How Long Do Scuba Certifications Last?
Your PADI Card Never Expires!
PADI scuba diver flying through the ocean in Lahaina, Maui.
Scuba diving in Maui has sunny weather and excellent ocean conditions so many novice divers get a PADI certification card in Hawaii. But, how long do scuba certifications last? The short answer is forever! Once your instructor submits the certification paperwork your PADI card is valid forever with international recognition. This rule applies to all recreational PADI courses, including Junior Diver, Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and NITROX Diver.
Do you already have a PADI card, but it’s been a few years since you’ve been scuba diving? Banyan Tree Divers Maui highly recommends that all certified divers who have not used scuba gear underwater for several months or more reactivate with a skills refresher in the ocean or at your local pool. Let your PADI instructor get you back underwater safely by reviewing the necessary scuba skills, hand signals, and equipment details. Our dive service sets up a thorough scuba review dive in Lahaina because there is no better place to achieve your goals! You can also book private scuba diving.
When you want to get certified, PADI Open Water Diver is the most popular scuba course. Completing this certification level conjures feelings of accomplishment and pride because your lessons prove a sufficient understanding of the basic rules and risks associated with scuba diving safely. Yet, PADI Open Water only starts your adventure. Many future courses can help to improve your training, technique, and technical knowledge of equipment.
Below you can find a list of each PADI certification. The table details expiration dates, limitations, and renewal process recommendations to remain in good standing.
Scuba Diving Course Details
PADI Card |
Expiration Date |
Limitations |
Renewal Process |
| SCUBA DIVER | Good forever!
Scuba Diver is internationally recognized. The minimum age to begin is ten years old. |
The depth limit is 40 feet (12 meters).
You must scuba dive under professional supervision. |
There is none, but complete a scuba review if you do not dive for six months or more. |
| JUNIOR OPEN WATER DIVER | Never expires!
Junior Open Water Diver is internationally recognized. The minimum age to begin is ten years old. |
The depth limit is 60 feet (18 meters), but ages 10 to 11 are limited to 40 feet (12 meters).
You must scuba dive under professional supervision. |
There is none, but sign up for a refresher if you have not been diving for several months or longer.
You do NOT need to upgrade upon reaching 15 years old. |
| JUNIOR OPEN WATER DIVER | Never expires!
Junior Open Water Diver is internationally recognized. The minimum age to begin is ten years old. |
The depth limit is 60 feet (18 meters). Ages 10 to 11 are limited to 40 feet (12 meters).
You must scuba dive under professional supervision. |
There is none, but sign up for a refresher if you have not been diving for several months or longer.
You do NOT need to upgrade upon reaching 15 years old. |
| OPEN WATER DIVER | Valid lifelong!
Open Water Diver is internationally recognized. The minimum age to begin is 15 years old. |
The depth limit is 60 feet (18 meters).
You can scuba dive independently of supervision, but we recommend diving with a professional until you have completed at least 40 dives. |
There is none but go for a review if you do not dive for six months or more. |
| JUNIOR ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER | Good forever!
Junior Advanced Open Water Diver is internationally recognized. The minimum age to begin is 12 years old. |
The depth limit is 70 feet (21 meters) for 12 to 14-year-olds.
Must have pro supervision. |
There is none, but join a scuba review if you do not dive for one year or more.
You do NOT need to upgrade upon reaching 15 years old. |
| ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER | Never expires!
Advanced Open Water Diver is internationally recognized. The minimum age to begin is 15 years old. |
The depth limit is 100 feet (30 meters).
You may scuba dive independently of a professional. |
There is none, but sign up for a refresher if you have not been diving for several months or longer. |
| EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE | Only valid for 24 months.
EFR is internationally recognized. |
Prerequisite for the Rescue course.
There is no ocean training during this course. |
Finish your EFR within 24 months of starting the Rescue course. |
| RESCUE DIVER | Valid forever!
Rescue Diver is internationally recognized. The minimum age to begin is ten years old. |
You are not a professional diver after completing this course.
You may scuba dive independently of a professional. |
There is none, but sign up for a refresher if you have not been diving for several months or longer. |
Happy Day Receiving Your PADI Certification Card
Your scuba certification card reflects the time and dedication you spent training with your instructor as a student. It is an experience that, at a minimum, shows you possess comfortable swimming abilities and scuba diving knowledge from a professional agency. But your course sessions are not over when you finish a program. It remains your responsibility to stay current with changes to industry rules and regulations while also continually learning your limits. For example, learn about the specific requirements for each item BEFORE scuba diving when buying new equipment like a dive mask, wetsuit, or computer.
Ultimately you must decide how to maintain standards during your development as a scuba diver. When in doubt, contact Banyan Tree Divers Maui with questions regarding PADI courses or confined water training.