PADI's min. age for Nitrox set in stone?

Fuzzmutton · Sep 12, 2008

I'm wondering if PADI ever makes an exception to the rule for the minimum age for Nitrox certification, and if their only reason for setting the age requirement is the fear a child any younger would not grasp the math and safety issues involved.

I ask because I have a chance to get certified now for $25 and get a discount for any family member, hubby is not interested in taking the course with me but my 14 year would be. He is pretty smart (IQ of 140, so sez the school) and I think he would do fine in the class.

Does anyone know of any exceptions that have been made?

Fuzz

ronbeau · Sep 12, 2008

Fuzzmutton:
I'm wondering if PADI ever makes an exception to the rule for the minimum age for Nitrox certification, and if their only reason for setting the age requirement is the fear a child any younger would not grasp the math and safety issues involved.

I ask because I have a chance to get certified now for $25 and get a discount for any family member, hubby is not interested in taking the course with me but my 14 year would be. He is pretty smart (IQ of 140, so sez the school) and I think he would do fine in the class.

Does anyone know of any exceptions that have been made?

Fuzz

How close is he to 15? Nothing says that he could not start the course and take the exam at age 15.

Don Wray · Sep 12, 2008

Fuzzmutton:
I'm wondering if PADI ever makes an exception to the rule for the minimum age for Nitrox certification, and if their only reason for setting the age requirement is the fear a child any younger would not grasp the math and safety issues involved.

I ask because I have a chance to get certified now for $25 and get a discount for any family member, hubby is not interested in taking the course with me but my 14 year would be. He is pretty smart (IQ of 140, so sez the school) and I think he would do fine in the class.

Does anyone know of any exceptions that have been made?

Fuzz

Not to my knowledge. PADI sets the guidelines and it takes an act of congress to get waivers. There would really have to be a good reason. At 14, what good would it do to dive nitrox. There is no real benefit at the depths he can dive. Good deal though, the books cost more than that.

Fuzzmutton · Sep 12, 2008

He just turned 14,

Don, I just wanted someone to take the class with, he was interested, and it's cheap for us right now. It might not be as cheap for us next year. But anyway, I think it wouldn't be any less benificial to him than it would be to anyone else (if I take your meaning), he will be going on to take AOW soon.

Fuzz

1_T_Submariner · Sep 15, 2008

Don Wray:
Not to my knowledge. PADI sets the guidelines and it takes an act of congress to get waivers. There would really have to be a good reason. At 14, what good would it do to dive nitrox. There is no real benefit at the depths he can dive. Good deal though, the books cost more than that.

For multiple days and multiple dives it could be a benefit. Like a trip to Bonaire or a liveaboard.

TwoBitTxn · Sep 15, 2008

ronbeau:
How close is he to 15? Nothing says that he could not start the course and take the exam at age 15.

The age standard is to start the class. Not finish it.

Zippsy · Sep 16, 2008

for $25 bucks, have him take the class for the knowledge. Who cares if he gets another card from PADI? (other than PADI)

jldodd · Sep 16, 2008

Zippsy:
for $25 bucks, have him take the class for the knowledge. Who cares if he gets another card from PADI? (other than PADI)

If he actually wants to dive on nitrox or get a nitrox fill, he'll want the card. Granted, his parents could probably get the tanks for him but not under all circumstances. The kid will end up having to take the class "for real" at some point, likely right after they turn 15.

deepstops · Sep 16, 2008

A better question: Why doesn't your husband see the benefit in diving nitrox??

String · Sep 16, 2008

deepstops:
A better question: Why doesn't your husband see the benefit in diving nitrox??

Well its not some magic juice - its useful in some circumstances and no use in others.

For 90% of my diving, its useless so i dont use it a lot for example.

PADI's min. age for Nitrox set in stone?

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