Certified As A Junior Diver: Upgrade To Full Open Water Diver Certification?

by Rob
(California)

Hi,

I was certified about 4 years ago and I believe I was certified as a Junior Diver. I was wondering if I had to do anything to become a full open water certified diver.

Thanks.

Hi,

Congratulations on your Junior Diver certification. I hope you have been enjoying diving.

I am not sure which certifying agency you received your dive certification from, but I will use PADI's requirements since they are the largest certifying organization.

For those that aren't familiar with it, a Junior Diver takes the full PADI Open Water Diver scuba certification course (Junior Diver is for divers between 10-14 years old).

After successfully completing the course, the diver receives his Junior Open Water certification which carries with it certain age limitations for diving:

• Ten and eleven-year-old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional and are eligible to dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet.



• Twelve to fourteen-year-olds must dive with a certified adult.

Now the good news for you - once you turn 15 you can upgrade your Junior Diver certification to a full Open Water Diver with no additional training required.

You just have to get in touch with PADI (or the dive shop where you received your certification, I believe) to upgrade your card. You can find the forms and info online at padi.com.

Congrats and have a great time diving!

Dianne