Frequently asked Questions

Can anybody dive?

If you have an appetite for excitement and adventure, odds are you can become a PADI Diver. You'll also want to keep in mind these requirements:

Minimum Age: 10 years.

Physical: For safety, all students complete a brief questionnaire that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while diving. If none of these apply, you sign the form and you’re ready to start. If any of these apply to you, as a safety precaution your Doctor must assess the condition as it relates to diving and sign a medical form that confirms that you’re fit to dive. In some areas, local laws require all scuba students to consult with a Doctor before entering the course.

About Physical Challenges: Any individual who can meet the performance requirements of the course qualifies for certification. There are many adaptive techniques that allow individuals with physical challenges to meet these requirements. Individuals with paraplegia, amputations and other challenges commonly earn the PADI Open Water Diver certification. Even individuals with more significant physical challenges participate in diving. Talk to us for more information.

How long will my Open Water Course take?

You’ll be diving in less time than you think. Typically, you complete the PADI Open Water Diver course anywhere from three or four days to six weeks, depending upon how frequently you meet with your instructor. PADI courses are performance-based, which means your instructor’s interested in you learning to dive, not in how long you sit in a class. This means that you progress at your own pace – faster or slower depending upon the time you need to become a confident diver who dives regularly. The recommended hours are 31, that includes self study, pool time, theory and open water training through to certification.

Why PADI?

Padi is the most recognised scuba diving certification in the world, whether you want to dive your local lake or quarry or the Indian ocean you’ll find that dive schools around the world will recognise your certification.

Is there a minimum age ?

Yes, to do the PADI junior Open Water Course you will need to be 10 years old, 15 years old for Open Water Diver. Younger children from 8 years old can try scuba diving in the pool with a bubblemaker course.

I wear glasses, is that a problem?

No, you can have your prescription lenses fitted into a standard mask or use contact lenses.

Do I need my own equipment ?

You will feel more comfortable in your own equipment but initially you can use ours. We have a full range of Oceanic BCD’s, regulators, air tanks, nitrox tanks, mask, fins and snorkels as well as wetsuits, semi drys and drysuits.

Do I have to be a good swimmer?

You will need to complete a 200m swim in the pool, this can be done as quickly or as slowly as you want as there is no time limit, and also whatever stroke you wish to use. You just need to complete the distance.

I have a BSAC qualification, can I join your club?

Yes, we welcome anyone on our trips with proof of qualification.

Is it safe?

It’s normal to have questions whenever you begin an activity like diving. See below for answers to many questions people commonly have.

Q: My ears hurt when I go to bottom of a swimming pool or when I dive down snorkeling. Will that keep me from becoming a scuba diver?

A: No, assuming you have no irregularities in your ears and sinuses. The discomfort is the normal effect of water pressure pressing in on your ears. Fortunately, our bodies are designed to adjust for pressure changes in our ears – you just need to learn how.

Q: Does a history of ear troubles, diabetes, asthma, allergies or smoking preclude someone from diving?

A: Not necessarily. Any condition that affects the ears, sinuses, respiratory function, heart function or may alter consciousness is a concern, but only a doctor can assess a person’s individual risk.

Q: What are the most common injuries or sicknesses associated with diving?

A: Sun burn and seasickness, both of which are preventable with over the counter preventatives. The most common injuries caused by marine life are scrapes and stings, most of which can be avoided by wearing an exposure suit, staying off the bottom and watching where you put your hands and feet.

Q: What about sharks?

A: If you’re very lucky, you get to see a shark, it's likely to be passing through and is a relatively rare sight to enjoy.

Q: Do women have any special concerns regarding diving?

A: 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

Q: How deep do you go?

A: With the necessary training and experience, the limit for recreational scuba diving is 40 metres/130 feet. Beginning divers stay shallower than that at about 18 metres/60 feet. Although these are the limits, some of the most popular diving is no deeper than 12 metres/40 feet where the water’s warmer and the colors are brighter.

Q: What happens if I use up all my air?

A: That’s not likely because you have a gauge that tells you how much air you have at all times. This way, you can return to the surface with a safety reserve remaining. But to answer the question, if you run out of air, your buddy has a spare mouthpiece that allows you to share a single air supply while swimming to the surface. There are also other options you’ll learn in training.

Q: What if I feel claustrophobic?
 
A: Although wearing a lot of equipment may seem awkward, many people find the “weightlessness” of scuba diving to be quite freeing. Modern dive masks are available in translucent models, which you may prefer if a mask makes you feel closed in. During your training, your instructor gives you plenty of time and coaching to become comfortable with each stage of learning. Your instructor works with you at your own pace to ensure you master each skill necessary to become a capable diver who dives regularly.

Is diving fun?

Yes! Come try it out for yourself!

If you have any other questions, please get in touch.