JR Open Water Certificate

[_katy_]

I just got my 'PADI JR Open Water Certificate'.

How do you upgrade from JR to the full one? Do I have to take the course again when I turn 15?

Also, how deep can I go? When I was in the Maldives, my instructor assumed that I was 15 or older, and let me go up to 18m deep. Is it any different for a junior?

 

[hdtran]

I just got my 'PADI JR Open Water Certificate'.

How do you upgrade from JR to the full one? Do I have to take the course again when I turn 15?

Also, how deep can I go? When I was in the Maldives, my instructor assumed that I was 15 or older, and let me go up to 18m deep. Is it any different for a junior?

Hi there! First of all, although I'm not an official greeter, WELCOME TO SCUBABOARD

I believe that you just take an exam & pay a fee (always pay a fee :11: ) when you turn 15 to get your regular OW card (I assume your agency is PADI). I'm sure one of the instructors on board will correct me.

Yes, 60 ft/18 m is the regular OW limit for Jr OW. For Jr Scuba, I believe it's 40 ft max recommended depth.

Have fun!

 

[_katy_]

Ok, thank you.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

At out shop for an upgrade to open water from junior we do two different things. We make them take a scuba skills update and then we allow them to sit through an entire academic portion of an open water class. If their skills need improving we'll have them also do all 6 pool sessions. We charge 100 dollars for the complete upgrade.

I know that 13 and 14 year olds are restricted to 60 feet and 10-12 year olds are restricted to 40 feet through our agency.

 

[scubamate]

katy,
Seeing that you just got your JOW C-Card, I assume that you just completed training successfully without problems with any skills. If that is the case, go back to your instructor and ask him to send in a new PIC envelope for the upgrade. It shouldn't cost you more than $15.00 or $20.00 for the envelope and paperwork. If it has been several months sicne completing your course or if there were problems during the training dives, I would recommend that you work with an instructor in a pool and possibly a couple of open water dives. I don't know what others charge for this, but I charge whatever the entry fees are for the pool or open water. The stipulation for this "freebie" is that it has to be done at a time when I'm scheduled for pool or open water.

 

[knotical]

I just got my 'PADI JR Open Water Certificate'.

How do you upgrade from JR to the full one? Do I have to take the course again when I turn 15?

Also, how deep can I go? When I was in the Maldives, my instructor assumed that I was 15 or older, and let me go up to 18m deep. Is it any different for a junior?

PADI permits a junior diver to upgrade at age 15 with a simple application.
If it has been over a year since certification they recommend the diver participate in a Scuba Review, (knowledge review and skills session). This is always a good idea.

Maximum depth if you are under age 12 is 40 feet and you must dive with a parent, guardian, or PADI professional.

As I understand it, the recommended maximum depth if you are 12 or older is 60 feet (the same as for an adult Open Water Diver) but up to age 15 you must dive with an adult buddy (18 or older, depending on location).

 

[SubMariner]

Junior Diver Upgrade Procedures
To upgrade a Junior Diver when the diver reaches 15 years of age (such as Junior Scuba Diver, Open Water, Adventure Diver, Advanced Open Water or Rescue Diver), use the following procedures.

1. Submit a PIC envelope to the appropriate PADI Office and indicate that it is for a replacement card – upgrade for junior certification level. Include as much original certification information as possible – certification date, level of training and diver number. Have the diver fill out the student diver portion including a current address, and enclose a photo.

OR

2. Submit a Certification Card Replacement Form to the appropriate PADI Office. Include a copy of the diver’s PADI Validation Card (if possible), fill in as much original certification information as available, and include a photo and processing fee.

IOW, when your turn 15, katy, just have your Instructor fill out the necessary paperwork.

Welcome to diving!

 

[WileEDiver]

As I understand it, the recommended maximum depth if you are 12 or older is 60 feet (the same as for an adult Open Water Diver) but up to age 15 you must dive with an adult buddy (18 or older, depending on location).

Not quite. PADI's recommended maximum depth for 12 through 14 year olds is 70'.

 

[knotical]

Not quite. PADI's recommended maximum depth for 12 through 14 year olds is 70'.

You're right of course, but I was not completely wrong. PADI teaches that Open Water Divers (even adults) should limit themselves to 60 feet, until they take advanced training. PADI also places a limit of 70 feet when training those at least 12, but under age 15 (e.g. teaching Junior Advanced Open Water). I was simplifying matters, and perhaps I shouldn't have.

I recognize of course that one does not actually need advanced training to go deeper than 60 feet.