 Main Menu
|
|
SCUBA
|
Dive Gear Info & Tips
Articles
Other Important Info
|
|
Zendiving FAQ's
|
Scuba Diving
ZenDiving Forums
|
|
Top Scuba Listings
|
|
 |
Zendiving Forums FAQs: Getting Started
|
| 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 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Is there much 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. |
|
|
