PADI dive programmes are available to everyone in good health, reasonably fit and comfortable in the water, However, for those who are not above 10 years of age and would like to participate in the PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver programmes; there is the PADI Junior Open Water Diver, Junior Advanced Open Water and Junior Rescue Diver programmes.

The PADI Junior Open Water Diver programme is designed for those between the ages of 10 to 14. The programme is conducted with the same contents as the adult PADI Open Water Diver programme but with safer limitations more suitable for the younger ones. Upon completion of the programme, a PAD1 Junior Open Water Diver between the ages of 10 and 11 years may only dive with a PADI Professional, a certified parent or certified guardian to a maximum depth of 12 metres140 feet.

The PADI Junior Open Water Diver programme can later be upgraded to the PADI Open Water Diver certification when the diver reaches certification age and gained experience from diving.