No replies to this topic

[Walter]

Scuba Diving FAQ's
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Are you interested in learning to SCUBA dive?

The following questions and answers are the most common inquires made about getting started:

I'm not a diver, but I am interested in going on a trip for the experience. Is this possible?

Yes, Bubble Watchers are welcome. Being exposed to divers prior to certification gives you some background on what to expect.

There is a middle ground you may wish to explore - the world of Skin Diving. You can Skin Dive on many trips and enjoy the underwater world without learning to SCUBA Dive.

It may also give you a better idea on if this sport is really for you. Often being around excited divers having fun is all the encouragement someone needs to decide to take the plunge. On the other hand, diving isn't for everyone. You may enjoy a fun vacation while deciding diving isn't your bowl of cherries.

What is the difference between Scuba Diving and Skin Diving?

The term SCUBA is an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. The scuba diver carries his air supply with him in a high-pressure tank and is free to swim underwater without air supply lines to the surface. Skin Diving is a term sometimes used to describe surface swimming and frequent dives to depth with fins, mask, and snorkel. Other terms that describe this activity are Snorkeling, Free Diving and Breath Hold Diving.

Do I really need to take diving lessons or can I learn by reading a book?

All experts agree it is vital to your safety to seek professional training before venturing underwater with SCUBA. Certified instructors who have been educated by nationally recognized organizations specifically dedicated to training new divers conduct these courses. Learning to dive safely requires ingraining water skills as well as knowledge. Certifying courses blend the classroom, pool, and open water into their programs to instill the overall level of competence necessary to enjoy the recreation safely.

How long is a basic certification course?

The length of various certifying courses will vary based on the requirements of the national organization. Most certification agencies recommend 24 to 31 hours of formal instruction under the supervision of a certified instructor. This time includes both lecture and water sessions. It should be noted that these times are recommended times. SCUBA courses are all performance based. If a student needs less or more time to master the knowledge and skills, the instructor will adjust times accordingly.

All classes are not created equal. You will earn a c-card upon successful completion of any certification course and all of those c-cards will allow you the exact same privileges, there are important differences you should note. You are learning to safely move about in a potentially life threatening environment using technology which, when improperly employed, can itself be life threatening. You owe it to yourself to seek out the most comprehensive course available. Such a course will be conducted over several weeks and not over one or two weekends.

How do I find such a course and how will I know I've found it?


Interview potential instructors. Most people never ask any questions beyond price. As the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for." Excellent instructors will usually have a higher priced class for a number of reasons. The instructor is dedicated toward providing you all the time you need to master necessary knowledge and skills. Extra pool time can be expensive. Keep in mind; the instructor is trying to make a living. His time is valuable.

Consider alternatives. While many instructors teach through dive shops, some of the best are independent instructors or affiliated with colleges, universities or YMCA's.

How long have you been teaching? Most instructors improve over time. They learn new techniques and get ideas from other instructors and through experience to improve their classes.

Do you certify all your students? Only instructors who are in a hurry and care nothing about your safety will answer yes. You want an instructor who will require you to be safe and knowledgeable before issuing a c-card. An excellent instructor might tell you that he is willing to keep working with a student until the student either qualifies or gives up.

What skin diving skills will I learn? While there is some disagreement on this point, many professionals believe a solid foundation in skin diving will not only make you a better SCUBA diver, it will make learning SCUBA easier.

Will I learn confidence-building skills? There are some skills which have no direct application to a typical dive, but which do build your confidence as well as your abilities. This, combined with an understanding of the panic cycle, will make you much less likely to panic.

Do you teach the panic cycle? Panic is the most dangerous aspect of diving. Many instructors do not understand panic and believe there is no way to combat it. In actuality, panic is understood. It is though learning the panic cycle and by increasing skill levels that panic is avoided.

Do your students swim with their hands? This will let you know if the instructor pays attention to details. Good divers do not use their hands for swimming.

Do you work on trim? Divers should be horizontal in the water. Good instructors will see that students are striving towards good trim. Poor instructors often neglect it.

Do you overweight your students? Many instructors overweight students. It is not a good practice.

What method do you use to correctly weight your students? Any answer that does not involve actually getting in the water means you want to avoid that instructor.

Is the instructor patient? While talking with your potential instructor, you should be getting a feel for his personality. Patience is an important quality for an instructor. You want to avoid instructors with a drill sergeant demeanor.

Would I be happier learning from a man or a woman? Only you can answer that question, but in general it is not usually a serious consideration. There are excellent instructors and there are poor instructors. Men and women fall into both groups.

How many people will be in my class? Small classes are better. You'll have more individual attention. Unless the instructor is using assistants, more than four students are difficult to watch.

