Diving with PADI: frequently asked questions

Snorkelling seems easy, do I really need training?
You probably don't if you're comfortable in the water. However, even if you are, PADI professionals and snorkeling tours arranged by a local PADI Dive Centre or Resort can take you to some of the best snorkeling spots.

I've always wanted to learn to scuba dive (or snorkel). How do I get started?
The best way is to visit your local authorized PADI Dive Center or Resort. There are more than 4400 worldwide. Just visit our Dive Center and Resort Listing to find one close to you.

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 three days to a much as six weeks.

How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?
You must be at least ten years old to receive a Junior Open Water Diver Certification. Ten and 11 year-old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet. 12 to 14 year olds must dive with a certified adult. At age 15, the Junior certification upgrades to a regular Open Water Diver certification.

Are there any special qualifications or considerations to participate in a scuba class?
No. Generally speaking, anyone in good average health and at least 10 years old can participate. You will, however, complete a medical questionnaire. If anything on the questionnaire indicates a reason to be cautious about diving, you'll need check with a physician to make sure you can dive.

Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver?
No. You need to be a reasonably proficient swimmer and comfortable in the water. You must swim 200 metres/200 yards nonstop, without a time or specific stroke requirement or a 300 metre/yard swim with mask, fins and snorkel. You'll also perform a ten minute tread/float

Is scuba diving expensive?
No. Like any hobby or recreation, you can invest however much you want, 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. There's probably good diving not far from where you live, so travel costs can be flexible enough to accommodate even the tightest budget. Most people find the costs of scuba diving similar to the cost associated with snow skiing or mountain biking.

What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?
It's best to check with your instructor ahead of time to see what equipment is provided in your scuba course. Generally speaking, you'll want to own a mask, snorkel and fins. Your local PADI Dive Center or Resort can help you select quality equipment that fits properly. Most scuba equipment is very durable, so you won't have to replace it often.

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. See a PADI Professional 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 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.

How do I find out more about diving or snorkeling?
Visit your local authorized PADI Dive Center or Resort for complete information about PADI programs and how you can get started.

I want to learn about PADI; what is PADI?
PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the largest scuba certification organization in the world. PADI develops scuba programs and diver training products, monitors scuba training conducted by more than 100,000 PADI Professionals worldwide, maintains diver certification records and issues your diver certification credentials. In addition, PADI maintains various support services for PADI Dive Centers and Resorts. Since its inception in 1966 PADI has grown to have members in more than 175 countries and territories and international service offices in nine countries. Approximately seven out of ten North American divers are certified by PADI, and approximately 55 percent of all divers worldwide are certified by PADI.

What is the PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations?
The PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations consists of approximately 4400 authorized PADI Dive Centers, Resorts, dive boats, dive operators and hotels that offer recreational scuba, PADI instruction and other related services. These facilities are your source for dive equipment, education, travel and other dive opportunities. To be an association member, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts must adhere to specific standards that assure you'll get the best training and service.

What is PADI Travel Network?
PADI Travel Network is a specialized travel service that offers dive travel packages and trips to some of the best dive destinations around the world.

What is Project AWARE Foundation?
Project AWARE Foundation, established in 1992, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization committed to the conservation and preservation of the aquatic environment and its resources. Project AWARE programs included beach cleanups, environmental presentations, research, campaigns and other efforts to help preserve and protect the underwater world.

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 go to your local PADI Dive Centre or Resort, 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 Centre 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, PADI Dive Centres or Resorts can usually verify your certification through the computerized 'Dive-Chek' system at any time.

I'm a certified diver through another training organization. How can I become a PADI diver?
Start by visiting an authorized PADI Dive Center or Resort and present your certification card. 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,/span> - 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.



Click here >> for more on diving around the world