How Long Do Scuba Certifications Last?
Your PADI Card is Valid Forever
Maui scuba diving offers excellent weather, ocean conditions, and marine life for you to get a PADI card. But, how long does a scuba certification last? The short answer is forever! Once your instructor submits the certification paperwork, your PADI card is valid forever and recognized internationally. 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. Then, let your PADI instructor get you back underwater safely by reviewing necessary scuba diving skills, hand signals, and equipment details. We offer a thorough and affordable Scuba Review dive in Lahaina because there is no better spot to achieve your goals.
If you are looking to get certified, the most popular aquatic course is PADI Open Water Diver. Completing this certification level conjures feelings of accomplishment and pride because your lessons prove a sufficient understanding of the basic rules and risks of scuba diving safely. However, Open Water is just the start of your adventure. Many additional courses will help to improve your training, technique, and study of equipment. Below is a list of each PADI certification offered by our mobile dive shop in Lahaina. In addition, the table provides an expiration date for each scuba certification, as well as limitations and recommendations to remain in good standing.
PADI 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 refresh if you do not dive for several months or more.
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 years old are limited to 40 feet (12 meters).
You must scuba dive under professional supervision. |
There is none, but sign up for a refresh if you do not dive for several months or more.
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 consider a scuba review in Lahaina if you do not dive for one year or more. |
| Emergency First Responder | 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 | Always valid!
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 consider a scuba review dive in Maui if you do not dive for one year or more. |
Happy Day Receiving Your PADI Card!
Your scuba certification card reflects the time and dedication you spent as a student training with your instructor. 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, if you buy new scuba equipment, like a mask, regulator, or computer, make sure to discover the specific requirements for each item BEFORE going for a dive.
Ultimately you must decide how to maintain standards during your development as a scuba diver. When in doubt, you should contact Banyan Tree Divers Maui with questions regarding your PADI course or confined water training. Our instructors are ready and available to meet you seven days a week. Maui diving sites feature fringing coral reefs, turtles, and sharks, so make your reservation today for incredible dive adventures!