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.

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 two days to a much as six weeks.

I need to be physically fit to SCUBA dive?

Before getting certified, you should be in good physical health. If you are not sure that you're fit enough, see your doctor.

Do I have to be able to swim?

You don't need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you do need to have a few basic skills. The scuba certification process includes a swim test that you must pass. If you can't swim, sign up for lessons.

I have a certain Medical Condition doeas this mean that I cannot dive?

What age to I need to be to participate in SCUBA diving?

Anyone 15 years old or older can become an Open Water Diver. Children between the ages of 10 and 15 can receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification. At the age of 15 they can upgrade to a regular Open Water Diver certification. There are programs available for younger children (8 to 10 years) that will help prepare them for certification such as the Bubblemaker.

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.

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.

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 equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane.

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 which we can provide in the shop.

If I have been diving, how long should I wait before flying?

The dive medical community offers the following recommendations for flying after diving, whether you’re using the RDP, another table or a dive computer:

For Dives within the No-Decompression Limits

Single Dives - A minimum preflight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested.
Repetitive Dives and/or Multiday Dives - A minimum preflight surface interval of
18 hours is suggested.

For Dives Requiring Decompression Stops

A minimum preflight surface interval greater than 18 hours is suggested.

With all dive tables and computers, no flying after diving recommendation can guarantee that decompression sickness will never occur. These guidelines represent the best estimate presently known for a conservative, safe surface interval for the vast majority of divers. There may always be an occasional diver whose physiological makeup or special dive circumstances result in decompression sickness despite following the recommendations.

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 experience allows you to make a shallow scuba dive supervised by a PADI Professional after a short pool session. This usually takes a few hours. Or, you can try the PADI Discover Scuba experience that lets you try scuba in a swimming pool.

I have dived abroad, but never in the UK, will I be OK to dive here?

I haven't dived for some time will I be OK to dive?

I'm already a scuba diver and I've lost my certification card. Can I get another one and how long does it take?

To replace a lost card you can visit us in the scuba store, or you can go to the replacement card area at padi.com. It takes about two weeks to replace a certification card so if you are diving sooner than that, have the PADI Dive Center or Resort you're diving with call PADI. PADI will transmit your certification information. If you were certified after 1984 in PADI Asia Pacific, PADI Americas, PADI Canada, PADI International Limited or PADI Europe territory, we can verify your certification through the computerised Dive-Chek system at any time. You will need to download and complete a copy of the replacement card form.

I'm a certified diver through another training organization. How can I become a PADI diver?

Start by visiting our store or by giving us a call. After an assessment of dive skills and knowledge, a PADI Instructor will guide you to the appropriate course. Here are some general course prerequisites:

PADI Adventures in Diving program and most PADI Specialty courses - An entry level scuba certification and documentation of at least four open water scuba training dives as part of the certification course completed.
PADI Rescue Diver course - Certification beyond entry level and documentation of at least 20 open water scuba dives demonstrating experience in deep diving and navigation.
PADI Divemaster course - Certification from a recognized training agency specific to scuba rescue and documentation of at least 20 logged open water scuba dives demonstrating experience in deep diving and navigation. Additionally, you'll you need a CPR and first aid certification within the past 24 months and need to be at least 18 years of age.