Scuba Diving FAQ

I’ve always wanted to learn to Scuba dive (or snorkel). How do I get started?

It’s easy! Just call or stop in to our store and tell any of our staff members you want to learn how to Scuba dive. Or just click on "Learn To Scuba Dive" for more info. Your life will change forever!

Is it hard to learn to scuba dive?

No, it’s very easy to learn as long as you are comfortable in the water. Scuba diving certification is split into these sections. Academics, pool skills training and open water testing. Each student moves at their own speed under the supervision of their instructor.
 
How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver?

Scuba diving courses are “performance based” which means that you earn your certification when you’ve mastered the required knowledge and water skills. Some people learn faster than others. You can take the “private lessons” and move very quickly depending on your availability. Or you can take group lessons which can typically take between three to six weeks. It all depends on what you need. Dip ‘N Dive has so many options we can custom design a course that fits your busy schedule and your time frame.
 
How old do you have to be to become a certified scuba diver?

The minimum age for NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) or PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) is ten years old. Between 10 and 15 years old you receive a junior certification which means you must dive with a certified adult. At 15 you can upgrade to a regular open water certification.
 
Do I have to meet and special qualifications or considerations before I can participate in a scuba class?

You must be at least 10 years old, in good average health to enroll. As a safety precaution you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire. If anything on the questionnaire indicated something to be cautious about you will need to check with your physician to make sure it’s ok to dive.
 
Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as a NAUI or PADI open water diver?

No, not at all. There are some minor swimming skills required but in general if you can float or tread water and hold your breath for 15 seconds underwater you should have no problem with the swimming skills.
 
Is scuba diving expensive?

Not really. Like any hobby or recreation you can invest an amount that you are comfortable with depending on your level of interest. Dip ‘N Dive and most dive resorts also rent equipment, so you can rent or invest over time. Most people find the cost of scuba diving similar to the costs of snow skiing.
 
What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?

Only a mask, snorkel, pair of fins and weight belt are needed for scuba diving lessons. Most scuba divers come from snorkelers so some people already have these items. If you don’t however and you choose to purchase your own, Dip ‘N Dives expert staff will custom fit snorkeling gear for everyone’s comfort and budget.
 
Snorkeling seems easy. Do I really need lessons?

Even professional athletes need to be coached. Our instructors and divemasters can improve anyone’s snorkeling skill whether it’s your first time in the water, or you’ve been snorkeling for years.
 
How long does a tank of air last?

This is a common question that doesn’t have an easy answer. People breathe at different rates, you also breath faster when swimming than when resting. Also the deeper you go the faster you use your air. Tanks also come in different sizes, it depends is the only answer. This is why divers have gauges to tell them how much air they have at all times.
 
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 will learn a very simple technique to eliminate pressure in your ears much like you do when you land in an air plane. Once you learn this technique your ears 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 concern?

Virtually all aquatic animals are passive and even timid. There are a few that can bite or sting defensively, but you can avoid these by simply watching where you put your hands and feet and by not touching any animals. Divers aren’t natural pray for sharks, so shark attacks are extremely rare. Very much blown out of proportion by Hollywood.
 
What are NAUI and PADI?

NAUI stands for (National Association of Underwater Instructors) and PADI stands for (Professional Association of Dive Instructors). These are the two largest certification agencies in the world. These agencies developed Scuba training programs and monitor scuba training for millions of diver’s worldwide.
 
Is scuba diving dangerous?

With proper training scuba diving is very safe. As with any recreation it has its inherent risks just as skiing or hiking would. But like driving a car, as long as you follow the rules and use common sense, it can be very safe.
 
I need vision correction. Is that a problem?

Not at all. If you wear soft contact lenses you can wear them when you dive. Another popular option is to buy a mask with prescription lenses. See our staff for details.