How many certified assistants will you be using? Unless the class is relatively large (more than 4 students) this should not be an issue. An instructor should have a certified Divemaster or Assistant Instructor for every two students over four. There are times when divers working on their Divemaster or Assistant Instructor certifications assist with a class. This is normal and not an issue, but they do not count toward the assistants an instructor should have when working with larger classes.

Will I be learning skills kneeling on the pool bottom or mid-water? This question is not critical, but will let you know if you've found an instructor who has a great deal on the ball. The over whelming majority of instructors (even good instructors) teach skills kneeling on the bottom. Don't eliminate instructors who do. Some instructors have realized your mask will flood while you are swimming, not when you are sitting on the bottom. You need to learn skills in the manner in which you'll be using them.

Do I need to buy all of my equipment before I take lessons?

As a general rule, the only equipment required to take a certification course in fins, mask, and snorkel. These items are considered personal in nature and must fit precisely to be comfortable and work properly. It is usually a good idea to wait until after the first class to buy these items, so you can learn how to properly select them. The major pieces of equipment such as tanks, regulators, and buoyancy compensators are furnished as part of the course.

How good a swimmer must I be to take diving lessons?

It is not necessary to be an Olympic swimmer to participate safely in Scuba diving. Probably the most important factor is that you are comfortable in water over your head. This would mean that you can tread water and have confidence in your ability to stay afloat. You should also be relaxed when your head is underwater and be able to swim with the stroke of your choice roughly 300 yards. Some Scuba courses have specific swimming requirements. Be sure to ask about these qualifications before you sign up.

Do I need a diving certification card?

The diving industry observes a few common sense rules that go a long way in maintaining safety within the recreation. One of the most important of these rules is that no air station will fill a diver's tank unless he can produce proof of certification. This c-card rule also applies to renting diving equipment and purchasing diving services such as boat charters and diving excursions.

How much does it cost to take diving lessons?

The cost of a basic certification varies depending on several factors. Some programs are priced to include everything (except personal equipment) required to complete certification. Others split the costs and allow you to pay for individual portions of the program as you complete them. Today, the total cost of certification ranges from $200.00 - $500.00. Look for the program that offers the "best training", not the cheapest. As with all things, you usually get what you pay for.

What is the minimum age to become certified?

The minimum age requirement for most national certifying agencies is fifteen. There are special programs that will train younger individuals provided that they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Generally speaking, the age of fifteen is a realistic benchmark. At the age of fifteen, most people have matured enough to accept the responsibilities required in diving and their basic education has advanced far enough for them to grasp the physics and physiology of diving. Most training agencies provide Junior certifications to children as young as twelve. A very few will provide Junior certifications to children as young as ten. Some have non-certification programs to children as young as eight. These programs are very controversial. Some believe they may not be healthy for developing bodies.

Are there advanced lessons that I can take beyond the basic course?

Many professional dive stores and schools provide a variety of specialized diving programs. These courses include underwater photography, shipwreck diving, marine identification, night diving, shell collecting, and many more. As with the entry-level course, it is a good idea to interview potential instructors to find the most comprehensive course available.

Where can I dive after I am certified?

The global waters of the world provide a virtual smorgasbord of diving adventures. These opportunities range from crystal clear ponds and flooded quarries to the vast expanse of the lakes and oceans. Most professional dive stores offer a diversified venue of local diving as well as a complete travel agenda to the best diving spots in the world. Even the blandest body of water may produce an astounding experience just below the surface. Do not exceed your training and experience while exploring new locations and always talk to local divers for important local knowledge.

How much does it cost to buy a complete diving system?

To answer this question precisely would require a complete investigation of the equipment market. Diving equipment is no different than any other product that you buy; as the quality and functions increase, so does the price. The complete cost also varies based on the demands of the water environment. For example, cold water diving will require an investment in thermal protection. Based on these variables, a complete cold water diving system will range from $1200.00 to over $2500.00. Warm water diving equipment can be had for as little as $600.00 to $800.00, if you shop around for the best deals. Due to the nature of the activity, it is always a good decision to buy the best you can afford. While you can get a better discount by working out a package deal, it isn't necessary to buy everything at once. You can buy each piece of equipment as you save up for it.

How do I get started?

The first step is to contact local divers to see what is available in your area. Look for local dive clubs and ask for advice. It is wise to actually visit the store or training facility instead of just selecting a program over the phone. If you know any divers that have learned to dive through local dive schools, their experience may prove invaluable in selecting the best organization.

What about dangerous marine life?

This question is always present with new divers and deserves an answer. Based on sensational movies and television documentaries that comprise the primary source of input, you would think that all divers are in extreme peril from underwater predators. In reality, the risk is barely worth mentioning. If you like statistics, more that 100 people die each year in the U.S. from bee stings. The annual average for non-provoked shark encounters, worldwide, is about 25, and the majority of these incidences involve swimmers, not divers. If probability is viewed correctly, the most dangerous activity you will encounter on a diving vacation is the drive to the airport.