Scuba Diving Merit Badge

Scouts who earn the Scuba Diving merit badge learn about exploring underwater. This badge teaches how to safely dive, use special equipment, and care for the ocean. It opens the door to an exciting adventure under the sea. Scouts discover a world full of fascinating creatures and beautiful sights.

Working on the Scuba Diving merit badge helps Scouts become more confident in the water. They gain skills like breathing underwater, using fins to swim, and controlling their movement. These skills make diving fun and safe. Scouts also learn how to solve problems underwater, which can help them stay calm and think clearly in other parts of life.

The Scuba Diving merit badge also teaches responsibility. Scouts must take care of their diving equipment and learn about safety rules. This helps them understand the importance of planning ahead and following instructions. These lessons are important for anyone who wants to enjoy outdoor activities.

Scouts who earn the Scuba Diving merit badge may discover a new hobby or even a career. They could use their skills to explore shipwrecks, help with underwater research, or protect the ocean. This badge is not just about diving; it is about exploring a new world and growing as a person.

Download the Scuba Diving Merit Badge Requirements

Scuba Diving Merit Badge Workbook / Worksheet

Scuba Diving Merit Badge Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Scuba Diving Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Scuba Diving merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Be Prepared
• Requirement 2: Swimming Merit Badge
• Requirement 3: Scuba Diver’s Code
• Requirement 4: Open Water Diver Certification
• Requirement 5: Ecosystems
• Requirement 6: Careers
• More Resources

First Aid for Scuba Diving Emergencies

Learning first aid is an important part of earning the Scuba Diving merit badge. When you dive, you need to know how to handle injuries or illnesses that can happen underwater or after you surface. These conditions can be serious if not treated properly. Let’s go over some common problems and how to help.

Hypothermia: This happens when the body gets too cold. A diver may shiver, feel weak, or be confused. To help, get the person warm and dry right away. Use blankets or warm drinks, but avoid hot baths, which can shock the body.

Hyperventilation: This is fast, shallow breathing that can make someone feel lightheaded. It often happens from stress or panic. Encourage the diver to breathe slowly and calmly. This helps the body get the oxygen it needs.

Squeezes: These are pressure-related injuries in spaces like the ears or sinuses. A diver may feel pain or discomfort. To help prevent squeezes, equalize pressure by swallowing or gently blowing through the nose while pinching it shut. If pain continues, stop diving and see a doctor.

Decompression Illness (DCI): This happens when nitrogen bubbles form in the body after surfacing too quickly. Signs include joint pain, dizziness, or weakness. Treat it by keeping the diver lying flat and calm while getting medical help. Use 911 or head to a hospital with a hyperbaric chamber.

Nitrogen Narcosis: This happens during deep dives when too much nitrogen affects the brain. A diver might act confused or make poor decisions. The solution is to ascend to a shallower depth, which will usually clear up the symptoms.

Motion Sickness and Fatigue: Diving often involves long boat rides, which can cause seasickness. Rest, stay hydrated, and look at the horizon to feel better. Fatigue happens from too much activity. Rest and drink water before diving again.

Overexertion and Dehydration: Diving can be hard work, especially in strong currents. Overexertion makes breathing difficult, and dehydration can cause cramps or dizziness. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and don’t push yourself too hard.

Heat Reactions and Injuries by Aquatic Life: In hot climates, heat reactions like heat exhaustion can happen. Cool the person down and give them water. For jellyfish stings or cuts from sharp coral, rinse the area with clean water and apply first aid.

The Scuba Diving merit badge teaches you how to recognize and handle these problems. Learning first aid helps you keep yourself and others safe while enjoying the underwater world.

Knowing When and How to Perform CPR

Learning CPR is an important part of the Scuba Diving merit badge. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving skill used when someone’s heart has stopped, or they are not breathing. As a diver, you might need to help someone after an emergency underwater or on the surface.

When to Perform CPR:
CPR is only done if a person is:

1. Unresponsive – They don’t wake up when you talk to them or gently shake them.
2. Not Breathing – Check by looking for chest movement, listening for breath, or feeling for air from their mouth or nose.
3. No Pulse – You don’t feel a heartbeat. You can check this on the side of the neck or wrist, but if you’re unsure, start CPR.

How to Recognize These Conditions:

• Tap the person’s shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you okay?” If they don’t respond, call for help.
• Check for breathing by watching the chest rise and fall for about 10 seconds.
• If they are unresponsive and not breathing, assume their heart has stopped and begin CPR.

