1. Snorkelling seems easy, do I really need training?

You probably don't if you're comfortable in the water. However, even if you are, PADI Professionals and snorkelling tours arranged by a can take you to some of the best snorkelling spots.

2. Is learning to dive difficult?

No, it's probably easier than you imagine -- especially if you're already comfortable in the water. PADI's entry-level course consists of pool diving, knowledge development and open water dives. The course is performance based, meaning that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill.

3. How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver?

PADI courses are performance based, which means that you earn your certification when you demonstrate that you've mastered the required skills and knowledge. Because some learn faster than others, course duration varies. For example, the PADI Open Water Diver course can be split into five or six sessions over as little as three days to a much as six weeks. Top

4. How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?

You must be at least ten years old (14 in Queensland or 12 with a Doctors Medical) to receive a Junior Open Water Diver Certification. Ten and 11 year old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet. 12 to 14 year olds must dive with a certified adult. At age 15, the Junior certification upgrades to a regular Open Water Diver certification.

5. Are there any special qualifications or considerations to participate in a scuba class?

No. Generally speaking, anyone in good average health and at least 10 years old can participate. You will, however, complete a medical questionnaire. If anything on the questionnaire indicates a reason to be cautious about diving, you'll need check with a physician to make sure you can dive.

6. Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver?

No. You need to be a reasonably proficient swimmer and comfortable in the water. You must swim 200 metres/200 yards non-stop, without a time or specific stroke requirement or a 300 metre/yard swim with mask, fins and snorkel. You'll also perform a 10 minute tread/float.

7. Is scuba diving expensive?

No. Like any hobby or recreation, you can invest however much you want, depending upon your interest level. Because most dive centres and resorts rent equipment, you can invest in equipment over time, renting what you don't have. There's probably good diving not far from where you live, so travel costs can be flexible enough to accommodate even the tightest budget. Most people find the costs of scuba diving similar to the cost associated with snow skiing or mountain biking.

8. What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?

It's best to check with your instructor ahead of time to see what equipment is provided in your scuba course. Generally speaking, you'll want to own a mask, snorkel and fins. Can help you select quality equipment that fits properly. Most scuba equipment is very durable, so you won't have to replace it often.

9. What's in a scuba tank? Oxygen?

Recreational divers breathe air, not oxygen. The air in a scuba tank is like the air you're breathing but is also filtered to remove impurities.

10. How long does a tank of air last?

Since people breathe at different rates and as you go deeper you consume air faster, there isn't any one answer. Because of this, divers carry a gauge that lets them know how much air is in the tank. However, divers in calm, warm water from 5-10 metres/15-30 feet can spend about one hour underwater with an average tank.

11. My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool. Won't they hurt when I scuba dive?

Your ears hurt because of the water pressure on your eardrum. In your scuba course, you'll learn simple techniques to equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane.

12. In the movies and on TV, divers are always running into sharks or eels. Should I be concerned about marine animals?

Most aquatic animals are passive or timid. A few do bite or sting, but you can avoid these by not touching them. Divers aren't natural prey for sharks and therefore shark attacks are rare.

15. Is scuba diving dangerous?

No, but there are potential hazards, which is why you need proper training and certification.

17. I need vision correction. Is that a problem?

No. Wearing soft contact lenses shouldn't be a problem while you dive. However, if you wear hard contacts, you'll want to dive with gas permeable lenses. See your eye doctor for more information. Another option is to have prescription lenses put into your mask. See a PADI Professional about this service.

18. If I have been diving, how long should I wait before flying?

The dive medical community offers the following recommendations for flying after diving, whether you’re using the RDP, another table or a dive computer:

For Dives within the No-Decompression Limits

• Single Dives - A minimum pre-flight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested.
   
• Repetitive Dives and/or Multi-day Dives - A minimum pre-flight surface interval of
  18 hours is suggested.

For Dives Requiring Decompression Stops

• A minimum pre-flight surface interval greater than 18 hours is suggested.

With all dive tables and computers, no flying after diving recommendation can guarantee that decompression sickness will never occur. These guidelines represent the best estimate presently known for a conservative, safe surface interval for the vast majority of divers. There may always be an occasional diver whose physiological makeup or special dive circumstances result in decompression sickness despite following the recommendations.

19. Scuba diving sounds exciting, but I'm not sure if it's for me. Can I try it without signing up for a course?

Absolutely. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience allows you to make a shallow scuba dive supervised by a PADI Professional after a short pool session. This usually takes a few hours. Or, you can try the PADI Discover Scuba experience that lets you try scuba in a swimming pool.

20. I want to learn about PADI; what is PADI?

PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the largest scuba certification organization in the world. PADI develops scuba programs and diver training products, monitors scuba training conducted by more than 100,000 PADI Professionals worldwide, maintains diver certification records and issues your diver certification credentials. In addition, PADI maintains various support services for PADI Dive Centres and Resorts. Since its inception in 1966 PADI has grown to have members 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 percent of all divers worldwide are certified by PADI.

21. What is the PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations?

The PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations consists of approximately 4400 authorized PADI Dive Centres, Resorts, dive boats, dive operators and hotels that offer recreational scuba, PADI instruction and other related services. These facilities are your source for dive equipment, education, travel and other dive opportunities. To be an association member, PADI Dive Centres and Resorts must adhere to specific standards that assure you'll get the best training and service.

