Can my child learn to scuba dive? Junior Open Water explained
Yes. Kids ages 10 to 14 can earn the SDI Junior Open Water certification, and learning to dive together is one of the best adventures a family can share. Here is how it works.
Junior Open Water vs. Open Water
- Ages: Junior Open Water is for ages 10 to 14. Open Water is for ages 15 and up (under 18 with parental consent).
- Smaller classes: juniors train at a ratio of 1 instructor to 4 students, compared with 1 to 6 for Open Water.
- Same course: juniors take the same SDI eLearning and final exam, and have the same 12 months to finish their eLearning and in-water training.
Who can a junior diver dive with?
After certifying, a Junior Open Water diver must dive with a dive professional and/or a parent or legal guardian.
What happens at 15?
At 15, junior divers can upgrade to a standard Open Water certification at no additional cost, as long as they can show proof they have been actively diving. Keeping a logbook from the first dive makes that easy.
Paying with Step Up For Students
Florida Dive Company is a Step Up For Students Direct Pay provider. See how scholarship booking works, or call us to talk through your student's abilities and goals before you book.
Forms to fill out
Before the first class, download the Student Folder (it includes the diver medical questionnaire) and the Minor Form for students under 18. You will find both on our FDC Forms & Folders page.
Not quite ready for scuba?
Our guided snorkel tours at Blue Spring State Park welcome kids as young as 8 on private tours and 10 on group tours. It is a great way to get comfortable in the water first.
See Junior Open Water details, or call us at (386) 663-8030.