Steps for Performing CPR:

1. Call for Help – Have someone call 911. If you are alone, call first before starting CPR.
2. Start Chest Compressions – Place your hands in the center of the chest. Push hard and fast, about 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. Use a training device to practice this step.
3. Give Rescue Breaths (if trained) – After 30 compressions, tilt the head back, pinch the nose, and give 2 breaths. Make sure the chest rises. Continue compressions and breaths until help arrives.

The Scuba Diving merit badge includes CPR training because it’s a critical skill for emergencies. Practicing with a training device helps you feel confident in real situations. Knowing CPR can make you a valuable and prepared diving buddy.

Swimming Skills Are the Foundation for Scuba Diving

Before starting the more advanced parts of the Scuba Diving merit badge, Scouts must earn the Swimming merit badge. This requirement makes sure you have strong swimming skills and are comfortable in the water. Scuba diving can be challenging, so having good swimming abilities is important for safety and confidence.

See requirements, helps, and resources for the Swimming merit badge here.

The Swimming merit badge teaches basic water skills. These include swimming long distances, floating, and using different strokes like freestyle and backstroke. You also learn how to handle emergencies in the water, such as rescuing someone or treading water for a long time. These skills help you stay safe and assist others while scuba diving.

Why Swimming Skills Matter for Scuba Diving:

• Endurance: Scuba diving often requires swimming against currents or covering long distances. Being a strong swimmer makes this easier.
• Comfort in the Water: Scuba diving involves spending a lot of time underwater. If you feel confident swimming, you’ll feel more at ease while using scuba gear.
• Safety: Knowing how to stay afloat, control your breathing, and swim efficiently can help you avoid accidents while diving.

Earning the Swimming merit badge first prepares you for the challenges of the Scuba Diving merit badge. It ensures you have the basic skills needed to focus on learning scuba techniques, exploring underwater environments, and staying safe in the process.

Understanding the Scuba Diver’s Code

The Scuba Diver’s Code is a set of rules that all divers follow to stay safe and protect the underwater environment. For the Scuba Diving merit badge, you’ll discuss these guidelines with your merit badge counselor to understand why they are so important. Each rule helps prevent accidents and ensures that divers have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Key Guidelines in the Scuba Diver’s Code:

A Scout:

• Maintains good mental and physical fitness for scuba diving.
• Keeps his dive skills sharp through continuing education.
• Seeks professional orientation prior to diving at unfamiliar dive locations.
• Adheres to the buddy system throughout every dive.
• Uses complete, well-maintained, and reliable equipment with which he is familiar.
• Always dives no deeper than the recommended depth for his certification level and experience.
• Always follows the time limits listed by the special dive tables or a dive computer for a particular depth.
• Is a S.A.F.E. diver (Slowly Ascends From Every dive) and makes a safety stop at 15 feet for three minutes
• at the end of each dive prior to surfacing.
• Breathes properly while diving, never holding his breath or skipping breathing.
• Knows and obeys local diving laws and regulations, including fish and game laws and dive-flag laws.
• Understands and respects aquatic life, considers how his interactions affects it, and dives carefully to protect fragile aquatic ecosystems.

Each part of the Scuba Diver’s Code focuses on preventing common dangers. For example, diving with a buddy reduces the risks of being alone during an emergency. Monitoring your air supply helps you avoid running out of air while underwater. Respecting marine life keeps both you and the environment safe from harm.

Following the Scuba Diver’s Code is essential for earning the Scuba Diving merit badge. It teaches Scouts how to stay safe and responsible in the water, making diving a fun and safe adventure.

Earning Your Open Water Diver Certification

To complete the Scuba Diving merit badge, you must earn an Open Water Diver Certification. This certification shows that you have learned the basic skills and knowledge needed to scuba dive safely. It is offered by organizations like PADI, NAUI, or SSI, which follow safety standards recognized by the Boy Scouts of America scuba policy.

What Is an Open Water Diver Certification?
This certification allows you to dive with a buddy to a depth of 60 feet without needing an instructor. You’ll take a course that includes three parts:

• Classroom or Online Learning: You’ll study topics like how to use scuba equipment, plan dives, and avoid underwater hazards.
• Confined Water Dives: These practice dives happen in a pool or shallow, calm water. You’ll learn how to use your gear, clear your mask, and share air in emergencies.
• Open Water Dives: These are real dives in a lake, ocean, or quarry. You’ll practice what you learned in confined water and prove you’re ready to dive safely on your own.

