How much does it cost?

The cost of a scuba course can vary from facility to facility.  Every training center factors in their costs to run a course and then marks it up to make a profit.  After all, that's why they're in business.  Have you ever considered what a course costs?  We've listed below some of the items that make up a store's cost.

• Student materials & certfication cards (yes - that PIC envelope you fill out for your card costs money)
• Pool time - city pools can run around $100/hr
• Store costs - heat. lights, compressor maintenance, staff, equipment
• Your instructor & divemasters - keep in mind they've spent a lot of money on their own training to get where they are.  No one should expect them to be doing this for free.
• Fuel costs - with gas prices rising everyday, its only a matter of time before the price of everything goes up.

When pricing out courses, find out what is included with the price and what else you will have to pay for.  You may find that the price differences quickly disappear.   If you think that diving courses are expensive, compare it to the cost of golf lessons or downhill ski lessons for the same number of hours of training.  You'll see that scuba is actually alot cheaper.

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Do I need to buy my own equipment?

No.  Owning your own equipment is not required, however, you will become more comfortable in the water if you have equipment that you are familiar with and provides a good fit for you.  You do not need to purchase everything at once if you do decide to buy - start with the personal gear - mask, fins, snorkel, and then work your way to a complete set, one piece at a time.

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Do I have to be a good swimmer?

You must be able to swim 200m non-stop or 300m using mask, fins and snorkel.  There is no time limit, you just can't stop or touch the pool sides.  There is also a 10-minutes survival float (tread water).

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Are there any medical conditions that would prevent me from diving?

Unfortunately, yes there are.  As part of the course paperwork, there is a medical questionnaire that must be filled out.  If you suffer from any of the listed conditions, you need to seek approval from your physician before any in-water activities.  If you think this applies to you, you should take the form to your physician as soon as possible to avoid any possibility of missing classes.  Your instructor cannot take you into the water while you are waiting to see your physician.  Click here to download the form.

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I'm planning to travel this winter - can I complete my training down south?

Yes you can.  Normally, you would complete the knowledge development and confined water training here before your trip.  Your instructor will give you copies of all the necessary paperwork that the dive center at your destination will require to complete your open water training.

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I have a certification from another agency.  Can I take a PADI course?

Most agency programs are recognized by PADI.  If you have a qualifying certification from another agency, you can move into a PADI program at the next level. ie: if you have an Open Water certification from XYZ, you can participate in the PADI Advanced Open Water diver program.  Your instructor cannot simply issue you a PADI Open Water diver card.

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