What Age Can Kids Start Scuba Diving? A Breakdown of Courses by Age
Thinking about introducing your child to the world of scuba diving? Great choice!
Diving is not only exciting, but it also builds confidence, teaches responsibility, and creates lifelong memories.
At Frog Dive, we believe it’s never too early to discover a passion for the ocean.
Kids as young as 12 can begin their scuba journey with a Junior Open Water certification, giving them a whole new world to explore. Here’s a breakdown of how it all works.
Junior Open Water Certification: Ages 12 to 14
Kids aged 12 and up can dive into our Junior Open Water Diver course, which teaches the same skills as the adult program, with a few adjustments for safety.
Once certified, your child will be able to dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres, accompanied by a parent, guardian, or divemaster. This helps them gain experience safely while building confidence in the water.
The course starts with an online learning component through PADI eLearning, which takes about 8 to 10 hours.
Then, the hands-on fun begins with a pool session in a heated local pool—perfect for practising essential skills in a safe, relaxed environment.
When they’re ready, kids head out for four exciting ocean dives, usually held at Clifton Gardens (Mosman) and Shelly Beach (Manly). These spots are brimming with marine life, making the experience even more fun.
At Frog Dive, we also offer unlimited pool sessions to make sure your child feels fully prepared. If they need extra practice, they can redo the pool sessions as many times as needed—no extra cost, no pressure.
Full Open Water Certification: Ages 15 and Up
When your child turns 15, they can easily upgrade to a Full Open Water certification, giving them the freedom to dive independently to depths of 18 metres.
No new course is required! All they need to do is provide a recent photo (which we can take at the shop) and pay a $65 fee to receive their updated certification card.
This small upgrade is a great way to recognise their growth as a diver and give them a bit more independence.
What’s Included in the Course
At Frog Dive, we make sure everything is taken care of. Our Junior Open Water course includes:
- All gear hire (with free diving boots for comfort and hygiene)
- PADI eLearning pass and logbook
- Four ocean dives and unlimited pool training sessions
- Transport to the pool and back
- Personalised instruction from our experienced PADI instructors
All your child needs to bring is their eLearning completion certificate, swimmers, a towel, and personal items for a fun day at the beach, like sunscreen and snacks.