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I want to learn about scuba divingSnorkeling seems easy, do I really need training?
You probably don't if you're comfortable in the water. However, even if you are, PADI Professionals and snorkeling tours arranged by a local PADI Dive Center or Resort can take you to some of the best snorkeling spots. However, in the UK many pools and local Authorities do not allow masks, snorkels and fins during public sessions. A good way to practice is to join a local SCUBA club and take advantage of their private hire facilities. They will also be able to offer help and advice. Divemaster Scuba has one of the largest affiliated SCUBA clubs in Europe and by keeping membership costs to an absolute minimum can offer facilities across three counties most evenings of the week. I've always wanted to learn to scuba dive (or snorkel). How do I get started?
The best way is to visit your local authorised PADI Dive Center at Divemaster Scuba. There are more than 4400 worldwide which we are affiliated to through our membership of PADI. Can I just have a go?
Yes. We can offer Discover Scuba sessions with one of our dive professional at any one of our pool locations. What is a Full SCUBA Lesson?
A great opportunity to find our what the lessons are all about. These trial lessons are designed for those who want more than just a free 10 minute session or who have tried SCUBA on holiday or elsewhere. They are conducted at all of our pool locations and you will spend at least an hour with one of our dive professionals. They will demonstrate the equipment, safety procedures, signals and then not only get you under the water, but also show and explain a few exercises which you will be invited to perform. There is a nice, relaxed atmosphere and you will not be under any pressure to complete the skills. You will in effect be doing the first lesson in the Open Water / Referral or Scuba Diver course. If you take up one of the courses, the cost of the lesson will be deducted from the cost of the course. Don't worry if you did not complete all the skills, the lesson will normally be repeated at the start of your course. [To top of page] Is learning to dive difficult?
No, it's probably easier than you imagine -- especially if you're already comfortable in the water. PADI's entry-level course consists of pool diving, knowledge development and open water dives. The course is performance based, meaning that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill. [To top of page] 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. Because some learn faster than others, course duration varies. For example, the PADI Open Water Diver course can be split into five or six sessions over as little as three days to a much as six weeks. Our courses run most evenings at several locations. [To top of page] How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?
You must be at least ten years old to receive a Junior Open Water Diver Certification. Ten 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 must dive with a certified adult. At age 15, the Junior Certification upgrades to a regular Open Water Diver certification. [To top of page] Are there any special qualifications or considerations to participate in a scuba class?
No. Generally speaking, anyone in good average health and at least 10 years old can participate. You will, however, complete a medical questionnaire. If anything on the questionnaire indicates a reason to be cautious about diving, you'll need check with a physician to make sure you can dive. Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver?
No. You need to be a reasonably proficient swimmer and comfortable in the water. You must swim 200 metres/200 yards nonstop, without a time or specific stroke requirement or a 300 metre/yard swim with mask, fins and snorkel. You'll also perform a 10 minute tread/float. [To top of page] Is scuba diving expensive?
No. Like any hobby or recreation, you can invest however much you want, depending upon your interest level. Because most dive centers and resorts hire equipment, you can invest in equipment over time, renting what you don't have. The Divemaster Scuba Centre is easily accessible, so travel costs can be flexible enough to accommodate even the tightest budget. Most people find the costs of scuba diving similar to the cost associated with snow skiing or mountain biking. Filtered compressed air fills cost a lot less than people imagine. [To top of page] What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?
None. Everything is provided. Generally speaking, you'll want to own a mask, snorkel and fins. Your local PADI Dive Center at Divemaster Scuba can help you select quality equipment that fits properly. Most scuba equipment is very durable, so you won't have to replace it often. [To top of page] What if I can't complete a full Open Water course?
This can happen. Unforeseen circumstances may get in the way. Although all the time has been allocated and may be lost, we can still award either a Referral certificate or Scuba Diver certification. [To top of page] I've been diving but have no certification, can you help?
Yes. Some holiday resorts and dive centres will take people diving using their own programmes. Some issue their own certificates, others will simply take you diving. We would always recommend using a recognised agency such as PADI who issue guidelines and standards for safe practices. Having found confidence in SCUBA this will add to the enjoyment of your course where we can formalise your training towards a world wide Scuba Diving certification. [To top of page] I've done a Scuba Diver Course on holiday, can I upgrade in the UK?
