfortable in the water.  PADI's entry-level courses consist of pool sessions, knowledge development, and open water dives.  The course is performance-based, meaning that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill.