FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequently asked questions about scuba diving.

I heard courses or certifications are not required to dive, is that true?

by

Yes it is true, full courses or certifications are not required to dive. The are some programs made to try scuba diving in real conditions without the need for a certification. Just a little orientation is made under the guidance and supervision of a dive professional. But these programs and activities have their limits. Try dives are good to get introduced or for people unsure about diving.

You can learn more on courses and certifications on the page Scuba diving, where and how to start. You can also take a look at our agency page.

How long does it takes to become a scuba diver?

by

If you mean to experience scuba diving, the answer is it can be done now. You can enroll in a try diving program. Under the supervision and guidance of a dive professional, you can try scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.

If you had an entry level certification in mind. The first level of accreditation does not take very long. It can be anywhere from 3 to 4 very intensive days as seen in popular holiday spots. Or splitted over several weeks or months if done through small sessions once or twice a week.

If you would like to try scuba diving or earn a certification, you can take a look on the page Scuba diving, where and how to start.

Do I need to be an excellent swimmer to do scuba diving?

by

No there is no need to be an excellent swimmer. Most people have good enough swimming skills to become a diver but there is still a minimum required. When taking entry level courses a person should be able to swim 200 meters or 660 feet continuously and this at any speed. It is not a timed exercise. They also have to demonstrate they can tread water for 10 minutes. It is to make sure that if there is an emergency, divers will be able to maintain themselves at the surface or swim back to shore or surface support. For try dives or similar first time experiences it is not required so basically anyone can try scuba diving.

Is it true that I cannot travel by plane after scuba diving?

by

Yes, it is true you cannot travel by plane after diving. There is a certain amount of time we need to wait before taking a flight or even going to greater altitude. It could be dangerous and could lead to decompression sickness. If you are thinking of diving let the professionals know when you will be taking a flight and when. It could be up to 48 hrs to take a flight depending how how many dives or successives days.

Can scuba diving be dangerous?

by

Dangerous, yes and no. But do not get scared or be turned off. It is a yes if it is not done properly or recklessly and without prior training. The same could be said for driving cars and many other potentially dangerous things we do in daily life. But no it is not dangerous with proper training and by following simple rules scuba diving can be safely enjoyed by pretty much everyone. Even kids can take part in scuba diving activities.

What is the duration of a dive?

by

All things being relative there is so many factors involved in the duration of a dive. The average for recreational divers can be anywhere between 25 to 45 minutes. It mostly depend on the overall depth and each individual physiology. Nobody has the same lung volume and breathing rate. In recreational diving it ends when the no stop or no decompression limit is reached. Or it is limited by air supply. For properly trained technical divers duration is well planned ahead and can last up to several hours.

What is the maximum depth divers can go?

by

Most diving takes place in what is called the recreational range. This is any dive shallower than 40 meters. For most of these dives, they take place in 25 meter or less. Try dives and first few dives of training is usually limited to 12 meters. Entry level certification are limited to 18 – 20 meters depending on the agency. More advanced divers are trained to dive to up to 30 meters. And with special training recreational divers can reach depths up to 40 meters.

Divers going over this limit need some special training and equipment. It is then called extended or technical diving and is a lot more demanding. This kind of diving has also a lot more risks. Currently the deepest dive has been done by Amer Gabr in the Red Sea in Egypt at a depth of 338 meters.