Sharks high the record of issues that I’m afraid of, so I by no means thought that I’d someday obtain my certification in Open Water Scuba Diving. Life is brief, so it was time I face my fears as I start my scuba certification in NJ. As a journey author, I’m at all times discovering distinctive views, and there’s one thing so exhilarating but scary about being 60 ft under the floor. It’s like going to the aquarium, however there aren’t any glass containers, the animals aren’t captured and also you’re visiting their properties (so that you higher be respectful).
At first, the method to get licensed appeared very overwhelming to me—I didn’t even know the place to start. What’s nice is that upon getting your certification, your adventures can actually take you anyplace. I accomplished my certification in Bonaire, a Dutch Caribbean island that’s recognized for its surreal shore diving. Right here’s what you need to know in regards to the course of to get your individual certification.
What’s PADI?
PADI (Skilled Affiliation of Diving Instructors) is “the world’s largest ocean exploration and diver group, working in 186 nations and territories, with a world community of greater than 6,600 dive facilities and resorts and over 128,000 skilled members worldwide.”
I’m one in every of a million certifications that they may give out this yr, with a mission to permit folks to hunt journey. There are additionally many scuba volunteer dives to save lots of the reefs, take away invasive species and extra to assist protect the attractive world under the floor.
Pictures by James Barrett
Get Your Scuba Diving Certification in NJ
Step 1: The net coursework
Earlier than you will get within the water, it is advisable full the PADI on-line course. I did the Open Water certification which permits me to go 60 ft under the floor. If I wished to go additional down, I’d must get my Superior Open Water certification. The programs are at your individual tempo and may take between eight to10 hours which embody tutorial movies and a take a look at. Don’t fear although, you possibly can retake the assessments in every part till you go!
Step 2: Get within the water at an area pool
Upon getting accomplished the web class, you’re able to get within the pool. There are 25 areas in New Jersey the place you possibly can take your in-water class that’s PADI licensed. The 2 lessons with an teacher (5 hours every) will train you all the things from getting the tools prepared, respiration underwater, clearing your goggles whereas submerged and extra. After the category, you need to really feel assured and excited to get into the good huge sea. I like to recommend doing all your in-pool class regionally and never at your trip spot. While you’re someplace with lovely waters, you received’t wish to be spending two days of your journey in a pool.
Yow will discover a PADI licensed location close to you right here.
Step 3: Open water dives
Now it’s time for probably the most thrilling half. I went to Bonaire, a Caribbean Dutch island that’s recognized for its shore diving to get my certification. Shore diving signifies that their reefs are accessible with out happening a ship, which provides divers freedom to be on their very own time. With direct flights from Newark, this island is a hidden gem, with a inhabitants of 20,000 folks. There are literally extra flamingos residing on the island!
Pictures by James Barrett
At Buddy Diving Resort in Bonaire, I needed to full 4 open water dives with an teacher earlier than receiving my certification. In these dives, we went over actions that I did within the pool and reached a depth of 60 ft. Getting licensed is critical–doing the dives doesn’t assure that you simply’ll go. You might have to do extra dives if wanted.
When you do obtain your certification, I like to recommend planning a number of dives to discover along with your dive buddy earlier than you head again dwelling. Touring received’t be the identical once more. I’m already trying to find locations which have nice diving circumstances to see the world from my new perspective.
Did you get your scuba certification in NJ? Share your expertise within the feedback!
