What would I have to do to get my scuba diving license in Australia?
Posted: February 21st, 2009 under Dive Talk.
Comments: 2
Comments
Comment from HayleyCate
Time: February 22, 2009, 12:19 pm
I took a scuba diving course for one week a few years ago. What you need to be able to do initially is swim 200m and tread water for 10mins. In terms of getting your license, you have to pass a test which has a theoretical component as well as a practical one. It may be different in different scuba diving courses, but we watched these videos on safety etc. As for the practical, you have to be able to do things like take your mask off underwater, clear your mask of water leaking into it, take your regulator out of your mouth and share oxygen with someone who’s run out, as well as learning the sign language you use while underwater.
I really enjoyed it, it’s well worth it! Hope you have fun 
Comment from lunachick71369
Time: February 24, 2009, 2:23 pm
There are several certifying agencies around – PADI, NAUI and SSI are the main 3. I’m PADI certified, so I can only tell you what my experience with them was like.
Dive shops have some leeway in how to present their courses (weekend courses, referral courses, etc) but they all have to cover some basic safety and operational materials. I took the regular open water class. We met at the dive shop on Tuesdays and at the pool on Thursdays for 2-3 hours over a 4 week period. There is a manual you have to read at home. The last weekend we had our required check-out dives, where you must demonstrate what you have practiced in the pool. There are 4 dives over a 2 day period. The course here cost US$ 250 for the whole thing. I had to buy my own mask & snorkel, but they provided the rest of the equipment (although I did wind up buying my own fins & booties too).
Check out PADI’s website for specific course information and to find a certified dive center close to you.
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