10-year-old Indian becomes youngest-ever PADI-certified junior open water diver
Dwit A. Nandu, a Class 4 student at St. Francis D'Assisi High School, marked his 10th birthday on August 24th.
The incredible accomplishment was announced on August 25th at Temple Adventures in Pondicherry, where Dwit underwent his training. Dr. Amit Nandu, his proud father and a professor of Accountancy at H.R.
College of Commerce & Economics, shared the news.
Scuba diving certification is regulated by the Australia-based Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI), an organization that operates in 186 countries and provides certifications to divers, enabling them to explore underwater environments worldwide.
The initial certification level, known as 'Junior Open Water Diver,' allows divers to explore depths of up to 12 meters. This is followed by 'Open Water Diver,' 'Advanced Open Water Diver' (30 meters), 'Deep Diver' (40 meters), and professional 'tech-diver' categories designed for even greater depths.
Dr. Nandu explained, «According to PADI rules, the minimum age for a certified diver is 10 years.
At this age, one can begin the course and subsequently become certified. Dwit celebrated his 10th birthday on August 24th. He had been diligently preparing for the course well in advance, and he completed it today, setting a world record.»
The rigorous course entailed mastering advanced swimming skills, including the ability to swim 200 meters without assistance, studying five modules, passing a written exam based on the modules, conducting confined water training in a swimming pool, and completing four open water dives.
For the past year, Dwit has been dedicated to his goal, receiving swimming coaching at a club in Borivali before joining the PADI-certified Temple Adventures diving center in Pondicherry.
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