Why Scuba Training Is Important For Becoming An Astronaut

Scuba training has many aspects in common with a career as an astronaut.

The mutual themes are:

  • We need to rely on equipment both in space and underwater whenever we do activities. 
  • Even if an emergency happens, there is no way that we throw away life support systems. 
  • To achieve safety and effectiveness, it is critical to have a deep understanding of both the technology we use and the extreme environment that surrounds us.

That being said, being trained underwater as a scuba diver will benefit astronauts to simulate a space environment.

Exploring Inner Space

Also, most astronaut training is done underwater https://www.nasa.gov/content/underwater-spacewalk-training https://www.scubadiving.com/nasas-underwater-lab

Moreover, many current astronauts were enjoying scuba diving even before they became astronauts.

How Can You Do Scuba Diving Training? What Does The Process Look Like?

-Organization

There are multiple organizations that give you certification.

I mainly do training with either PADI or SSI instructors.

-Certification

Each organization has slightly different certification requirements, but basically they are the same.

For example, PADI has 4 types of certificates for recreational divers.

  • Open Water Diver (OW)
  • Advanced Open Water Diver (AOW)
  • Rescue Diver + Emergency First Responder (EFR: CPR+AED)
  • Master Scuba Diver (MSD: 5 specialty courses are additionally required)

If you want to be a professional instructor, you will proceed with Divemaster to have a further advanced license.

What’s the Difference Between PADI Master Scuba Diver and Divemaster?

My Goal For Scuba Diving

I am currently trying to get Masterdiver, which is the highest stage for recreational divers. (I got OW in February 2021, AOW in May 2021, and Rescue in June 2021)

Also, I hope to get Divemaster someday so that I can get more professional technique and knowledge.

Final Remark

Although I recently started scuba diving, I became a huge fan of this activity. 

I have learned a lot through scuba journey, and I am really excited to be a Masterdiver (and hopefully Divemaster)!