1. I've always wanted to learn to scuba dive (or snorkel). How do I get started?
The best way is to visit or contact us for a chat, either by phone or E-Mail.
2. 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. PADI's entry-level diver course is split into knowledge development, confined water (pool) 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.
3. 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. Our PADI Open Water Diver course is split into six sessions. The course is scheduled over seven days.
4. How old do you have to be to become a certified diver?
Twelve years old. If you're between 12 and 15, you receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification, which means you should dive with a certified adult. When you turn 15, you can upgrade your Junior certification to a regular Open Water Diver certification.
5. 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 12 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.
6. Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver?
No. All you need to be is a reasonably proficient swimmer who is comfortable and relaxed in the water. The swimming requirement for certification is an easy 183 metre/200 yard non-stop swim (with no time or specific stroke requirement) and 10 minute tread/float.
7. Is scuba diving expensive?
Not really. Like any hobby or recreation, you can invest a lot or a little, depending upon your interest level. Because most dive centres and resorts rent equipment, you can invest in equipment over time, renting what you don't have until you make the investment. Besides distant dive destinations, you probably have good diving not too far from where you live, so even travel costs are flexible enough to accommodate even the tightest budget. To pick an average, most people find the costs of scuba diving similar to those associated with snow skiing.
8. What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?
We provide all equipment for your course. Generally speaking, you'll probably want your own mask, snorkel and fins, which are all pieces of equipment that are most comfortable when personally fitted. We can help you select quality equipment that fits right and lasts.
9. Snorkelling seems easy. Do I really need lessons?
If you're comfortable in the water, probably not. However, if you'd like some guidance, just ask a PADI professional. Even if you take to snorkelling like a duck takes to water, you'll find snorkel tours arranged by a PADI Dive Centre or Resort get you to some of the best snorkelling spots.
10. 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.
11. 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 equalise your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an aeroplane, and they won't hurt at all.
12. In the movies and on TV, divers are always running into sharks or eels. Are marine animals really much of a concern?
Virtually all aquatic animals are passive or timid. There are a few that can bite or sting defensively, but you can avoid these simply by watching where you put your hands and feet, and by not touching any animal you don't recognise. Divers aren't natural prey for sharks, so shark attacks are very rare -- more people die each year from bee stings than shark attack.
13. What is PADI?
PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructor, the largest scuba training organisation in the world. PADI develops scuba programmes and diver training products, monitors the scuba training conducted by more than 67,000 PADI professionals world-wide, maintains diver certification records and issues your diver certification credentials. In addition, PADI maintains various support services for PADI Dive Centres and Resorts. Founded in 1966, today you'll find PADI professionals in more than 170 countries and territories, and international service offices in nine countries. Approximately 55% of all divers world-wide are certified by PADI.
14. What is the PADI Retail Association?
The PADI Retail Association is an association of approximately 2500 dive centres internationally. All of these professional dive operations are your source for dive equipment, education, travel and other diving opportunities. To be members of the association, PADI Dive Centres adhere to specific standards that assure you'll get the best training and service.
15. What is the PADI International Resort Association?
The PADI International Resort Association (PIRA) is an association of resorts, dive boats, diver operators and hotels that offer recreational scuba and /or snorkel tours, PADI instruction and services.
16. What is the PADI Travel Network?
The PADI Travel Network (PTN) is a specialised travel service that offers dive travel packages and trips to some of the best dive destinations around the world. For more information, click on "Travel" above.
17. What is Project AWARE?
Project AWARE stands for Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education, and is the environmental-educational umbrella for PADI and PADI professionals world-wide. Project AWARE programmes have included beach cleanups, environmental presentations, research and other efforts to help preserve and protect the underwater world.
18. 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.
19. 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. See your PADI professional about this service., it's pretty safe.
20. I lost my certification card. Can I get another one? How long does it take?
Go to your PADI Dive Centre or Resort; they can help you replace your card. It generally takes about two weeks. If you plan to dive sooner than that, have the PADI Dive Centre or Resort that you're diving with call PADI. PADI will try to FAX out your certification information so you can dive. If your certification was issued in the U.S., Guam or the Caribbean since approximately 1984, a PADI Dive Centre or Resort can usually verify your certification through the computerised Dive-Check system at any time of day.
21. Scuba diving sounds exciting, but I'm not sure if it's for me. Can I try it without signing up for a course?
Absolutely. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving programme allows you to make a shallow scuba dive supervised by a PADI professional after a short pool session to familiarise you with the equipment and some techniques. You can usually do this in a few hours. There's also a programme that lets you try scuba in a swimming pool only. This takes even less time, and it's popular in places that may not have an actual scuba diving site at hand.
22. 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.
23. How do I find out more about diving or snorkelling?
Visit us at Bristol Scuba Centre complete information about PADI programmes and how you can get started.
24. I'm a certified diver through another training organisation. How can I become a PADI diver?
It's easy. Visit us and present your certification card. After an initial assessment of your skills and diving knowledge, a PADI Instructor will guide you into the course you're most qualified for. Generally speaking, to enrol in a PADI Advanced Open Water, Advanced Plus or most PADI Speciality courses, one must have; an entry level scuba certification and documentation of at least four open water scuba training dives as part of the certification course completed.
To enrol in a PADI Rescue Diver course, one must provide;a certification beyond entry level and documentation of at least 20 logged open water scuba dives demonstrating experience in night, deep and navigation diving.To enrol in a PADI DiveMaster course, one must provide;a certification specific to scuba rescue and a CPR certification and a first aid certification from a recognised organisation.
25. I'm a scuba instructor certified through another training organisation. How can I become a PADI Instructor?
Simply contact ourselves as a 5 Star Instructor Development Centre or PADI Course Director for assistance in determining where your instructor rating fits into the PADI System of diver education. You may be eligible for the a PADI Instructor Orientation Course (IOC), which introduces you to PADI programmes, materials and philosophy, rather than developing basic teaching technique, due to your experience and teaching ability.
Once you have successfully completed the IOC, you can take the IE, a two-day evaluation of teaching ability, dive theory knowledge, water skill level, understanding of the PADI System, attitude and professionalism. Success at the IE means PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor certification.
We will guide you into the programme best suited to your experience and ability.
