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While each dive center has their training set up uniquely there are certain questions that we are often asked.
These questions are general in nature as far as the PADI open water course goes and should be relatively applicable to your training at any PADI dive center. If in doubt make sure you ask your instructor or dive center before signing up for a course. We of course answered these questions keeping PADI standards in mind as well as our Training doctrine. Questions that are specific for the dive center you can use as a guide in what to ask when you first start talking with your local facility.
-What certification will I earn from the open water course?
PADI Openwater Diver. Basic certification to be a scuba diver. This is the
certification you need to get scuba gear. It's required to show when getting
tanks or tank fills and Dive operators will ask to see your certification card
as proof you are a certified diver.
-What is PADI?
PADI, stands for the Professional Association of Dive Instructors. PADI is the
largest scuba training organization in the world. It's recognized world wide by
resorts, dive operators and scuba centers. PADI develops scuba programs and
diver training products, monitors the scuba training conducted by more than
100,000 PADI professionals worldwide, maintains diver certification records and
issues your diver certification credentials.Founded in 1966, there are PADI
professionals in more than 175 countries and territories, and international
service offices in nine countries. Approximately seven out of ten North American
divers are certified by PADI, and approximately 55% of all divers worldwide are
certified by PADI. For more information on PADI go to;
www.padi.com
-Do I need all my own scuba gear?
No. You need your own mask fins and snorkel. Long Island Scuba will provide all
other gear needed for the pool. You do need to have all scuba gear for the open
water dives. You can rent most items.
-What gear do I need to supply for the Open Water Dives that I can't rent?
Mask fins snorkel of course. Knife/shears and a watch.
-Is your pool located at your Dive center?
Yes. Our pool and classroom are all located in our building, Our pool is clean
and we keep the temperature at 90 degrees! No traveling on off nights to a local
high school or YMCA . All our training is held at our facility.
-What is this blue folder that came in my divers packet for?
It's a student folder. Besides having basic info for your instructor like name,
address, contact information etc. It is also 3 legal documents:
1) Standard Safe Diving Practices Statement of Understanding.
2) Liability Release and Assumption of Risk.
3) Medical Statement.
EACH section is to be read and signed. For detailed information click on How to
fill out the “Student folder" .
-Do I need a Doctor's note?
If you answered “Yes" to ANY of the medical questions on the student folder(blue
or yellow folder) you need a doctor's release saying you're fit to scuba dive.
You need this note BEFORE we can put you in the pool on scuba. No exceptions.
-Is the final Exam graded?
Yes. You need 75% to pass.
-I may have to miss a class. What do I need to do?
The class is performance based. It's important to learn skills in a particular
order. It's best not to miss a class but if you have to, discuss it with the
Instructor as early as possible; Beforehand.
-What materials do each student need to have?
Besides your personal things & open water packet you need 2 passport style
photos and signed copies of ALL 5 knowledge reviews. The photos and knowledge
review copies must be handed in on the last class.
Why do I need 2 passport style photos?
They are used for your certification card. Head & shoulder photos approximately
1 3/4" wide & 2 1/4" high. Photos from a photo booth are fine. No dark glasses
or hats please. Many drug stores in our area, have photo booths. They'll cost
you $3 or $4. Camera stores take official passport photos. So do
some post offices. These will be more expensive.
If you choose to do your certification dives elsewhere you do not need to give
photos to us at the last class You will need to bring them with you to the
other instructor doing your certification dives. We call that a referral. . Some facilities do digital photos. Ask you local dive center.
-What are Knowledge Reviews?
Knowledge Reviews are part of your homework. They're at the end of each chapter.
Sort of a “quiz" for you to do after you've read the chapter and BEFORE class.
We will go over the knowledge reviews for the particular chapter and then you'll
take the classroom quiz. At the last session you need to hand in copies of ALL 5
Knowledge Reviews. Please PRINT your name on top and sign the bottom.
-Do I have to copy the Knowledge Reviews or can I tear them out of the book?
Your choice, but I recommend you make the copies. This way you can reuse your
book for review.
-Do I really have to read the book and do the knowledge reviews?
Only if you want to pass the course
-Do I have to be a strong swimmer to be a scuba diver?
There is a swim test on the first night. You are required to swim 200 yards.
There isn't a time limit for the swim so pace yourself. You also need to be able
to tread water for 10 minutes.
-What are the certification dives?
The Open Water dives are scheduled over 2 days. During these dives you will be
asked to show your ability to do the skills you learned in the pool.
-What if I want to do my certification dives in the Caribbean?
Tell your instructor your plans. In your log book there is a referral form that
your instructor can sign off on what you've accomplished. Then when you arrange
your certification dives you'll need to show them that form. If you need to find
a PADI center contact PADI and they'll tell you where the nearest PADI center is
located. While we include your certification dives if you do them with us, you
will have to pay whatever fees are involved with the center doing your
certification dives.
-Are their risks in scuba diving?
Yes. There are inherit risks in scuba diving. That's one of the reasons it's
important to learn to dive properly. It's why you need to study, do your
homework and pay attention. Statistics show that recreational scuba diving is
about as safe as swimming. Certainly there are potential hazards but like
driving a car, as long as you follow the rules and use common sense, it's pretty
safe.
-If I do everything you say will I eliminate all risk?
No. The only way to eliminate risk is not to dive.
-How old do I have to be to learn to dive?
10 years old. But you need parental permission and when students are that young
we ask that an adult take the class with him or her, If you're between 10 and
15, you receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification. 10 and 11 year old
Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI
Professional to a maximum depth of 40 feet. 12 to 14 year olds should dive with
a certified adult. When you turn 15, you can upgrade your Junior certification
to a regular Open Water Diver certification.
-What's the difference between a Divemaster and an Instructor?
A certified Divemaster is a training assistant. They are volunteers and do this
for the love of the sport. It's custommary to tip your divemasters at the end of
the course.
-I'm interested in information on other courses after I'm certified. Where can I
get it?
There's some info in your Open Water manual. We have some internal links that
describe many courses too. For an overview go to the link that says," Course
Descriptions". Feel free to come into the dive center and ask
questions on what you're interested in.
-What is this Nitrox stuff I keep hearing about?
Nitrox or Enriched Air is a breathing gas that many divers use instead of
regular compressed air. It has a higher level of Oxygen than air and therefore a
lower level of Nitrogen. There are many benefits to this. You can get longer
bottom time or shorten your surface interval. Some divers consider it safer
too. Go to the Nitrox link for frequently asked questions on Nitrox.
-Do I need a certification course to get Nitrox?
Yes. While there are many benefits to diving with nitrox there are risks as
well. You need to learn how to use it properly.
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