PADI Certification

Learn How To Get PADI Certified and Why

The Importance of Scuba Training & Certfication

With the world made up of over 70% water, there is so much to explore deep under. While some may think you can just pull on scuba gear and dive in, you need a license or certification to scuba dive. 

A scuba certification course is much more than just learning how to explore the underwater world safely (but that's definitely covered). It's a great way to reconnect with the natural world. By the time you finish your PADI Open Water Diver course, you'll understand our ocean planet in a new way.

Scuba Training and PADI Certification Objectives

It starts and ends with safety first. The most important benefits of becoming a certified diver is for safety. Being certified means that you are trained by an experienced instructor to set up diving equipment safely and properly. You learn skills in various diving situations and safety procedures.

Fun, Discovery and Adventure

Throughout your scuba training you will be coached on the best scuba best practices and how to get the most positive experience possible during the course and more importantly after the course. 

Scuba diving is a life long activity that never stops being amazing. There is discover and adventure on every dive enhancing the "Fun Factor" .

Completing a PADI course will give you the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to dive the most  fantastic underwater locations around the world, and locally at home here on Vancouver Island and British Columbia. 

It will open a whole new perspective on life, making you aware of the fact that there is so much more out there than what meets the eye.

Sharing, discovering, and discussing your dives with like-minded people here in Duncan British Columbia is really cool, fun and entertaining. It creates one of the most satisfiying social activities and a feeling of happiness. 

Certification Internationally Recognized

Dive shops and resorts around the world require a recognized diver certification before they will allow you to take part in diving activities. Becoming an internationally recognized PADI diver means you have the opportunity to dive anywhere in the world  like Fiji, Philippines, Mexico, Egypt the Caribean, South East Asis, Canada, the United States, to name just a few destinations. 

There are Dive Centres that issue certifications not recognized by the controlling body for scuba certification (WRSTC), divers' certifications from these dive shops risk having their diving privileges blocked because their certification is not recognized. 

I couldn't imagine traveling to a highly sought after diving destination only to find out my certification isn't reconized and my diving plans dashed.

A PADI Certifcation is the most sought after and recognized in the scuba diving industry and around the world. With more than 6,200 PADI dive centres and dive shops, and more than 136,000 individual PADI Professionals who have issued more than twenty-three million certifications around the world, you can find PADI diver courses and scuba diving services everywhere and if you cannot find a PADI store then your certification will be recognized by any other RSTC members.

How To Get Your PADI Certification

The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular scuba certification. We'll tell you everything you need to know to get started.

The PADI Open Water course is broken out into three phases:

Phase 1 : Knowledge Development (online, independent study or in a classroom) to understand basic
principles of scuba diving.
Phase 2 : Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills..
Phase 3 : Open Water Dives to use your skills and explore!
PADI Dive Association Logo

The Way the World Learns to Dive®

With more than 6,200 PADI dive centres and resorts, and more than 136,000 individual PADI Professionals who have issued more than 23 million certifications around the world, you'll find PADI diver courses and scuba diving services nearly everywhere. In fact, on most scuba diving adventures, you'll be surrounded by other PADI Divers who made the same choice you did - to join the world's most respected scuba diving community.

PADI e-learning is a easy way to learn from anywhere

Start Your Scuba Course Today

PADI elearning portal

Scuba Diving FAQs

Your questions answered

How long does it take to earn a scuba diving certification?

There are three parts to becoming a certified diver: knowledge development, confined water in a pool or pool-like environment, and open water dives.

Independent study using PADI Open Water Diver digital learning program (eLearning) takes about eight hours. In-water work, including pool training and open water dives, can be completed in just a few days.

The PADI Open Water Diver course is flexible and performance-based, which means you progress at your own pace. Once you and your instructor feel confident that you've mastered a skill, you’ll move on to the next one. If you want to try the new skill a few more times, that’s okay too. The goal is for you to learn how to be a safe, confident diver and feel comfortable in the water..

What do I need a PADI Certifcation?

The most important reason to get a SCUBA certification is safety. Open water SCUBA classes start by teaching you the basic skills and knowledge that will be integral to your entire dive career, whether you remain at the beginner level or continue to advance your education.

How old do you have to be to learn to scuba dive?

The minimum age is 10 years old (in most areas). Student divers who are younger than 15 earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification.

The Junior Open Water certification comes with restrictions. 

  • Divers 10-11 years old must dive with a PADI Professional or a certified parent or guardian, and dives cannot exceed 12 meters/40 feet. 
  • Divers 12-14 years old must dive with a certified adult and dives cannot exceed 18 meters / 60 feet
  • Children under the age of 13 require parent or guardian permission to register for PADI eLearning.
  • Jr. Open Water Divers may upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver certification at age 15 by requesting a new certification card (no additional training is required). 
  • Learn more here: https://blog.padi.com/2014/09/16/scuba-diving-lessons-for-kids/ 

How much do scuba diving lessons cost?

A scuba diving certification costs about the same as a full day of surfing lessons, three hours of private golf lessons, or one amazing night out! Learning to scuba dive is a great value because you earn a certification that allows you to dive anywhere in the world.

When comparing prices for scuba lessons, be sure to ask what’s included. A very low price may be for in-water training only. A higher price may include rental gear, a boat trip and/or online training.

Does a Scuba Certification expire?

No, your certification will not expire. As an PADI Open Water Diver, your certification is good for life. If you do not actively participate in scuba for an extended period of time, however, it's a good idea to refresh your skills through the PADI ReActivate class.

Can you Scuba Dive without a certification?

It is not illegal to dive without certification, but no reputable dive center or club would allow someone to dive with them without first being certified to scuba dive. Can I be Scuba diving without certification? It's not that diving is difficult, it just requires a specific set of skills.

Can I dive without my PADI Certification Card?

 Technically you do not need your physical card to scuba dive. However Dive centers will need to verify and check that you are a certified diver, most dive centers can do this online within the PADI system

Can I Scuba Dive Anywhere?

From the first day, scuba diving starts transforming your life with new experiences you can share with friends. And you can do it almost anywhere there is water. Start learning with eLearning and get ready to take your first breaths underwater!

Is Scuba Diving Safe?

Like any active sport there is elements of risks, which is why taking professional scuba training and getting properly certified is important. Proper training greatly reduces the elements of risk. 

Is Scuba Diving safer than driving a car?

Statistically, scuba diving is safer than driving a car, riding a motocycle, skiing, playing football, having a kid, skydiving, or running a marathon.

Contact and Location

(250) 746-6669

Terry(at)Pacificwatersports.ca

260 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan, BC. V9L 3P9

Store Hours 

Monday  -  Closed 

Tuesday - 10:00 - 4:00 

Wednesday - 10:00 - 4:00  

Thursday - 10:00 - 4:00  

Friday -  10:00 - 4:00  

Sat - 10:00 - 4:00  

Sun - Closed 

Please note: We are closed all Statutory Holidays, and the Tuesday following those Holidays. 

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