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Snorkeling
seems easy. Do I really need lesson?
If you're comfortable in the water, probably not. However, if
you'd like some guidance, just ask one of our PADI
professionals.
I've
always wanted to learn to scuba dive (or snorkel). How do I
get started?
The best way is to visit the Scuba Tank. If you don't know the
way click here to contact us.
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.
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.
The PADI Open Water Diver course (beginning course) is
typically split into five or six sessions with tremendous
flexibility. The course may be scheduled over as little as
three or four days, or as much as five or six weeks, or
something in between, depending upon student needs and
logistics. As a rule of thumb, most students complete their
initial certification in three or four weeks.
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.
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.
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
nonstop swim (with no time or specific stroke requirement) and
10 minute tread/float.
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 the
Scuba Tank also rents equipment, you can invest in equipment
over time, renting what you don't have until you make the
investment. Besides distant dive destinations, you can go
diving right here in Northwest Indiana, 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.
What
equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?
Scuba courses vary in what equipment they provide, so it's
best to check with our instructors ahead of time. Generally
speaking, though, you'll probably want your own mask, snorkel
and fins, which are all pieces of equipment that are most
comfortable when personally fitted. Our Instructors can help
you select quality equipment that fits right and lasts.
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.
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 tells 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.
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
equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you
do when you land in an airplane, and they won't hurt at all.
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 recognize. Divers
aren't natural prey for sharks, so shark attacks are very rare
-- more people die each year from bee stings than shark
attack.
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.
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. If you are still not certain ask us about this service.
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 program allows you
to make a shallow scuba dive supervised by a PADI professional
after a short pool session to familiarize you with the
equipment and some techniques. You can usually do this in a
few hours. There's also a program that lets you try scuba in a
swimming pool only. This takes even less time.
How
do I find out more about diving or snorkeling?
Click here to go to Choose your course
for complete information about PADI programs and how you can
get started or contact us if you
would like more information.
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