FAQ's and Forms

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What is a scuba certification? 

A PADI scuba diving certification with Scuba Shepherds is your gateway to exploring the underwater world. Experience amazing marine life and learn how to protect our blue planet. With this certification you can go diving anywhere in the world. This will allow you to book dive excursions with boats or resorts, purchase or rent scuba gear, get scuba tanks filled with air, and meet fellow ocean lovers from the world's largest diver community.

Is it hard to get scuba certified?

Anyone age 10 years and older can learn to dive and explore the underwater world. This is accomplished in two steps. First you complete your PADI Knowledge Development training. This provides the fundamentals you need to confidently advance to your in-water dive training. During your in-water training, one of our PADI Elite Instructors will help you learn the necessary dive skills to become a safe and competent diver.

How do I complete my PADI Knowledge Development training?

This may be accomplished in two ways. The first option is the traditional method by watching the PADI Diver training video and answering the questions in your PADI Diver manual. The information in the video, is the same as in the manual. Your instructor will then go over the information with you to ensure comprehension. Option two is by completing the PADI eLearning. You independently complete this training whenever, wherever it's convenient for you. Work at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. The eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule.

How many dives do you need for scuba certification?

After learning basic diving skills in confined water (a pool or pool-like environment), you will make four open water dives with your instructor (usually over two days). On these dives, you will apply the dive skills you previously learned and explore the underwater world. Upon completion you will be a certified PADI Open Water diver.

How far do you have to swim for scuba certification?

To complete your scuba diving certification, you must swim 200 metres/219 yards (or 300 metres/328 yards in mask, snorkel and fins) without stopping, and float/tread water for 10 minutes, using any swimming methods you want. There is no time limit.

How long does a scuba certification last?

Your scuba diving certification is for life! Diving regularly is highly recommended to maintain your dive skills and knowledge. Try to avoid extended periods of inactivity. If you haven't been scuba diving recently (over 6 month), you should take a Scuba Refresher or the PADI Reactivate. We always say "safety before fun" and "safe fun is fun fun".

What are the levels of scuba diving certification for recreational divers?

The entry certification level is Scuba Diver/Open Water Diver, followed by Advanced Open Water Diver, next Rescue Diver and then the highest rating achievable in recreational diving the prestigious Master Scuba Diver. Less than 2% of divers reach this rating. See our training section for more information on each rating.

How can I expand my knowledge and dive skills once I am a certified diver?

As an Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver you may take Specialty Diver courses. They teach you to become a better dive buddy, improve buoyancy, extend your bottom time, underwater navigation, deep diving, explore wrecks and much more. Explore these courses in our training section.

Should I have my own scuba equipment?

Investing in your own scuba equipment for a course will help you become comfortable with how it works and the best way to maintain it. Having your own gear, especially your mask, fins, and snorkel, ensures a perfect fit and familiarity, which can significantly enhance your comfort and confidence underwater. While some dive centers offer rental equipment, owning your essential gear allows you to practice buoyancy control and finning techniques consistently, leading to faster progress in your diving skills. As you advance, you might consider purchasing more specialized equipment like your own BCD, regulator, and dive computer, tailoring your setup to your specific diving needs and preferences. Ultimately, owning your equipment fosters a deeper connection to the sport and prepares you for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable diving adventures.

What specialty courses are available to Open Water Divers?

Underwater Navigator, Altitude Diver, Boat Diver, Diver Propulsion Vehicle Diver, Drift Diver, Dry Suit Diver, Enriched Air Diver, Fish ID Diver, Full Face Mask Diver, Night Diver, Peak Performance Buoyancy Diver, Rebreather Diver, Sidemount Diver, Underwater Naturalist, Underwater Photographer, Underwater Videographer, Adaptive Support Diver, Aware Dive Against Debris, Aware Shark Conservation Diver, Delayed Surface Marker Buoy Diver, Digital Underwater Photographer, Equipment Specialist

What specialty courses are available to Advanced Open Water Divers?

*Deep Diver, *Wreck Diver, Self-Reliant Diver, Search and Recovery Diver, Cavern Diver, Ice Diver and Public Safety Diver, (*Both Deep and Wreck Diver Specialties are available to Adventure Divers).

About being a PADI Professional: Embrace the extraordinary lifestyle of a PADI Professional, where your deepest passions merge seamlessly with a rewarding career. Beyond the thrill of simply diving, you'll discover the profound satisfaction of guiding others through the underwater world and fostering their growth as confident, capable divers. As a PADI Professional, you'll master the art of leading exhilarating and safe dives, ensuring every excursion is an unforgettable adventure. But your role extends far beyond guiding. You'll become a mentor, an educator, and a trusted expert, empowering individuals to expand their diving skills and knowledge through comprehensive PADI educational programs.  As a PADI Divemaster or PADI Instructor, you'll learn how to lead dives and help others with their dive education. 

What is medically fit?

SCUBA diving is a physical activity and can be strenuous at times. In order to participate, a person must maintain a reasonable level of health and fitness. Certain medical issues must be considered. This is the basis for the PADI Medical Statement. Linked here is PADI's medical form so that you may read it, print it, and if necessary, have your physician sign it before arrival.