The Open Water Diver Certification gives you hands-on experience with scuba equipment and safety procedures. It ensures you understand how to control your buoyancy, communicate underwater, and handle common problems. These skills make diving safe and enjoyable.

Earning this certification is a big step in completing the Scuba Diving merit badge. It opens the door to exciting underwater adventures and shows you are prepared to explore safely.

Exploring Aquatic Ecosystems as a Scuba Diver

An ecosystem is a community of living things, like plants and animals, interacting with their environment, such as water, sunlight, and soil. In an aquatic ecosystem, these interactions happen in or near water. Learning about aquatic ecosystems is important for the Scuba Diving merit badge because divers get to see these ecosystems up close. Understanding them helps protect the underwater environment.

Types of Aquatic Ecosystems Divers Might Explore:

• Coral Reefs: Coral reefs are underwater habitats built by coral, which are tiny animals that create hard skeletons. These reefs are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. They are delicate ecosystems that can be harmed by pollution or careless diving.
• Kelp Forests: Found in cooler waters, kelp forests are underwater areas filled with tall, seaweed-like plants. They provide shelter for fish, sea otters, and other marine animals.
• Freshwater Lakes and Rivers: Some divers explore lakes and rivers, where they might see fish, turtles, and plants that thrive in freshwater ecosystems. These areas are often calmer than the ocean.
• Open Ocean: The open ocean is vast and full of life, including dolphins, sharks, and schools of fish. It has fewer plants than other ecosystems, but divers might see fascinating creatures like jellyfish or manta rays.

When you earn the Scuba Diving merit badge, you learn how to dive without harming aquatic ecosystems. For example, touching coral can damage it, and stirring up sediment can disturb underwater animals. Knowing about these ecosystems helps you enjoy their beauty while protecting them for the future.

Diving gives you a chance to explore amazing ecosystems. By learning about them, you become a more responsible and informed diver. This knowledge is an important part of earning the Scuba Diving merit badge.

Careers in the Scuba Industry

The scuba industry offers many exciting career opportunities for people who love the water and exploring underwater environments. Earning the Scuba Diving merit badge can introduce you to these professions and help you think about how scuba skills can be part of your future. Some careers focus on teaching or guiding others, while others involve science, technology, or helping to protect marine ecosystems.

Careers in the Scuba Industry to Explore:

• Scuba Instructor: Teach others how to scuba dive safely and earn certifications.
• Dive Guide: Lead diving tours in exciting locations like coral reefs or shipwrecks.
• Underwater Photographer or Videographer: Capture underwater images for media, research, or entertainment.
• Marine Biologist: Study ocean life and ecosystems, often using scuba to collect data.
• Commercial Diver: Perform underwater construction, repairs, or inspections for industries like shipping or oil.
• Underwater Archaeologist: Explore and study underwater historical sites like shipwrecks.
• Search and Rescue Diver: Work with emergency services to find missing people or recover items underwater.
• Environmental Conservationist: Help protect marine environments by working with organizations to study and clean up oceans.
• Scientific Diver: Assist with research projects, often in partnership with universities or government agencies.
• Dive Shop Manager or Owner: Run a business that sells scuba gear, offers training, and organizes dive trips.

Scuba careers combine adventure and meaningful work. For example, a marine biologist can study coral reefs to find ways to protect them from climate change. A dive guide or instructor helps others explore and enjoy the underwater world. Commercial divers solve practical problems underwater, like repairing bridges or pipelines. Each career offers unique challenges and rewards.

As part of the Scuba Diving merit badge, learning about these careers can inspire you to turn your interest in diving into a lifelong passion or even a profession. It’s a great way to connect your skills with opportunities to explore and protect the underwater world.

Scuba BSA Award

The Scuba BSA award introduces Scouts to basic scuba diving skills and safety. Participants learn how to use scuba equipment, communicate underwater, and dive responsibly in a controlled environment. This program is a great way to prepare for earning the Scuba Diving merit badge. It focuses on teamwork, as Scouts practice the buddy system, and builds confidence through hands-on training.

Completing the Scuba BSA award helps Scouts understand the importance of safety, including how to avoid hazards and handle emergencies. It’s a fun and educational experience that prepares Scouts for future diving adventures. It also supports progress toward the Scuba Diving merit badge.

National Outdoor Award Aquatics Segment Requirements

The National Outdoor Award Aquatics Segment recognizes Scouts and Venturers who go above and beyond in aquatics activities. Earning this award shows dedication to swimming, lifesaving, and aquatic adventures like scuba diving, paddling, and fishing. Scouts must complete the Swimming merit badge and other aquatic requirements, including at least 50 hours of activities. This award celebrates a love for water and outdoor fun.

