A note about youth training and certifications
Diving requires a great deal of maturity and ability to understand challenges, then overcome them. Many youth and children are capable of achieving this and can succeed in a PADI diving course. There are some, however, that seem capable yet later discover that the challenges are too great. We go to great lengths to help everyone succeed, though we acknowledge that some youth may not be eligible to complete the certification requirements. In some cases, they may be offered a lesser certification (e.g. PADI Scuba Diver, when they were enrolled in the Open Water Diver course) to help them gain some experience prior to continuing at a later date.
Additionally, some junior-level certifications have additional restrictions to ensure the safety of the youth diver. We've outlined those below:
Junior-level Diver Certifications
Junior Scuba Diver
Junior PADI Scuba Divers must dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor or Instructor. After certification, a Junior Scuba Diver must dive with a PADI Professional and dives must not exceed 12 metres/40 feet.
Junior Open Water Diver
A 10 or 11-year-old Junior Open Water Diver must dive with a parent, guardian or PADI Professional and dives must not exceed 12 metres/40 feet.
A 12 to 14-year-old Junior Open Water Diver is qualified to dive only when accompanied by another certified diver who is of legal age.
All Open Water Diver students, regardless of age, must complete the same requirements for certification.
Junior Advanced Open Water Diver / Junior Adventure Diver
For 10-11 year-olds the maximum depth for any dive is 12 metres/40 feet. For 12-14 year-olds, the maximum depth for any Adventure Dive is 21 metres/70 feet.
Junior Diver Upgrades
Junior Open Water Divers or Junior Scuba Divers may upgrade their certification level to PADI Open Water Diver or Scuba Diver when they reach the age of 15 with no additional requirements.
Note: When requesting an upgrade, if more than one year has passed since earning a Junior certification, it is recommended that the diver complete a Scuba Review program.