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Discover Scuba Program Limit
Even though the PADI® Discover Scuba Diving experience offers beginners an easy and immediate introduction to scuba, there are some key limitations to consider.
The information in this help guide explains the minimum and maximum age limits to scuba dive, how deep you can go, and the equipment requirements.
#1: The Minimum Age Limit for Participants
If you are a beginner, you will get an initial briefing about basic scuba safety with instructions for using the dive gear.
Then, we can conduct the dives in a swimming pool, in confined water, or in an open water environment (e.g. the ocean).
There are no limits to the number of times beginners can participate in this discover scuba activity.
The scuba try dive is ideal for participants with no previous experience. So, there are some limitations for any dives you make after completing the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program.
Important: The Discover Scuba age limit is ten (10) years old and there is no upper age limit for people to take part in this underwater experience. Children of younger age (e.g. 8 or 9 years old) can try other scuba programs for kids with further age limits and maximum depth restrictions.
#2: PADI Discover Scuba Diving Depth Limits
The first in-water section of the discover scuba experience is the skills introduction. Thus, it should take place in shallow water and the student should be able to stand up.
Next, there are two maximum depth limits for DSD divers - determined by the PADI rating of the professional who is conducting the program.
Let's dive in a bit deeper:
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors (OWSI) may conduct the optional open water portion to a maximum depth of twelve metres (40 feet).
Whereas, a PADI Divemaster with the DSD Leadership rating may conduct the program in confined water only and to a maximum depth of six metres (20 feet).
#3: Scuba Equipment Requirements
Student divers who are taking part in the discovery program should be equipped with the minimum diving gear as stated by the different scuba training agencies, including:
- Air cylinder
- Buoyancy controller
- Dive mask
- Scuba regulator
- Submersible pressure gauge
- Swim fins (flippers)
#4: PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program Limits
So, you already tried scuba diving through this quick and easy introduction? Next, we think you will be itching to get submerged again and see more of the underwater world.
The limitations of this activity mean that you should always dive with a PADI professional on any future discover scuba programs. Thus, the 'try dive experience' does NOT result in a diving certification or a scuba licence to do so.
Here's the good news:
Your instructor may credit any (or all) of the underwater scuba skills that you practiced. They can be credited to two different PADI Scuba Certifications, either the:
- One day Scuba Diver certification.
- Open Water Diver course (which could save you time and money).
FAQ about Scuba Programs for Beginners
What is the Youngest Age to Scuba Dive?
Scuba training agencies set the minimum age limits because of the inherent risks involved. Furthermore, children also need to be able to understand the dive theory components required for certifications.
As a result, the minimum age limit to enrol in the PADI Bubblemaker Program is eight (8) and ten (10) years old for other PADI Junior dive courses.
What is the Maximum Age for Scuba Diving?
A frequently-used phrase in the industry says "it's never too late to get scuba certified". Even so, people who start scuba diving later in life do have some health issues to consider.
No matter what your age is, you need to be in general good health and have a reasonable fitness level to go diving. In fact, some countries require you to have a medical statement from your doctor.
Important: The diver medical questionnaire - used in some countries - asks anyone over the age of forty five (45) to answer questions about their lifestyle habits, cholesterol levels, and whether there's a history of heart attack in the family.
Does Discover Scuba Count towards Open Water?
The short answer is yes - as long as you had an actual scuba experience in an open water environment. If so, your instructor can credit the dive towards either the PADI Scuba Diver certification or the Open Water Diver course.
Note: Check out Scuba Steve's article full of first time scuba diving tips for beginners, and why you don't need to be an Olympian or a Navy Seal to start enjoying underwater experiences.
How Deep Can You Go On the Discovery Dive?
Beginners must follow the Discover Scuba Diving depth limit of twelve metres (forty feet) along with a few other safety rules. But, the maximum depth limits for learners will increase to eighteen metres (sixty feet) when taking the Open Water certification course.
Another section contains more information about scuba diving age restrictions and how program limitations apply to the DSD experience.
How Much is the Discover Scuba Course?
The following prices include professional supervision, rental equipment, with food and drinks served on the boat:
- Budget Package 2,900 THB (one dive)
- Basic Package 3,700 THB (two dives)
- Deluxe Package 4,000 THB (two dives, with underwater photographs, free scuba t-shirt)
- Gold Package 4,900 THB (two dives, with underwater photographs and video, and our free scuba t-shirt)
Important: Another section contains the snorkeling and scuba courses price list with extra details about the number of dives included in each certification.
How Long Can You Scuba Dive at 12 Metres (40 feet)?
In most cases, diving shallower than twelve metres means your air supply will determine your stay under water - rather than the no-decompression limits (NDL limits).
Even so, you would need to be submerged for well over three hours on your first dive for it to be a concern.
Can I Touch the Underwater Organisms?
Divers share a common responsibility to protect and conserve nature. As a result, interacting passively with aquatic animals helps to safeguard the habitats of delicate and sensitive sea life.
What Should I Not Do after Scuba Diving?
After cleaning the gear, there are several kinds of activities that divers should avoid doing after using scuba equipment, including:
- Exercising
- Flying in a plane (including traveling to altitude, such as mountain hiking)
- Having a full body massage, hot bath, or hot shower
- Drinking alcohol
- Forgetting to log the dives
What are the Medical Requirements for Scuba Diving?
A certain level of well-being and general fitness is needed to carry out scuba activities. Thus, you may need to get written approval from a physician before you go diving.
You can download the online version of the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire to check if your current medical status will require a physician's approval.
Disclaimer: Scuba diving has inherent risks, including the risk of serious injury and death. The content in this website is not a substitute for specialised training, using the proper equipment, and gaining all the necessary experience and knowledge to go diving. Please read the full terms and conditions for further details.