PADI stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. If you want to learn how to scuba dive, it’s smart to get PADI-certified. Here are the four levels available.

What Are the Certifications for PADI Levels? 

1. Open Water Diver

People just starting to cultivate their scuba knowledge should begin with an open water diver course. This class provides online learning, pool diving, and open water dives to learn and practice basic skills. 

Participants can take the course as their schedule allows, signing up for the in-person classes after doing the eLearning options. You must be at least 10 years old and able to swim to take this PADI certification. 

2. Advanced Open Water

If you want to hone your scuba skills and plan your own dives, you’ll benefit from an advanced open water course. This class includes navigating underwater and performing deep dives that require specialized gear and an understanding of the physical effects of water pressure. 

3. Rescue Diver

If you want to feel prepared for underwater emergencies, sign up for a PADI rescue diver course. This class focuses on preventing and addressing problems while staying safe on dives. The topics will cover emergency equipment, unresponsive and panicked divers, and self-rescue. Participants must be age 12 or older and have Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care training within 24 months before the course.

4. PADI Master Scuba Diver™

People who are highly passionate about diving join this elite group of less than 2% of divers. Those who have completed the open water diver, advanced open water diver, and rescue diver courses may be eligible for the PADI master scuba diver class. This course requires over 50 dives and at least five PADI specialty diver certifications. 

 

If you’re interested in PADI certification, start learning through classes at Banzai Divers Hawaii in Honolulu. With PADI master scuba divers on staff, the dive certification school and tour company provides classes and excursions for those age 10 and older. Call (808) 462-8290 or visit the website for more information on their diving courses.