While some scuba courses are reserved for adults or experienced divers, there are plenty of choices that cater for younger ages. Here is an in-depth explanation of our scuba diving courses for children.
which Scuba Diving courses can Children participate in?
Select age group
8 & 9 Year-Olds
10 & 11 Year-Olds
12 to 14 Year-Olds
15 to 17 Year-Olds
Overview
Bubblemaker Program for 8 and 9 year-olds
Let your child try scuba diving under the direct supervision of a PADI Pro. They’ll take their first breaths underwater in water shallower than 2 metres/6 ft. For children who are at least 8 years old.
A child must be 8 years old or older. Furthermore, children must be comfortable in the water, but no prior experience is necessary. Written parental approval is required.
The total experience time, from arrival to departure will take 3 – 4 hours. Participants will spend 60 minutes in the water.
All required dive equipment for the experience is supplied by ABC Diving.
The total, fully inclusive cost of the PADI Bubblemaker Course is €80.00.
This includes:
– All dive equipment needed for the completion of the course.
– Certificate of completion.
Participants must bring swimwear for the dive and a towel for afterwards.
Overview
Scuba Diving courses for children 10 and 11 year-olds
With several options ranging between diver experience and diver certification, 10 and 11 year-olds can safely start what can be a life long hobby or even a career. Responsibility and risk documentation must be signed by parent/guardian and child. There are several restrictions in place to increase diver safety such as; depth — which is limited to a maximum of 12 metres/40 feet and after certification — children must dive with a parent/guardian or PADI Professional.
The experiences and courses in which 10 and 11 year-olds can participate are as follows:
Snorkelling Experience – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Junior Scuba Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Junior Open Water Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Junior Adventure Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
Overview
Scuba Diving courses for children 12 to 14 year-olds
With several options ranging between diver experience and diver certification, 12 to 14 year-olds can safely start what can be a life long hobby or even a career. Responsibility and risk documentation must be signed by parent/guardian and child. There are several restrictions in place to increase diver safety such as; depth — which is limited to a maximum of 18 metres/60 feet for Junior Open Water Divers and 21 metres/70 feet for continuing education students. After certification — children must dive with an adult certified diver.
The knowledge and practical skills are the same as those which an adult would complete during the course. For this reason, once the student becomes 15 years old, they are able to increase their maximum depth, along side a PADI Instructor, to that of the adult limits.
The experience and courses in which 12 to 14 year-olds can participate are as follows:
Snorkelling Experience – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Junior Scuba Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Junior Open Water Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Junior Adventure Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Junior Rescue Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Specialty Diver Courses – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
Overview
Scuba Diving courses for children 15 to 17 year-olds
The major difference between a 15 year old and an 18 year old student diver is the responsibility and risk documentation — Parent/guardian and child sign administrative forms. In respect to the courses listed below, the training depths and supervision ratios are the same for divers aged 15 to 17 years of age as divers aged 18 years and older.
The experiences and courses in which 15 to 17 year-olds can participate are as follows:
Snorkelling Experience – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Scuba Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Open Water Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Adventure Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Rescue Diver Course – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
PADI Specialty Diver Courses – CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE PAGE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does my child have to be a good swimmer to scuba dive?
Some swimming ability is required. You need to have basic swim skills and be able to comfortably maintain yourself in the water.
Is scuba diving safe?
When scuba diving is conducted in line with rules and regulations, yes, it is safe. As with all activities, it is not completely risk free. By adhering to the safety standards procedures put forward by PADI and the Maltese Government, ABC Diving has an incident free record which we strive to maintain.
Will my child feel claustrophobic when diving?
People find the “weightlessness” of scuba diving to be quite freeing. During all scuba diving courses, our instructors give plenty of time and coaching to enable participants to become comfortable with each stage of learning.
Is my child too young to start scuba diving?
Children mature at different rates and only you, the parent can decide whether your child is emotionally and physically ready to shoulder the responsibility inherent in scuba diving. For all students of ABC Diving, we offer strict supervision and ‘by the book’ training.
Can I be present during the activity?
You do not need to be present during the activity. Your presence is welcome if you would like to watch your child’s journey.
Although it can be difficult to sit back and watch whilst your child is learning to dive, you should resist the temptation to jump in and interrupt the lesson. By allowing your child to recognise the PADI Instructor as the person ‘in charge’, they’ll pay more attention to what’s being taught. It will also help to build their trust in the instructor, which is particularly important when it comes to in-water sessions when they may rely on that trust to overcome nerves or barriers.
Can my child learn to dive alongside their friends?
Yes. Scuba diving alongside friends can be beneficial and help eliminate some student anxiety if it is felt. Diving with friends gives children someone familiar to share the moment with and form lasting memories.
Is the academic portion of learning to dive difficult?
The theory involved in learning to scuba dive is designed by PADI to accommodate students of all academic levels and ages. Any topics which students do not understand, or are finding difficult, will be expanded upon by the instructor in order to ensure your child has a full understanding.
Do I have to buy dive equipment for my child?
It is not necessary to purchase dive equipment for your child. We provide all required equipment with all courses. With that said, if you do wish to purchase any dive equipment, we will happily assist in making sure you purchase dive equipment which is suitable for your child’s needs.
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