The Word Baptism means to be totally submerged so you should be totally submerged when you are Baptized.
 

Romans 6:3-14 = Baptism is symbolic between you and God.  Baptism is a witness that you believe, (As you are placed under the water) that Jesus Christ went into the tomb and arose from the tomb into eternal life.  It buries the old man or woman and brings out the new man or woman.
 

The first step that starts baptism is repentance.  You want to change.  You want a closer walk with God.  You are drawn from within, and you want to be cleansed.  It is symbolic, but is is you publicly declaring that you believe.

St. Matthew 3:1-16 = John The Baptist baptizing in the Jordon river, and Baptizing our Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ locked in the Baptism of Repentance of Sins.  You don't have to go to anyone to be baptized.  It is between you and Jesus Christ.  Any Christian can baptize another Christian..

As shown in St. Matthew 3:13-15.  The credential needed to baptize someone is loving the Lord and being a Christian..

St. Matthew 3:15 =  Baptism is the way to righteousness, because it washes away your sins upon repentance at that time.

Ephesians 4:1-6 = You are baptized in Jesus Christ and he in us.

Colossians 2:12 = We are buried with him in Baptism, and are risen with him (Jesus Christ) through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him (Jesus Christ) from the dead. Baptism raises you from the dead,

How to Baptize a person - Anoint them on the forehead with a touch of olive oil, then say "I anoint you into the service of Jesus Christ our Lord, and I Baptize you in the name of Yahovah, Jesus Christ and the Holy Sprit."  Then submerge them in the water.