PADI
Junior Open Water
Diver

The Junior Open Water Diver course is a special scuba certification for divers who are at least 10 years old, but younger than 15. The Junior Open Water Diver course covers the same material as the standard PADI Open Water Diver course but has smaller teacher-to-student ratios and shallower depth limits. 

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Reduced ratios & depth limits for Jr. Open Water Divers

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For children ages 10-11
In Confined Open Water and Open Water, the student-to-instructor ratio may not exceed 4:1 and there may not be more than two children aged 10-11 in the group. Divers aged 10 or 11 may not dive deeper than 12 meters during the class or following certification. 

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Please note: children must be at least 10 years old to start scuba certification training. If your child is eight or nine years old, they may participate in a scuba experience program (see Bubblemaker & Seal Team).

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For children ages 12-14
Junior Open Water students who are at least 12, but under 15 years old may dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters.

All beginner scuba divers, including adults, should stay above 18 metres until they have additional training or experience.

How deep can a Junior Open Water Diver go? 

• Divers aged 10 and 11 must dive with a PADI Professional or a certified parent or guardian. Dives may not exceed 12 meters. 
   

• Divers 12-14 years old must also dive with a certified adult and their maximum depth cannot exceed 18 meters. With additional training, divers 12 or older may explore down to 21 meters with a PADI Professional or other certified adult.