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Frequently Asked QuestionsSCUBA diving interests me, but I don't want to pay for the classes and equipment only to find out it's not for me. How can I find out if I like diving?Which is the best organization for SCUBA training and certification? What is involved in getting my SCUBA certification? I want to go diving on my upcoming vacation. Should I get certified at home before going, or do my training at the resort? Gear is expensive. Can I just buy mine used to save money? Gear is expensive. Why shouldn't I buy mine online to save money? I can't afford to buy all my gear at once. What gear should I buy first? I am a female diver. Is it okay to dive while I'm having my period? SCUBA diving interests me, but I don't want to pay for the classes and equipment only to find out it's not for me. How can I find out if I like diving? A great way to try out diving is to take a "Resort Course" (sometimes also called a "Discover SCUBA" course). These are short lessons of approximately an hour, followed by an easy dive side-by-side with an instructor. You won't receive a certification, but you will get to experience actual diving, and hopefully see some cool stuff in the process. Resort courses are offered, appropriately enough, at most warm-water dive resorts, although your local dive shop should be able to do this for you as well. Which is the best organization for SCUBA training and certification? Although different dive certification agencies (NAUI, PADI, SSI, etc.) do have some slightly different ways of teaching, in the end you are learning the same information, and for basic open water instruction all the major agencies are equally good. All major dive certifications are accepted around the world. What's most important is getting a good instructor--someone you get along with, that knows his or her stuff, and communicates well. It is a good idea to meet and chat with the instructor before starting your class, and if they don't seem to be a good fit then continue looking. What is involved in getting my SCUBA certification? SCUBA certification may vary slightly by agency, but usually consists of the following:
I always recommend getting your dive certification at home, if at all possible. You will be learning important skills that your life will depend on, and you need to allow yourself ample time to study and practice. Your vacation will be more enjoyable if you don't have to study and can just play instead! Certification classes at dive resorts are almost always more expensive than classes at home. Additionally, taking classes at home gives you the time and opportunity to research dive shops and meet instructors. If you wait until you are on vacation you may not have that luxury, and may get stuck with a poor instructor. At the very least, do all of your classroom and pool work at home, and get a referral to an instructor at your destination to do your open water checkout dives. Gear is expensive. Can I just buy mine used to save money? That depends. It may be okay to buy used gear from a reputable dive shop that has tested the gear and deemed it safe and in good working order. It is not okay to buy used gear from a random person, especially if you do not know if the gear has been maintained properly. Remember, you are buying life support equipment, and your life depends on your gear working well. Gear is expensive. Why shouldn't I buy mine online to save money? Online shops may have lower prices because they do not have as much overhead as your local dive shop, but they cannot compare in the service that they provide. You can go to a brick and mortar shop to try on gear, ask questions and advice, get your equipment serviced, fill your tanks, and take classes in their pool. However, in order for the shop to stay in business they need to sell gear. By buying your gear at and supporting your local dive shop you will help to keep that shop open. I can't afford to buy all my gear at once. What gear should I buy first? Most dive shops require that you purchase your mask, fins, and snorkel for your class. Above and beyond that, your first purchase should be your regulator. The regulator is truly life support equipment, and by owning your own you can be sure that it is always in good working condition (just be sure to bring it in to the shop at least once per year for its annual tune-up). There is no guarantee that rental equipment has been properly maintained and you cannot take a chance on a faulty regulator. After buying a regulator, a dive computer is a great piece of equipment to have. I am a female diver. Is it okay to dive while I'm having my period? Yes, although it is recommended that you dive while wearing a barrier, such as a tampon or menstrual cup. Interestingly enough, according to DAN, sharks do not seem to be attracted to menstrual blood. | |
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