Scouts can choose scuba diving as part of their path toward earning the award. By completing the Scuba Diving merit badge, they gain valuable skills while exploring the underwater world. This award encourages Scouts to develop confidence and enjoy water-based adventures.

More Merit Badge Resources

Merit badges let Scouts explore different subjects and learn new skills. With over 100 options, you can try topics like outdoor skills, science, trades, or hobbies. You don’t need to advance in rank before earning a merit badge. Any Scout can choose to learn about something they are curious about or try something completely new.

The Scuba Diving merit badge is one of the most exciting badges to earn. It teaches safety, teamwork, and underwater skills while exploring the ocean. Merit badges like the Scuba Diving merit badge can even spark ideas for future careers or lifelong hobbies.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

Scouts BSA helps youth aged 11 to 17 build character, leadership, and life skills through outdoor adventures and service. Activities like camping, hiking, and earning merit badges teach teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving. Scouts work together in patrols and grow through experiences that prepare them for the future.

One exciting part of Scouts BSA is earning merit badges like the Scuba Diving merit badge. It gives Scouts a chance to explore underwater adventures while learning safety and teamwork. Badges like the Scuba Diving merit badge help youth discover new interests and gain valuable skills for life.

What is the Scuba Diving merit badge?

The Scuba Diving merit badge teaches Scouts the skills and knowledge needed to scuba dive safely. You will learn about diving equipment, underwater safety, and marine ecosystems. You will also earn an Open Water Diver Certification as part of the requirements.

Do I need to know how to swim to earn the Scuba Diving merit badge?

Yes, you must earn the Swimming merit badge first. This ensures you are confident in the water and have the basic skills needed for scuba diving.

What is an Open Water Diver Certification?

It is a certification from a scuba organization like PADI or NAUI. It shows you have learned how to scuba dive safely and can dive to a depth of 60 feet with a buddy. This is a requirement for the Scuba Diving merit badge.

Is scuba diving safe?

Scuba diving is safe when you follow the rules, use proper equipment, and dive within your training limits. The Scuba Diving merit badge teaches you how to avoid common dangers and handle emergencies.

How long does it take to earn the Scuba Diving merit badge?

It depends on your schedule and the availability of scuba classes. Completing the Open Water Diver Certification usually takes several days of lessons and practice dives.

Do I need my own scuba gear for the Scuba Diving merit badge?

No, most scuba courses provide rental gear. However, you may need to bring personal items like a mask, snorkel, and fins. Your instructor will let you know what is required.

What will I learn about the underwater environment?

You will learn about aquatic ecosystems, marine life, and how to protect these environments. The Scuba Diving merit badge helps you become a responsible diver who respects the ocean.

Are there any age restrictions for earning the Scuba Diving merit badge?

Yes, most scuba certification organizations require you to be at least 10 or 12 years old. Check with your merit badge counselor for specific age requirements.

What careers can I explore with scuba diving skills?

Careers include scuba instructor, marine biologist, underwater photographer, or commercial diver. The Scuba Diving merit badge introduces you to these exciting opportunities.

Why should I earn the Scuba Diving merit badge?

The Scuba Diving merit badge is your chance to explore a new world underwater, learn valuable skills, and gain confidence in the water. It’s an adventure and a skill you can use for a lifetime!

The Scuba Diving merit badge takes you on an exciting journey underwater. It teaches you how to scuba dive safely while exploring a whole new world. You’ll learn to use special equipment, like air tanks and masks, and practice skills such as controlling your movement and communicating underwater. This badge is perfect for Scouts who love adventure and want to try something new.

To earn the Scuba Diving merit badge, you must complete an Open Water Diver Certification. This training gives you real-world experience with scuba diving and ensures you know how to stay safe. You’ll practice in both confined water, like a pool, and open water, such as a lake or ocean. Along the way, you’ll gain confidence and have fun exploring underwater environments.

The badge also teaches you about aquatic ecosystems. You’ll discover how coral reefs, kelp forests, and other habitats work. You’ll learn why it’s important to protect these ecosystems and how to be a responsible diver. You’ll also discuss first aid, safety rules, and career opportunities in scuba diving.

Earning the Scuba Diving merit badge is a great way to combine fun with learning. Whether you’re swimming with tropical fish or just mastering the basics, this badge is a unique adventure that helps you grow as a Scout.