Mermaid FAQ
How was the PADI Mermaid program developed?
The PADI Mermaid program was developed based on prevailing mermaid diving practices, with review, comment and consulting from experienced PADI Instructors who teach mermaid diving.
In what languages is the program currently available?
The PADI Mermaid program is currently only available in English and Simplified Chinese. Other languages may follow, depending on demand.
What courses and experiences are part of the PADI Mermaid program?
The PADI Mermaid Program consists of one experience and three courses: an introductory PADI Discover Mermaid experience, the PADI Basic Mermaid course, the PADI Mermaid course and the PADI Advanced Mermaid course. The PADI Discover Mermaid experience (water shallow enough in which to stand), the PADI Basic Mermaid course (to a maximum depth of 3 metres/10 feet) and the PADI Mermaid course can be conducted in a pool or in confined open water. The PADI Advanced Mermaid course includes two open water sessions. The courses build on one another.
What is the PADI Discover Mermaid experience?
The PADI Discover Mermaid experience is for participants who want to try mermaid diving before committing to a course. A PADI Basic Mermaid Instructor or PADI Mermaid Instructor conducts the PADI Discover Mermaid experience in confined water, in water shallow enough in which to stand.
Is the PADI Basic Mermaid certification a prerequisite for the PADI Mermaid course?
Yes, the PADI Basic Mermaid certification (or qualifying certification from another training organization) is a prerequisite for the PADI Mermaid course. Students may complete the PADI Basic Mermaid course and Mermaid course as a single course, with only the Mermaid certification issued.
Is the PADI Mermaid certification a prerequisite for the PADI Advanced Mermaid course?
Yes, the PADI Mermaid certification (or qualifying certification from another training organization) is a prerequisite for the PADI Advanced Mermaid course. Student may complete the PADI Basic Mermaid course and/or Mermaid course and Advanced Mermaid course as a single course, but both the PADI Mermaid and Advanced Mermaid certifications must be issued upon meeting the certification requirements.
What are the sequencing requirements for the PADI Mermaid and PADI Advanced Mermaid courses?
The PADI Mermaid program contains knowledge development and confined water skill development sessions. When possible, conduct the knowledge development session before confined water training. For the PADI Advanced Mermaid course, students must successfully complete knowledge development and the confined water sessions prior to open water sessions. You may rearrange skill sequences within each session; however, the sequence of sessions must stay intact. You may add more sessions as necessary to meet student needs. Organize your course to incorporate environment-friendly techniques throughout each session, to accommodate student learning preferences, logistical needs and your sequencing preferences.
What is the required student equipment for the PADI Mermaid program?
For the PADI Basic Mermaid, PADI Mermaid courses and PADI Advanced Mermaid courses, use of the following equipment is required: • Mask and snorkel • Bifins • Weight belt and weights in small increments (special mermaid weights like integrated tail weights, hidden in mermaid dress, etc. optional)