As a certified PADI Open Water Diver, the most widely recognized and respected rating in the world, you have the freedom to dive with a buddy independent of a professional. If you already tried a PADI Discover Scuba experience or are PADI Scuba Diver certified, check with your instructor to see how credit from these courses may apply to the open water programme.
Am I too old to dive?
Jacques Yves Cousteau was in his eighties and still diving. As long as you maintain good health, there is no age limit.
Where can I find more information about Jacques Cousteau, the co-inventor of SCUBA?
Go to cousteau.org
Am I too young to dive?
If you are between 10 and 14 years of age and healthy, then you can register in a Junior Open Water Diver Course. Junior Open Water Divers are qualified to dive with a parent, legal guardian, Divemaster, Assistant Instructor or Instructor.
What kind of physical shape do I have to be in?
You should be able to go up several flights of stairs or walk a mile or two and still be able to carry a normal conversation with someone. If you are out of breath and have to stop to rest when climbing stairs or walking a mile then it is time to get on the tread mill.
Does the certification card expire?
No. The certification card is valid the rest of your life. If it is lost or stolen it can be replaced for a small fee.
Do I have to own my own equipment?
It is good to have at least your own fins, mask and snorkel when taking a scuba course. Depending on the dive shop or school teaching the course the gear may or may not be included in the price of the course. Ask first before enrolling.
I find it hard to pin down a date and time to take a scuba course due to my job. How can you accommodate?
Scuba courses are very flexible. The classroom lessons, pool sessions and open water dives are setup in modules. If you miss some lessons due to illness or work then you can continue the course in a later class. Courses can be taught by one or more different instructors and still cover all the necessary material in a logical sequence. After signing the waivers you have one year to complete the course.
Do I have to be a good swimmer?
You have to know how to swim. You must feel comfortable in water too deep to stand in. We will assess your water skills by asking you to swim continuously 200 yards/metres and then to swim/float/tread water for 10 minutes with no swimming aids. There is no time limit for the swim and no restriction on the swimming strokes you choose to use.
How long does the scuba course take?
PADI programmes are performance based. You proceed as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable for you. You can learn to dive over several week nights, during a couple weekends or during a week. A schedule can be set up to suit your needs.
I have a disability. Will this prevent me from diving?
No. You will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire to see if you are fit for diving. This health questionnaire is the same for everyone. If you answer yes to any of the questions then you are asked to take a diving medical form to your doctor for signing. If you truthfully answer no to all the questions then the diving medical is not required.
Do I have to have a medical before I begin training?
It is always wise to have a regular checkup. You will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire. If you answer yes to one or more questions then you are asked to take a diving medical form to your doctor for signing. If you truthfully answer no to all the questions then the diving medical is not required.
I am a doctor. Can I sign my own medical?
No
Is the course fee tax deductable?
Yes and No. The majority of the cost of the course is tax deductable. The books and course material are not tax deductable.
I am a certified diver and I have been inactive for several years. I would like to get back into diving. How can you help?
It is advisable to take a scuba review after periods of inactivity. They are fun and inexpensive. You will review dive knowledge in the classroom and scuba skills in the pool.
If you have any questions about scuba diving, please contact Peter at va3wet@gmail.com. Information can also be found at www.padi.com.
Back to the top of the page.