What makes the Junior Open Water Diver different to a regular Open Water?
At Adelaide Scuba, the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification offers all the same core skills and underwater experiences as the regular PADI Open Water Diver course, but with a few important differences tailored for younger divers.
The key distinction is in the age requirement—Junior Open Water Diver courses are designed specifically for divers aged 10 to 14. Once a junior diver turns 15, they have the option to transition to a full Open Water Diver certification seamlessly.
Both certifications cover the same essential skills, equipment use, and safety protocols. However, the Junior Open Water Diver certification has specific depth and supervision limits to ensure young divers gain confidence and experience in a safe and controlled environment. At Adelaide Scuba, our experienced instructors ensure these limits are closely followed, helping junior divers build a solid foundation before advancing.
If you’re ready to start your scuba adventure, Adelaide Scuba is here to guide you every step of the way!
Can a Junior Open Water diver eventually get their Open Water Diver certification?
Absolutely! And for us as dive professionals, this is our goal.
We hope that any junior open water diver who gets certified, continues to dive & enjoys the ocean.
According to PADI, a Junior Open Water Diver can seamlessly upgrade to a PADI Open Water Diver certification upon turning 15, becoming eligible to dive to the deeper depth of 18 metres. This transition is simple—there’s no need to retake the course! Just visit a PADI dive center or connect with a certified PADI instructor to update your scuba certification card, otherwise the online diver certification will simply upgrade automatically when they reach 15 years of age. By becoming a PADI Open Water Diver, you gain access to even more exciting scuba diving opportunities and destinations worldwide.
Ready to take the next step in your diving adventure? Contact us today to get started and dive into a world of possibilities with PADI-certified training! 🌊🦈
Where do I start?
Great question! Getting started with your Junior Open Water Diver course at Adelaide Scuba is an exciting first step into the world of scuba diving. The process begins with enrolling in the PADI eLearning program, which allows you to learn the fundamentals of scuba diving at your own pace, from the comfort of home.
Next, you’ll complete pool or confined water sessions with one of our certified PADI instructors, where you’ll practice essential skills and build confidence in a safe, controlled environment. Finally, you’ll head out to the open water for your training dives, putting your skills to the test and exploring the stunning underwater world.
If you’re ready to start, get in touch with Adelaide Scuba—we’ll guide you every step of the way and ensure you have a smooth and memorable journey into scuba diving!
Will I need to bring any gear myself (for example mask, snorkel, fins and dive boots)?
All gear will be provided by Adelaide Scuba. We have Premium Scubapro, Cressi and Oceanic rental equipment for your comfort.
We very strongly recommend having your own Mask and Snorkel - for comfort and hygene.
We will teach you about the different types of gear available and to maximize your enjoyment of the experience, we do recommend coming in-store to have a look at our mask range - your dive mask is the most important piece of equipment you will invest in. Feel free to come in and try some on!
What If I fail my dive medical?
It is always best to read through the medical questionnaire first to determine if you require a doctors clearance. If you have a known medical condition we encourage you to gain clearance before you commence your eLearning. A medical clearance by a diving doctor will last for 12 months. The eLearning portion of the course is not refundable and once commenced, the course is not refundable by Adelaide Scuba. Please ask our friendly staff if you have any questions about how this process works.
You can find the PADI Medical Waiver Here.
You can find Diving Doctors Here
Can I reschedule the course if I cannot complete the online training in time or get my medical in time?
Rescheduling is available for any reason, however there is rescheduling fee of $100 if this is within 14 days of the course start. As soon as your course space is booked with us there is a lot of preparation in place to ensure your gear and Instructor is available. We ask that you please give us as much notice as you can - our courses are scheduled 12 months in advance and can be booked out up to 3 months in advance at some times of the year.
I have a voucher, can I use this for the course cost?
Yes, of course! You can put your voucher towards your Learn To Dive Course, all vouchers redeemed MUST be within the expiry date & will not be extended.
What happens when there is a turn in the weather?
Adelaide Scuba staff monitor the weather forecasts closely all year round and will provide you with as much notice as possible if the conditions look unsafe for scuba diving. Water conditions are not always determined by sunshine but primarily by wind, rain, current and swell. South Australia has a variety of dive sites, which are suitable in varying weather conditions. If the prediction is for unsafe conditions we may have to reschedule the course dives to another time & will discuss this based on student and Instructor availability.
