How to Get Your PADI Certification: My Journey to Shark Diving
Why I Decided to Get PADI Certified
“I discovered that Jupiter, Florida, offers an incredible opportunity to dive with seven different types of sharks. The catch? Emerald Charters requires divers to have an Advanced Open Water certification and at least 50 dives of experience. That became my motivation—I wanted to swim with sharks, and getting my PADI certification was the first step to making it happen.”
My Certification Journey
Over spring break, I traveled to Santa Marta, Colombia, to visit my friend David. It turned out to be the perfect opportunity to get certified, so I signed up for my Open Water course at Poseidon Dive Center.
My certification process included:
1. Completing the PADI online course and tests before my trip
2. Three days at Poseidon Dive Center that included:
– Classroom instruction time
– Pool sessions to practice basic skills
– Ocean dives for final testing and certification
How You Can Get Your PADI Certification
If you’re in Miami like me, here are your best options:
Option 1: Go to Santa Marta, Colombia – fun get away with beautiful diving.
Fly Cartagena 2 hour drive from Santa Marta. A true Colombian Gem.
Option 2: Florida Keys Weekend Trip
– Drive down to the Keys for a weekend
– Complete your certification over 2-3 days
– Enjoy crystal-clear waters for your training dives and beautiful corals
Option 3: Tarpon Lagoon
– Stay local in South Beach with people who have been in the business for more than 70 years.
– Complete the online course portion at home
– Schedule your in-person training days (Jason Sims can teach you if you are lucky!
Step-by-Step PADI Certification Process
1. Sign up on padi.com and register for the Open Water Diver course
2. Complete the online learning modules and tests (do this before your in-person training)
3. Schedule your in-person training at your chosen dive center
4. Complete pool training to learn essential diving skills
5. Perform your open water checkout dives to demonstrate your skills
6. Receive your certification and start logging dives!
Remember, if your goal is shark diving like mine, you’ll need to:
– Get your Open Water certification first
– Continue diving to build experience
– Earn your Advanced Open Water certification
– Log at least 50 dives before those Jupiter shark dives
Getting PADI certified opened up an amazing underwater world for me, and the path from my certification in Santa Marta to shark diving in Jupiter has been an incredible journey. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to underwater adventures too!
thank you