How young can you be to get open water certfied?

[p944]

If there is an age limit, which agency has the youngest limit?

[nrembis]

For the most part age 10 and up to start certifying

also a certain age doesnt mean a person is ready, the instructor should evaluate accordingly in my opinion

[JugglingMonkeys]

There are issues of ear formation too aren't there?

i've got an 8 year old who's ready to go...

[snagel]

I believe 10 yrs with most agencies, but some require 12. As mentioned age isn't the only indicator - maturity and ability to handle issues is another qualifier that needs to be evaluated.

Yes, there is an issue with ears and the development of the eustation tube. In young kids the tube is not tilted correctly allowing junk to settle in the tube (causing so many ear issues). As the child develops the tube tilts allowing it to drain better. (This is how it has been explained to me by my boys doctor) Until this happens, it does cause issues with kids and diving (or atleast my kid).

Snagel

[jupitertreasures]

Most agencies set the standard age at 10.
That doesn't mean your child will be ready at 10, on the same token, some kids are ready at 7 or 8.
You can teach them and do shallow dives with them, they just won't be certified.

My biggest problen is finding gear for a child so small.
I had a tough time finding a BC for my wife.
Looks like my daughter is going to get started right....with a small BP/W.

[yeroks]

Well I guess I have at least 9 years before I have a dive buddy then My daughter turns one in October.

[mouse]

My son was 11 and we made a deal with the instructor if he didn't feel he was ready he would not certify him. He did great in class and dives. He absolutely loves to dive.

[klauricella]

You can go thru classes at 9 with PADI but must wait till 10 to get certified.

[capt_lew]

Padi is 10 for jr open water.
8 to do what is called Padi Seal Team , diving in the pool ..... you learn almost the same stuff as open water divers. when jr open water ready you will look like a pro :-)

[db83]

Whenever the kid is physically capable I guess. Those tanks + weights aren't exactly easy to lug around.