Over 10 years
As an approved centre, we're delighted to be able to cater for younger divers in line with the PADI suite of SCUBA courses.
Junior Open Water Diver is a special scuba certification for divers who are at least 10 years old but younger than 15.
The Junior Open Water Diver course covers the same material as the standard PADI Open Water Diver course, but it’s adapted for younger children. It’s perfect for eager aquanauts and for parents who can’t wait to get their future little buddies started young so that diving can become a family activity.
What is the Junior Open Water Diver Course?
Junior Open Water Diver is a special scuba certification for divers who are at least 10 years old but younger than 15. The Junior Open Water Diver course covers the same material as the standard PADI Open Water Diver course, but it’s adapted for younger children and taken by instructors who have recieved extra training for working with younger children.
Ages 10-11
Differences between the Open Water Diver Course and the Junior Open Water Diver Course
In confined open water and open water, the student-to-instructor ratio may not exceed 4:1, and there may not be more than two children aged 10-11 in the group.
Divers aged 10 or 11 may not dive deeper than 12 meters/40 feet during the class or following certification.
How Deep Can a Certified Junior Open Water Diver Go?
Divers aged 10 and 11 must dive with a PADI Professional or a certified parent or guardian. Dives may not exceed 12 meters/40 feet.
Ages 12-14
Differences between the Open Water Diver Course and the Junior Open Water Diver Course
Junior Open Water Diver students who are at least 12 but under 15 years old may dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters/60 feet. All Open Water Divers, including adults, should stay above 18 meters/60 feet until they have received additional training.
How Deep Can a Certified Junior Open Water Diver Go?
Divers 12-14 years old must also dive with a certified adult and their maximum depth cannot exceed 18 meters/60 feet.
Undertaking the Junior Advanced Open Water Diver course, divers 12 or older may explore down to 21 meters/70 feet with a PADI Professional or other certified adult.
How Do You Upgrade a Junior Open Water Diver Certification?
Because the Junior Open Water Diver course covers the same information and skills as the Open Water Diver course, a Junior Open Water Diver may upgrade to an Open Water Diver certification by simply ordering a replacement card once they turn 15.
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There’s nothing special you need to do when you order a new PADI card online or from a dive shop. The new card will automatically be printed without the ‘Junior’ designation if the diver is at least 15 years old.
