1. Do I need to know how to swim to become scuba certified?
 

Yes. You should be comfortable in the water and able to complete a basic swim assessment, which typically includes swimming 200 yards (or 300 yards with mask, fins, and snorkel) and floating or treading water for 10 minutes.  Do you need to be an expert swimmer?  No.
 

2. What is the minimum age to become scuba certified?
 

Most certification agencies allow children to begin at 10 years old through junior certification programs. Adult certification is available beginning at age 15 or older, depending on the agency.
 

3. How long does it take to get scuba certified?
 

The PADI Open Water Diver courses take 3–4 days to complete, depending on your schedule. This includes online learning, confined water training, and four open water dives.
 

4. Is scuba diving dangerous?
 

Scuba diving is considered a safe recreational activity when divers receive proper training, follow safe diving practices, maintain their equipment, and dive within their certification limits.
 

5. Do I need to be in great physical shape?
 

No. You should be in reasonably good health and able to swim comfortably. If you have certain medical conditions, you may need approval from your physician before diving.
 

6. What equipment will I need?
 

Nothing.  We provide all the gear.  You are more than welcome to use your own scuba quality set or any gear you may have.
 

7. How deep can a newly certified diver go?
 

Open Water Divers are certified to dive to a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 meters).
 

8. Can I dive if I wear glasses or contacts?
 

Yes. Many divers wear soft contact lenses while diving, or they purchase prescription dive masks.
 

9. What if I panic underwater?
 

Your instructor will teach you techniques to remain calm, control your breathing, and safely manage unexpected situations. Staying relaxed and communicating with your buddy are key.
 

10. How often should I dive after becoming certified?
 

There is no minimum requirement, but diving regularly helps maintain your skills. If you haven't dived for six months to a year, consider taking a refresher course.
 

11. How long can I stay underwater?
 

Most recreational dives last between 40–60 minutes on dives below 60ft, depending on your depth, air consumption, and dive conditions.
 

12. Can I scuba dive if I have asthma or other medical conditions?
 

Possibly. Some medical conditions require evaluation by a physician familiar with dive medicine. Always answer the medical questionnaire honestly before training.
 

13. Do sharks attack scuba divers?
 

Shark attacks on divers are extremely rare. Most sharks are shy and avoid humans. Divers often consider seeing a shark to be one of the highlights of a dive.
 

14. Will I learn emergency procedures?
 

Yes. Every certification course teaches emergency skills such as regulator recovery, mask clearing, controlled emergency swimming ascents, buddy breathing concepts, and assisting another diver.
 

15. How much does scuba certification cost?

The private PADI Open Water course costs $879pp and includes the PADI eLearning and all rental gear.
 

16. Can I dive while traveling?
 

Absolutely! Your certification is recognized worldwide, allowing you to dive with operators around the globe once you're certified.
 

17. Why can't I fly immediately after diving?
 

After diving, your body needs time to eliminate excess nitrogen. Flying too soon can increase the risk of decompression sickness. Divers should generally wait at least 18–24 hours before flying after multiple dives.
 

18. What happens if it rains on dive day?
 

Rain usually doesn't affect scuba diving. Unless weather conditions create unsafe surface conditions, dives often continue as scheduled.
 

19. What is a buddy system?
 

The buddy system means you always dive with another diver. Buddies monitor each other's safety, share experiences, and can assist one another in an emergency.
 

20. What should I do after I become certified?
 

Continue diving! Gain experience, log your dives, take advanced specialty courses, and explore new destinations. The more you dive, the more confident and skilled you'll become.