Gear: 10 Mistakes that Most People Make
Basic Requirements for Obtaining Scuba Diving Certification
Many people are increasingly taking up scuba diving as a form of hobby. Some who have taken up scuba diving regard it not just as a sport but also as an income generating activity to enable them cater for their financial needs. Scuba diving, however, is only accessible by those who have undergone certification. The certificate can only be awarded if the applicant agrees to take some tests administered by the governing authority and passing them. And you are no exception if you are considering taking up scuba diving; you have to take the tests too. There are some requirements that go with the certificate. Here are the most basic of these requirements.
The Age Factor
Most of the scuba diving schools have put ten years as the minimum age limit for those who want to join the sport, although some may lower or raise it. There is usually no upper age limit for diving, provided the other conditions are met. Because of the dangers involved in their case, children ten years and younger are not permitted to take up diving.
Physical Strength
A diver needs bodily strength to be successful at their trade. You will require enough stamina in the body to be able to survive the high water pressure and also regulate your own breaching under water. You will, therefore, have to go for a check-up to the doctor to find out whether you are healthy enough to take up diving or not. Divers are also expected to have endurance since they may have to swim against very strong currents when they are in the water.
Be Skilled in Swimming
Your fear of water won’t be of any help to you if you’re thinking of taking up diving. A perfect diver should make water their friend. Always love spending time in the water as much as possible. For you to be a great diver, you have to be great at swimming first. Only when you have become skilled in shallow water swimming can you graduate to the deep sea diving.
Ability to Handle Diving Equipment Well.
Scuba diving has its own tools and equipment aimed at making it easier for the diver to operate efficiently. A diver’s work is made easier if they can find tools such as goggles, oxygen tanks and masks and also flippers. It will therefore be of much help to the diver if they have prior knowledge of these equipment, how they are operated and how they can be repaired in case of a problem. The possession of such knowledge may be what it takes to keep the diver safe from life threatening dangers. Additional general knowledge about the water bodies available in your locality is also important.