I recently wrote an “Ask an Expert” column for the July issue of Scuba Diving magazine, available at newstands now. You can also read it online here: Should Kids Under 12 Dive?
I take the stance that “no”, they should not be allowed to dive. Share your thoughts, but please, read the article before you start flaming me. 
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I'm David Harmon, PADI instructor and all-around scuba enthusiast. I started this site to share with you what I learn as I gain experience, see the world, and become a certified instructor.
If you love diving as much as I do, or even (heaven forbid) only have a passing interest, I'm sure you'll find something here to enjoy.
So what are you waiting for? Join me on my underwater journey!
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August 12th, 2012 at 2:45 am
Interesting articles on diving in blog, greeting from belgium
August 12th, 2012 at 7:46 am
Some surface intervals seem interminable.
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:35 pm
I think one important point is missed. That is the effects of elevated PO2 on a child’s CNS. No one knows what the effects of elevated PO2 can do to a child’s CNS when they are in a state of development. For this fact alone, no child under the age of 16 should be allowed to dive. I refuse to teach children, regardless how mature they may be. There is still plenty of fun stuff to see snorkeling.
August 29th, 2012 at 10:53 am
My 7 year old grandson has been diving in the 6 ft section of the swimming pool for the last year. He also can do his 20 skills. But the pool is as far as he can go. Diving here is cold water diving . A drysuit is a must. The stress of cold water and visability is too much for a little guy. Not to mention we aren’t buying custom dry suits for a grown boy. He is chomping at the bit to go diving with us. He will have to wait till he is 12. And then warm water only. I’m going to disagree with Duane though as far as waiting till 16. I started diving when I was 10 and I’m almost 60. I know other divers who started very early. A 12 year old educated mature diver to 40 ft I believe is a good call.
August 29th, 2012 at 10:58 am
growing :0
September 5th, 2012 at 11:34 am
The importance of testing out your paint before you do a lot of fancy artwork. It may wash right off. Permanent markers worked well for my rubbery fins, but didn’t stick on Marwah’s more smooth, plastic fins (as I guess they are).A drysuit is a must. The stress of cold water and visability is too much for a little guy. Not to mention we aren’t buying custom dry suits for a grown boy. He is chomping at the bit to go diving with us
office 2010 standard http://www.getsoftwarekey.com
September 21st, 2012 at 2:03 pm
I personally started diving when I was 12 years old. That was over 23 years ago. I also don’t agree with the idea that no child should dive before they are 16. While I will agree that a child has no business being below 30-40′ deep, I am a firm believer that scuba diving is a very good way of teaching children about conservation so that they don’t repeat the mistakes of our generations.
November 8th, 2012 at 11:33 am
Interesting question, I started diving when I was 11 years old
November 16th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
David,
I absolutely appreciate your article on not permitted children under 12 from diving. As a lawyer, it is often necessary for advocates to take up positions and provide the best argument, regardless of your personal position or if you even have one. So, even if you feel that under 12s should not be permitted to dive, I wanted to take that moment to remind everyone that advocacy equals knowledge dissemination, regardless of dissent. Having said that, I dive with my 11 year old often. He is not merely PADI jr. OW certified, but adventure diver certified. He anxiously awaits being able to become jr. advanced when reaching 12 years old. He has even asked for it as a birthday present in lieu of myriad other typical and exciting presents that 12 year olds receive! He and I have dived Key West, Grand Cayman and Catalina’s kelp forests. I cannot and will not quash his fervor for a sport that promotes exercise, exploration, planning, critical thinking, and the application of science and mathematics. However, I would be lying if I didn’t point out that I am concerned about the remotely possible physiological effects that diving could have on a developing young person. Here, I must be guided by our best science and my decision to infrequently dive with him (we had to get refresher courses recently since our previous dive was in May, 2011). I seriously hope that will be enough prophylactic and cautionary behavior to safeguard my son’s physical development.