Scuba Diving and the Trail to Eagle
Scuba Diving is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Scuba Diving Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 6 main requirements for Scuba Diving. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while scuba diving.
- b.Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person.
- 2
Before completing requirements 3 through 6, earn the Swimming merit badge.
- 3
Discuss the Scuba Diver's Code with your counselor.
- 4
Earn an Open Water Diver Certification from a scuba organization recognized by Scouting America scuba policy.
- 5
Explain what an ecosystem is, and describe four aquatic ecosystems a diver might experience.
- 6
Find out about three career opportunities in the scuba industry.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Scuba Diving Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Scuba Diving, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Scuba Diving is usually earned summer camp or outdoor event. Summer camp and merit badge weekends are the most common places to finish it.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 2 weeks for a demanding badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 8 Scuba Diving requirements for you.
Scuba Diving Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Scuba Diving merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Scuba Diving is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Scuba Diving merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Scuba Diving in about 2 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Scuba Diving merit badge?
Scuba Diving is most often earned summer camp or outdoor event. Any registered merit badge counselor for Scuba Diving can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Scuba Diving merit badge have?
Scuba Diving has 6 main requirements with 2 sub-requirements, for 8 items in total.
