Zobair Shahadat

Full time coder

Hey there! Curious about scuba diving?

In this post, I’ll share my experience getting certified in open water diving, from choosing a certification agency to my first dive. I got certified with SDI (Scuba Diving International) through Good Vibes Diving dive center in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and it was an unforgettable experience. Here’s what I learned along the way!

Getting Certified and Why It’s Important

Before you can dive in open water or rent/buy diving equipment, you first need a diving certification.

Diving can be dangerous if you’re not properly trained. Getting certified is essential because it prepares you to handle situations that might come up underwater, like equipment failure or air supply issues. Without the right skills, things can go wrong quickly. Certification helps you dive safely, stay calm in emergencies, and fully enjoy your underwater adventure.

What to Expect During Your Scuba Diving Certification Training

Getting your open water certification usually takes about 3 to 4 days. Here’s what to expect:

1. The Classroom/E-learning

First, you’ll dive into some classroom time (or online modules). This is where you’ll learn the basics: understanding your scuba gear, how to use your regulator (the device that gives you air), and how to manage your tank. You’ll also cover safety rules, dive planning, and how to react in emergencies. With SDI e-learning, I spent about 15 hours going through the online modules, covering key topics like dive tables, how to respond in emergencies, and understanding the physics of diving. After completing the modules, I took the exam to test my knowledge. It’s an essential foundation that prepares you to dive safely once you hit the water.

2. Learning in the Pool

Next, it’s time to get in the pool for confined water training. This is where you’ll get hands-on with your equipment and start building your skills:

  • You’ll learn how to assemble your scuba gear, check your tank, and adjust your mask and fins.
  • Master buoyancy control using your BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), which helps you float, sink, or stay level in the water.
  • Practice clearing water from your mask (it might feel a bit weird at first, but you’ll get the hang of it).
  • Work on equalizing ear pressure as you descend—this part’s super important to avoid discomfort.

3. Your First four Open Water Dives

Now comes the exciting part. the open water diving. I did my dives in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and it was such an unforgettable experience. The dive shop took us out to the dive spot by boat, and we assembled our equipment right there on the boat. We did two dives on the first day at about 13 meters deep, and two more the next day. Each dive lasted between 40-60 minutes, and the whole time, we stayed underwater, practicing what we had learned in the pool and classroom.

The instructors made sure we were ready for anything. They went over emergency procedures like how to take off your mask and switch to a second one, what to do if your oxygen tank runs out, and how to communicate using hand signals. The last dive was purely for fun. We explored the coral, saw a manta ray, and swam through schools of fish. It was an absolute blast, and it really made me appreciate all the training I had done to get to that point!

How to get started with getting certified in scuba diving

Step 1: Finding Your Local Dive Center

So, you’re ready to dive into the world of scuba diving—awesome! The first step is to find a local dive center or school that offers certification courses. Here’s how to go about it:

  • Search Online: Simply search “scuba diving certification near me” or “[PADI dive shop] [your city]” on Google. You’ll find plenty of options. Many dive centers have websites or social media pages with all the info you need.
  • Ask Around: Know someone who’s already a diver? Get their recommendations! Personal advice is valuable when choosing the right place.
  • Travel & Resorts: If you’re thinking about getting certified while on vacation, some resorts in popular diving spots offer certification courses as part of a travel package. If you’re headed to places like Mexico or the Caribbean, check out options directly through resorts.

Once you’ve found a few dive centers nearby, take a look at their reviews to get a sense of what others think. A good dive shop will have experienced instructors, solid equipment, and a focus on safety.

Step 2: Choosing Your Certification Organization

Next, it’s time to choose which certification agency you want to go with. There are three main ones you’ll come across:

All three are great options, so it really depends on which one’s available near you and which one feels like the best fit for you. Your dive shop will provide you with the materials.

Challenges You Might Face

Equipment and Gear

Here’s what I learned from my experience:

  • Buoyancy Control: It was tricky at first! Even with weights, I couldn’t sink. I had to focus on exhaling fully to help my lungs empty and descend. If you’re struggling, try slow, controlled breaths to stay level.

  • Mask Clearing: Water leaks happen, especially if your mask doesn’t fit right. To clear it, tilt your head back and blow out through your nose. You can also let in a little water to clear the fog—it’s a bit strange, but it works!

  • Equalizing Pressure: Descending made my ears hurt at first. I learned you need to equalize every few meters by pinching your nose and gently blowing out. Don’t skip this—it can be painful if you don’t!

Dealing with Sea Creatures and Marine Life

You might be a little nervous about sea creatures, but most of them are harmless. Here’s what I learned from my diving buddies:

  • Give Wildlife Space: Always observe from a distance—never touch or disturb anything.
  • Sharks and Rays: They’re usually calm and not a threat. Just let them be.
  • Watch for Jellyfish and Fire Coral: These can sting, so stay cautious around them.
  • Be Calm and Respectful: Avoid sudden movements and don’t chase animals.
  • Look Around: You might spot cool sea birds or schools of fish swimming above or below you.

Tips If You’re Considering Getting Certified

  • Get Comfortable in the Water: You’ll need to swim 200 meters without equipment for certification, so make sure you’re confident in the water.
  • Choose the Right Instructor: Find a teacher who makes you feel at ease and communicates clearly. You will be spending a lot of time with them, so it’s important to feel comfortable.
  • Invest in a Well-Fitted Mask: Renting gear is fine, but a well-fitting mask is worth the investment. It’ll keep you comfortable and improve your visibility underwater. You can get one for less than $30.

Receiving Certification After Training

After you complete your dives and the written or online exam, your instructor will certify you. Congratulations, you now qualify to dive with a buddy to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet). You may use the certification to dive anywhere in the world, but always check the local regulations and dive with a buddy.

How Much Does It Cost?

Diving can be pricey, but it’s totally worth it. Here’s what you need to know:

Certification Costs
  • Mexico: Around $450 for the course, dives, and gear rental.
  • Hawaii: Around $800 due to higher costs.
Other Costs
  • Accommodation: Hotels can range from $50–$150 per night.
  • Transportation: Don’t forget to budget for travel to the dive shop.
  • Study Materials: Expect to pay $60–$150 for books or online modules.
  • Insurance: Dive insurance might cost $10–$20 per day.
Post-Certification Dive Costs
  • Fun Dives: Usually $50–$150 per dive.
  • Boat Dive Trips: Can cost $100–$200 for a full day of diving.
Rental vs. Buying Gear
  • Renting Gear: Typically $20–$50 per day for basic gear, or $50–$100 for everything.
  • Buying Gear: A basic set (mask, fins, snorkel) starts around $100, while a full setup (BCD, regulator, wetsuit) can cost $500–$1,000.

If you want a great dive experience, I had an absolute blast with Good Vibes Diving. Total cost was around 6500 Mesican Pesos/315.0 USD. Ask for Roberto! He’s awesome.

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