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F.A.Q. |
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Is it hard to learn to scuba dive?
No, in fact, it's probably easier than you imagine -- especially if you're
already comfortable in the water. The entry-level diver course is split
into practical knowledge, confined water skill training and four scuba
training dives. The course is "performance based," which means that you
progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill
How long does it take to become a certified scuba
diver?
PADI courses are "performance based," which means that you earn your
certification when you demonstrate that you've mastered the required
skills and knowledge. Some people learn faster than others, so how long it
takes you may vary. The PADI Open Water Diver course (beginning course) is
typically split into five or six sessions with tremendous flexibility. The
course may be scheduled over as little as three or four days, or as much
as five or six weeks, or something in between, depending upon student
needs and logistics. As a rule of thumb, most students complete their
initial certification in three or four weeks.
How old do you have to be to become a certified
diver?
Ten years old. If you're between 10 and 15, you receive a Junior Open
Water Diver certification. 10 and 11 year old Junior Open Water Divers
must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional to a
maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet. 12 to 14 year olds should dive with a
certified adult. When you turn 15, you can upgrade your Junior
certification to a regular Open Water Diver certification.
Do I have to meet any special qualifications or
considerations before I can participate in a scuba class?
No.Generally speaking, anyone in good average health and at least 10 years
old can participate. As a precaution, you'll be asked to complete a
routine medical questionnaire. If anything on the questionnaire indicates
something to be cautious about, you'll check with your physician to make
sure it's acceptable to dive.
What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?
You do not need any equipment. Our center provides all the equipments what
you need.
What's in a scuba tank? Oxygen?
Recreational divers breathe air, not oxygen. It's filtered to remove
impurities, but otherwise, it's air like you're breathing now.
How long does a tank of air last?
This is a common question that, unfortunately, doesn't have a single
answer. People breathe at different rates, and you breathe faster when
you're swimming than when you're resting. Also, the deeper you go, the
faster you use your air, and, you can get different size tanks. So, the
answer is "it depends;" this is why divers have a gauge that tell them how
much air they have at all times.
As an approximation, though, a diver sightseeing in calm, warm water in
the 5 metre/15 foot to 10 metre/30 foot range can expect the average tank
to last about an hour.
My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool.
Won't they hurt when I scuba dive?
Your ears hurt because water pressure pushes in on your ear drum. In your
scuba course, you'll learn a simple technique to equalize your ears to the
surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane, and
they won't hurt at all.
Is scuba diving dangerous?
Not really. Statistics show that recreational scuba diving is about as
safe as swimming. Certainly there are potential hazards -- which is why
you need training and certification- but like driving a car, as long as
you follow the rules and use common sense, it's pretty safe.
I need vision correction. Is that a problem?
Not at all. If you wear soft contact lenses, you shouldn't have problems
wearing them when you dive. If you wear hard lenses, you'll want the gas
permeable type for diving. See your eye doctor about these if you don't
have them now. Another option is to have prescription lenses put into your
mask.
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