how old do you have to be to get advanced?

[Dive-aholic]

Originally Posted by Scout

What's the difference between Junior AOW and regular AOW? Can they be taught in the same class? After my son turns 15, can his Junior AOW translate into a regular AOW?

While I'm on the subject, can a Junior OW diver be certified for Nitrox?

Thanks!

No difference between junior and regular. They can be taught in the same class. I've taught junior and regular open water divers in the same class. At 15, he can purchase a regular AOW card from PADI. But he really doesn't need to. In fact, he might appreciate still having the junior AOW card when he's 40!

As for Nitrox, you do need to be 15. I don't believe enough studies have been conducted to know what the effects of pressure on nitrox breathing kids are.

[cgvmer]

One difference I found was while diving at Stuart Cove in the Bahamas, my son dove free when diving with me as long as he was "junior" certified...nice discount for 3 days of diving.

[DevilDiver]

Originally Posted by RoadRacer1978

I know you can become a PADI master Scuba diver at age 12. There is a Kid that is 12 years old that wrote a book "SCUBA diving for kids" and he is a master Scuba Diver.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...1/ai_n16677193

Geeze... That's crazy. I feel like I have wasted all these years....Shown up by a 12 year old Master Scuba Diver and Author!!

What's he going to do next? (First U/W documentry made by a 13 year old)
Good for him... He will have his own dive shop at 18!!

[JMAY]

Not to beat a "dead horse" but back to the "PADI bashing" issue... I believe the scope of the Rescue Diver program is to be in a position of knowledge to "know" what to do in case of an emergency. It's not so much an issue of stature or physical strength, but more of one that allows even a young diver to be able "assist" or offer help to a diver in need. No, I don't think a 12 year old could pull a 230 pound man out of the water. Likewise I don't think a 30 year old 6 foot female could either or even me for that matter and I'm a pretty big boy. Has your child been taught what to do in case of an emergency in your home? There really is not much of a difference. What PADI and I am sure other organizations intent for the rescue program was to give the diver the knowledge and ability to help or assist other divers in need. I think it is great for every diver, young and old, to be certified as a rescue diver. Let's face it, this is a "recreational" sport, not an EMS, Navy SEAL, or Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer rescue class. Let's remember this when bashing other training organizations that we do not fully know all the facts about. The most important thing is to get the young divers involved in "diving today"... no matter what organization they belong too. Teach them the right things early in life so the decisions they make later in life will be good ones!

[Rigdiver]

Well done JMAY !!!!!!

[Dive-aholic]

Originally Posted by cgvmer

One difference I found was while diving at Stuart Cove in the Bahamas, my son dove free when diving with me as long as he was "junior" certified...nice discount for 3 days of diving.

All the more reason not to "upgrade" that junior cert!

[Scubling]

I'm pretty sure that you have to be 12 to get a JR. OW cert

[Dive-aholic]

Originally Posted by Scubling

I'm pretty sure that you have to be 12 to get a JR. OW cert

With PADI, the minimum age is 10.

[couped243]

Very well said JMAY. NAUI may be not for profit but I bet you can't get certified for free so what difference does it make what agency you use. My son who is 15 and just got his OW is going to be one of my dive buddies. I certainly would like him to help his old man if he is in need. Actually he's getting so big I may not be able to get his butt on the boat..hahahah

[DZorn00]

Well said JMay, and like others have said maturity has a lot to do with what a person(not only kids) can take on. But how can an agency measure maturity so they have to put an age on things.