Melbourne PADI Youth Mermaid Series Course
Many parents inquire whether their children can learn mermaiding. The answer is yes! Children who are over 6 years old are eligible to enroll in our PADI Basic Mermaid course. First and foremost, it’s crucial to grasp that the PADI mermaid series courses are categorized into three levels: Basic Mermaid, Mermaid, and Advanced Mermaid. Advancing to the next level is permissible only after successfully completing the preceding level; skipping levels is not allowed. Additionally, each course level has specific prerequisites concerning the minimum age and swimming proficiency of the children. Let’s take a look together!
Basic Mermaid
Minimum age：
6 years old（Up to 4:1 ratio is allowed. For the safety of the children, children aged 6-8 can have a maximum of 1:1 classes, and children aged 8-10 can have a maximum of 2:1 classes.）
Prerequisites：
Ability to swim at least 25m/80ft without swim aids.
Ability to float comfortably at the surface for at least 3 mins.
Depth Confined Water：
2m swimming pool
Course schedule：
2 hours of theory class + 4 hours of pool training (the 4-hour pool training is based on a 4:1 class ratio. If the number of participants is less than 4, the total duration will be reduced, but individual training time will increase).
Pool training content：
- Warm-up exercise and stretching
- Gearing up – equipment assembly, adjustment and donning
- controlled seated entry
- Weighting
- Dolphin kick (face-up and face-down)
- 2 minute float/bob/tread in full mermaid equipment
- Cramp releases (with buddy)
- Breathing before and after each dive
- Duck dive
- Equalization
- Buddy procedures
- Exit
- Equipment care
Students who successfully complete the Basic Mermaid course will receive the PADI Basic Mermaid certification, which is globally recognized. If you wish to learn more about mermaiding, enhance your performance skills, and become more proficient underwater, you can continue to participate in the PADI Mermaid course.
Mermaid
Minimum Age：
10 years old（Each class can have a maximum of 6 students. For the safety of the children, students aged 10-12 can have a maximum of 4:1 classes.）
Prerequisites：
Ability to swim at least 50m/160ft without swim aids.
Ability to float comfortably at the surface for at least 5 mins
Depth Confined Water：
2m swimming pool
Course Schedule：
2 hours of theory class + 5 hours of pool training (the 5-hour pool training is based on a 4:1 class ratio. If the number of participants is less than 4, the total duration will be reduced, but individual training time will increase)
Pool training content：
- Static apnea practice
- Safety skill – demonstrate removing the mermaid tail in an emergency
- Dynamic swim 25 metres/80 feet in mermaid tail
- Buddy procedures
- Mermaid dives：
- C-shape turn
- U-shape turn
- Exhale descent
- Backward somersault turn
- back glide
- Underwater handshake (team move)
- Mermaid bubbles
Students who successfully complete the Mermaid level course will receive the PADI Mermaid certification, globally recognized. You have now achieved the level of performing as a mermaid in oceanariums.
Additionally, all students participating in Ocean Divers’ Mermaid series courses are eligible for free refresher training. You don’t have to worry about not having a place to practice or lacking instructor guidance after completing the course. Ocean Divers regularly organize training sessions in a 2m swimming pool and a 4m diving pool. Students can choose the training venue based on their skill level. Mermaiding is not only an underwater activity that fosters bravery, self-focus, and physical fitness; it also provides us with an opportunity to connect and progress with those who share a passion for mermaiding, allowing us to make more like-minded friends.
Advanced Mermaid
Minimum Age：
12 years old（Up to 6 students per class）
Prerequisites：
Ability to swim at least 100m/320ft without swim aids.
Ability to float comfortably at the surface for at least 10 mins.
Depth Confined Water：
4m diving pool
Course schedule：
3 hours of theory class + 7 hours of pool training
Pool Training Content：
- Advanced warm-up exercise and stretching
- Streamlined body position
- Proper breathing before, during, and after the dive
- Effective kick and glide technique
- Buddy procedure
- Rescue of a diver simulating LMC at the surface
- Rescue of a diver who simulates blacking out underwater
- Individual mermaid performance routine choreography and practice
- Team mermaid performance routine choreography and practice
- Underwater shooting practice
- No mask shooting (optional)
At this point, you’ll not only be able to perform solo but also execute intricate coordinated movements with other mermaids. Moreover, you’ll be a competent diving partner skilled in underwater rescue. After completing the Advanced Mermaid course, you’ll be capable of mermaiding at depths of up to 10m and engaging in mermaiding in open water.
If you have more questions about the PADI mermaid series courses, you can click the button below to read the FAQ summary.
So are you ready to learn to dive in Melbourne with us? We’d love to be a part of your underwater adventures! If you’d like more information or to make a reservation, fill in our online contact form, or send us an email to: info@oceandivers.com.au
Ocean Divers is a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Centre and a Scubapro Platinum Dealer. Established since 1972, Ocean Divers is the longest operating dive store in Melbourne.
We look forward to scuba diving in Melbourne with you soon!