A good general question that people have about diving is how old does someone have to be in order to dive? Another popular question is can a person be too old to dive? These are both excellent questions and worth addressing to ensure that people who can dive are diving and people who shouldn't dive are not. Let's begin with the first question. How old does a person have to be before he or she can dive? Well, there is a minimum age requirement of 10 years. Children who are 10 years old or older may be certified to scuba dive and will actually be given a Junior Open Water Certification that will be good until they are 15 years of age if they meet all requirements. Children who are 10 or 11 years old will be required to dive with a parent or other legal guardian or a certified professional diver. Children between the ages of 12 and 15 may dive with any certified diver and once they turn 15, they will automatically be upgraded to a standard Open Water Certification.
It is fairly obvious why the age restrictions are set for children and it is probably clear as to why they can dive at the given ages and why they must dive under supervision. Now let's consider the other end of the spectrum; can a person be too old to dive? The answer to this question is a resounding no. When we think of someone being too old to dive, we are really considering their level of health and fitness. Many older people, maybe even most, have health problems that would take them out of contention when it comes to diving and many of these health problems develop as a person ages, but that does not mean that they are due to aging. There are people who have cardiovascular illness and cancer in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. There are also people in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and even 90s, who are as fit as a fiddle and very healthy.
So what does all this mean? It means that if a person is over the age of 10 and is in good physical condition with no major health problems, then they can dive regardless of their age. That being said, it is important for those people who are over the age of 40 or 50 to get a physical examination each year and to consult with their physician before they sign up for diving lessons. If a person is over 50 and even if there is no evidence of a heart condition, it is a good idea for him or her to undergo an exercise stress test, just to be sure that their heart and lungs can handle the exercise load that would be required when diving. Eyesight should also be tested regularly.
Having said that there is no maximum age for diving, there are a few things that an older person should consider. The first of these is that even though he or she may not have any serious health issues, their level of physical fitness must be such that they can carry heavy loads and respond to emergency situations underwater. In addition, when learning to scuba dive, an older person is almost guaranteed to be taught by someone younger; possibly far younger. If you are older and want to learn to dive you must be comfortable with this and with the learning curve you will experience when you train. As an older diver, if you smoke or drink alcohol frequently, diving may not be for you. No one should be diving if they smoke, but if you are older, chances are you have been doing it for longer and the effects of smoking will show in your lungs' ability to handle the breathing apparatus.
If you are a child and learning to dive, you will be surrounded by experienced people who will help you become a skilled diver. If you are older and learning to dive, as many people do once they hit retirement, then you will be bringing a wealth of experience and wisdom to the sport, both of which will serve you well. Regardless of your age, as long as you are fit and healthy you will find a new and exciting world waiting for you beneath the waves of the big blue sea. Take the necessary steps to ensure you are healthy enough to dive and then get certified and enjoy your new found way to connect with the sea and earth’s magnificent creatures.