Yes. It is always a good idea to upgrade to the full Open Water Certification because this will not only make your diving less expensive (you won't have to hire a dive professional to be your buddy) but open up other exciting activities such as speciality courses and adventure dives. Conditions are usually very different in the UK and although you will have already done at least 2 Open Water dives under instruction, we will repeat these dives under UK conditions. We will also expand your academic work to include dive tables and take the final Open Water exam. There will also be an opportunity to review your skills at one of our pool sessions and again, expand them to cover all the exercises for the full Open Water Course. [To top of page] What if I have problems with exams?
Don't be worried by this one. The PADI system is very progressive, moving from one topic to another, building up knowlege as you go. Each course is accompanied by a work book. The work books are set out in chapters with small quizzes throughout the chapter. At the end of each chapter is what's known as a "Knowledge Review". These are a set of questions about the current topic of the chapter, but all the answers can be found in the text. These knowlege reviews are reviewed with you by the instructor and any points that need need clarification will be explained by the instructor. There is also a support video or DVD, CD Rom available. The final exam is more or less a collection of all the quizzes in the knowlege reviews. Again, any points that need need clarification will be explained by the instructor and can be retaken if necessary. [To top of page] I do shift work, what if I miss a lesson?
We can plan in advance across a number of pools to make sure that you complete a full. With up to 5 pool sessions per week we can be extremely flexible. [To top of page] What's in a scuba tank? Oxygen?
Recreational divers breathe air, not oxygen. The air in a scuba tank is like the air you're breathing but is also filtered to remove impurities. You will find that this makes the air very dry, leading to why you find most instructors and club members socialising in the nearest bar (soft drinks of course). How long does a tank of air last?
Since people breathe at different rates and as you go deeper you consume air faster, there isn't any one answer. Because of this, divers carry a gauge that lets them know how much air is in the tank. However, divers in calm, warm water from 5-10 metres/15-30 feet can spend about one hour underwater with an average tank. [To top of page] My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool. Won't they hurt when I scuba dive?
Your ears hurt because of the water pressure on your eardrum. In your scuba course, you'll learn simple techniques to equalise your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane. [To top of page] In the movies and on TV, divers are always running into sharks or eels. Should I be concerned about marine animals?
Most aquatic animals are passive or timid. A few do bite or sting, but you can avoid these by not touching them. Divers aren't natural prey for sharks and therefore shark attacks are rare. Is scuba diving dangerous?
No, but there are potential hazards, which is why you need proper training and certification. I need vision correction. Is that a problem?
No. Wearing soft contact lenses shouldn't be a problem while you dive. However, if you wear hard contacts, you'll want to dive with gas permeable lenses. See your eye doctor for more information. Another option is to have prescription lenses put into your mask. At Divemaster Scuba we can have masks fitted with your prescription within a couple of weeks. [To top of page] How do I find out more about diving or snorkeling?
Contact us at Divemaster Scuba using our local phone number on 0115 929 0707 or e-mail for a free information pack on info@divemasterscuba.com. [To top of page] I want to learn about PADI; what is PADI?
PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the largest scuba certification organisation in the world. PADI develops scuba programs and diver training products, monitors scuba training conducted by more than 100,000 PADI Professionals worldwide, maintains diver certification records and issues your diver certification credentials. In addition, PADI maintains various support services for PADI Dive Centers and Resorts. What is the PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations?
The PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations consists of approximately 4400 authorised PADI Dive Centers, Resorts, dive boats, dive operators and hotels that offer recreational scuba, PADI instruction and other related services. These facilities are your source for dive equipment, education, travel and other dive opportunities. To be an association member, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts must adhere to specific standards that assure you'll get the best training and service. Divemaster Scuba is a PADI 5 star IDC centre. [To top of page] What is Project AWARE Foundation?
Project AWARE Foundation, established in 1992, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organisation committed to the conservation and preservation of the aquatic environment and its resources. Project AWARE programs included beach cleanups, environmental presentations, research, campaigns and other efforts to help preserve and protect the underwater world. There are also certification courses in AWARE, Coral AWARE and Fish ID. [To top of page] I'm already a PADI qualified diver and I've lost my certification card. |