FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got Questions? Let’s Talk Diving.
Whether you’re thinking about getting certified, working toward your next level, or exploring professional diving, we’ve got answers.
If you don’t see your question below, reach out directly. We’re happy to help you figure out the right next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
GETTING STARTED
No. You don’t need previous scuba experience to start with the PADI Open Water Diver course.
You must be at least 10 years old and comfortable in the water.
For beginners, the PADI Open Water Diver certification is the place to start.
It’s the world’s most recognized scuba certification and gives you the foundation you need to dive independently within your certification limits.
The minimum age for the Open Water Diver course is 10 years old.
You also need to be comfortable in the water.
Diving Cowboy’s is based in Jacksonville, Florida, with courses and dives operating out of Jacksonville Beach and throughout greater Northeast Florida.
COURSES & CERTIFICATION
Diving Cowboy’s offers training from beginner through professional level:
- Open Water Diver — Beginner
- Advanced Open Water Diver — Intermediate
- Rescue Diver — Advanced
- Divemaster — Professional
Each course builds on the skills and experience developed at the previous level.
The Open Water Diver course typically takes 3–4 days.
Training includes knowledge development, confined-water training, and four open-water certification dives.
The Advanced Open Water Diver course typically takes 2 days and includes five adventure dives.
Deep diving and navigation are required, along with three elective adventure dives.
The Rescue Diver course typically takes 2–3 days.
The course focuses on developing the skills needed to recognize and respond to diver problems while improving your own awareness and self-rescue abilities.
The Divemaster program is flexible and typically takes 4–8 weeks, depending on your training and experience.
It is the first professional-level PADI certification and prepares you for leadership roles in diving.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
There are no previous certification prerequisites.
You must:
- Be at least 10 years old
- Be comfortable in the water
- Complete the required PADI learning and training
You need a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.
The course then builds your experience through five adventure dives.
You need:
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification
- Emergency First Response training completed within the previous 24 months
The Rescue Diver course also includes Emergency First Response training as part of the program.
You need:
- PADI Rescue Diver certification
- At least 40 logged dives to begin
You must have 60 logged dives to complete the Divemaster certification requirements.
DIVING LOCATIONS
Open-water dives may take place in the Atlantic off Jacksonville or in the springs of North Florida, depending on the training plan and conditions.
Diving Cowboy’s serves divers throughout Northeast Florida, including:
- Jacksonville Beach
- Atlantic Beach
- Neptune Beach
- Ponte Vedra Beach
- St. Augustine
- Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island
- North Florida springs
Training and diving in Northeast Florida can include a variety of environments, including:
- Atlantic reefs
- Wrecks
- Freshwater springs
EQUIPMENT & TRAINING
Equipment needs can vary depending on the course and training plan.
If you’re unsure what you need, contact Diving Cowboy’s before your course and we’ll help you figure out what applies to your training.
Your training includes:
- Knowledge development
- Confined-water training
- Scuba skills practice
- Four open-water certification dives
- Completion of your PADI certification
The goal isn’t just to complete the dives — it’s to develop skills you can rely on in the water.
You’ll complete five adventure dives.
A deep dive and navigation dive are required, while the remaining three dives are selected from available adventure options such as:
- Night diving
- Wreck diving
- Peak performance buoyancy
Rescue Diver focuses on responding to problems before they become emergencies.
Training covers areas such as:
- Self-rescue
- Diver stress
- Managing tired divers
- Managing panicked divers
- Rescue scenarios
- Underwater search and recovery techniques
PROFESSIONAL DIVING
Divemaster is the first professional-level PADI rating.
The course develops leadership skills and prepares you to assist instructors, guide certified divers, and begin working toward a career in the dive industry.
Yes.
PADI Rescue Diver certification is a prerequisite for the Divemaster program, along with the required logged-dive experience.