Experienced instructors hear many of the same questions time and time again from student divers. If you are having any of the same concerns or are wondering about the answers to any of these questions then you are not alone.
1. I’m not a strong swimmer, is this going to be a problem?
You don’t need to be professional swimmer to learn how to dive but there are some minimum requirements for safety reasons. You will need to complete a 200meter swim (any stroke and it is not timed), you will also need to “float” for 10 minutes (this can be laid on your back, swimming or treading), you will also complete some snorkelling skills. The most important consideration is that you feel comfortable in the water. If you are not there yet then taking a couple of swim classes will improve your confidence and overall enjoyment.
2. I wear glasses, can I still dive?
Yes absolutely. One option is to dive in contact lenses – daily disposables are best in case you lose one during some of the mask skills which can happen from time to time. If you are not a contact lens wearer then a prescription mask is a great option. Some dive centers have prescription masks available but it can be difficult to hire one that matches your eyesight requirements exactly so it’s a good idea to invest in one of your own. If you are long sighted (have difficulty reading but are okay with distances), then you can buy prescription stickers that you apply to the lower section of a regular mask – much like wearing reading glasses.
3. Do I need to have my own scuba gear?
No, this is included in your course price. (The certified divers, will have to rent the gear incase if they don’t have of their own for an additional cost).
4. What is surface gap requirement?
A minimum of between 12 hours to18 hours surface gap required depending on the dive depth after your last dive and before taking a flight. If you are on holiday and have a flight, then you must keep in mind this important point before booking your return flight. The similar safety norm applies if you intend to drive to high altitude mountains.
5. My ears hurt when I go to the bottom of a swimming pool or when I dive down snorkelling. Will that prevent me from becoming a scuba diver?
No, assuming you have no irregularities in your ears and sinuses. The discomfort is the normal effect of water pressure pressing in on your ear drums. Fortunately, our bodies are designed to adjust for pressure changes in our ears – you just need to learn how. If you have no difficulties adjusting to air pressure during flying, you’ll probably experience no problem learning to adjust to water pressure while diving.
6. Will a history of ear troubles, diabetes, asthma, allergies or smoking preclude someone from diving?
Not necessarily. Any condition that affects the ears, sinuses, respiratory or heart function, or may alter consciousness is a concern, but only a doctor can assess a person’s individual risk. Doctors can consult with the Divers Alert Network (DAN) as necessary when assessing fitness to dive. Download the medical statement to take to your doctor.
7. What are the most common injuries or sicknesses associated with diving?
Sunburn, seasickness and dehydration, all of which are preventable, are the most common problems divers face. Injuries caused by marine life, such as scrapes and stings, do occur, but these can be avoided by wearing an exposure suit, staying off the bottom and watching where you put your hands and feet.
8. Do women have any special concerns regarding diving?
Aside from pregnancy, no. Because physiologists know little about the effects of diving on the fetus, the recommendation is that women avoid diving while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Menstruation is not normally a concern.
9. I’m not much of a reader, will I manage the theory?
Yes. The PADI Open Water Diver course is designed to make it accessible to everyone, no matter what your preferred learning style is. The program is not just reading (although there is some), you will also be able to learn the theory through video presentations, practical demonstrations and practice and instructor presentations. If you are worried about “cramming” the PADI eLearning options allow you to study from home, at your own pace prior to going to the dive center. If you are smartphone or tablet user then try the PADI Open Water Diver Touch Version which you also complete at home and provides a more interactive way of learning.
10. How long will my dive last for?
This one is tricky to answer because it depends on how quickly you breathe your air. Most people have some nerves before their first dive which means beginners use their air faster than experienced divers. Other factors also affect air consumption; body makeup, depth, fitness, sea conditions, how effectively you use your fins and even water temperature! Your first dive should be a minimum of 20 minutes and on average first dives usually range from 25 – 40 minutes but some first timers manage a full hour. You won’t know until you try but one thing’s for sure, your air consumption will improve the more you dive.
11. How long will my dive last for?
Firstly, it is highly unlikely that this will ever happen. During your PADI Open Water Diver course you will be taught how to monitor your air supply frequently and you will learn that we never dive until the tank is empty, we always end the dive before air supply becomes an issue. You will also learn several different ways to deal with an “out of air situation” safely so in the unlikely event that you did run out you will have the skills required to manage the situation.
12. How deep will I have to dive?
The first 2 dives of the PADI Open Water Diver program are a maximum of 12 meters and the 3rd and 4th dives are a maximum of 18 meters (or 12m for 10-11 year olds). Your dives should be more than 5 meters but you do not HAVE to go to 18 meters. Talk to your instructor if you are anxious about depth.
13. Can I still learn to dive if I don’t have a buddy?
Yes, no problem! You may find that you have a one on one program with the instructor who will also be your buddy or you may form part of a group so you’ll meet new buddies. Divers are sociable and welcoming!
14. How long does the PADI Open Water Diver course take?
It depends on you but usually 3 – 4 days. Learning to dive is skill based, so the duration of the course is really determined by your progress in developing your skill level, comfort and confidence. If you choose PADI eLearning prior to your program this will reduce the amount of time needed at the dive center. If you don’t want to study on holiday you can always take the theory and pool sessions at a dive center at home and just make the open water dives on your holiday (your instructor will give you a “referral document” to take with you). We are flexible with the schedule & you can complete your course within 90 days from the day your first session registered.
15. How long does the PADI Open Water Diver course take?
Yes, our DAN professional liability insurance provide full coverage upto 90 days from the date of your enrollment or till the certification date whichever is earlier. This apply to all the courses except Assistant Instructor & Instructor level. The coverage include any underwater accidents, bodily injury & medical evacuation to the nearest hospital or decompression chamber. Therefore, you are not required to buy an additional diving insurance. However, if you’re 75 years and above, you’re required to submit your medical statement signed by a physician at least 15 days ahead of your trip to us as the same needs to be approved by our insurance company.