23. What is Project AWARE Foundation?

Project AWARE Foundation, established in 1992, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization committed to the conservation and preservation of the aquatic environment and its resources. Project AWARE programs included beach cleanups, environmental presentations, research, campaigns and other efforts to help preserve and protect the underwater world.

24. I'm already a scuba diver and I've lost my certification card. Can I get another one and how long does it take?

To replace a lost card you can go to, or you can go to the replacement card area at padi.com. It takes about two weeks to replace a certification card so if you are diving sooner than that, have the PADI Dive Centre or Resort you're diving with call PADI. PADI will transmit your certification information. If you were certified after 1984 in PADI Asia Pacific, PADI Americas, PADI Canada, PADI International Limited or PADI Europe territory, PADI Dive Centres or Resorts can usually verify your certification through the computerized Dive-Chek system at any time.

25. I'm a certified diver through another training organization. How can I become a PADI diver?

Start by visiting an authorized and present your certification card. After an assessment of dive skills and knowledge, a PADI Instructor will guide you to the appropriate course. Here are some general course prerequisites:

• PADI Adventures in Diving program and most PADI Specialty courses - An entry level scuba certification and documentation of at least four open water scuba training dives as part of the certification course completed.
• PADI Rescue Diver course - Certification beyond entry level and documentation of at least 20 open water scuba dives demonstrating experience in deep diving and navigation.
• PADI Divemaster course - Certification from a recognized training agency specific to scuba rescue and documentation of at least 20 logged open water scuba dives demonstrating experience in deep diving and navigation. Additionally, you'll you need a CPR and first aid certification within the past 24 months and need to be at least 18 years of age.

26. I'm a scuba instructor certified through another training organization. How can I become a PADI Instructor?

Contact an authorized PADI Career Development Centre, 5 Star Instructor Development Centre, or Course Director to determine where your instructor rating fits in the PADI System of diver education. You will be required to take the Instructor Exam following your initial training, which is a two-day evaluation of teaching ability, dive theory knowledge, water skill level, understanding of the PADI System, attitude and professionalism. Success at the IE means PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor certification.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIVERS

Q. What is the difference between the National Geographic Diver Certification and the PADI Open Water Diver Certification?

A. As a National Geographic Diver, your certification signifies you have all the abilities of a PADI Open Water Diver plus additional knowledge that broadens your awareness of the aquatic realm and new skills to better explore underwater. The PADI Open Water Diver course is the foundation for the National Geographic Diver program.

Q. Who is eligible to become a National Geographic Diver?

A. The program is open to beginners as well as the experienced diving enthusiast. Experienced divers can become National Geographic Divers by enrolling in the National Geographic Portal.

Q. Where can I sign up to become a National Geographic Diver?

A. Visit a PADI National Geographic Dive Centre.

Q. Who developed the National Geographic Diver Program?

A. National Geographic partnered with PADI, the world’s leader in dive education, to jointly create the National Geographic Diver Program. Both organizations have the common goal of encouraging public interest in recreational diving worldwide and exposing people to the aquatic environment to help them gain a better appreciation of our underwater cultural heritage.

Q. What does the National Geographic Diver Program Include?

A. The National Geographic Diver program allows individuals to become certified scuba divers or, if already certified, the opportunity to increase their diving skills. The program promotes adventure, discovery, exploration and aquatic conservation. Along with learning basic dive skills and mastering safety information, National Geographic Divers complete a National Geographic Knowledge Review based on information gained by interacting with the National Geographic Diver Almanac and DVD. They also demonstrate the ability to hover in at least three different positions. During an open water dive, divers participate in an Exploration Project that includes gathering information and creating a visual representation of the dive site detailing specific features. They also may practice navigating a square or rectangle pattern using a compass and natural references or participate in an aquatic life identification exercise.

Q. Where will the dive courses take place?

A. PADI National Geographic Programs will be offered at PADI Five Star Dive Centres and Gold Palm Resorts throughout the world that qualify as PADI National Geographic Dive Centers. The program will first launch in the PADI Americas territory and then roll out to international territories in 2005. To start your National Geographic adventure, visit a PADI National Geographic Dive Centre near you.

Q. What recognition do I get as a National Geographic Diver?

A. You’ll receive a distinctive National Geographic Diver certification card. This card signifies that you have completed the program’s knowledge and skill requirements, joining an elite group of divers. You will show this certification card any time you need dive services as you travel around seeking new dive adventures.

Q. How does the National Geographic Diver Program support aquatic education and conservation of underwater environments?

A. The National Geographic Society’s contributions to inspiring underwater exploration date back to 1926 when NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine published the first underwater colour photographs taken by photographer Charles Martin. In the 1950s, National Geographic began a long-standing relationship with Jacques Cousteau, supporting his undersea explorations and sharing his dive adventures with the world. Today, the National Geographic Society continues to support underwater expeditions and showcase the underwater photography of David Doubilet and Emory Kristof, among others, in various National Geographic publications. National Geographic television programs and films document new technologies such as Greg Marshall’s Crittercam, and allow us to learn about the research and expeditions of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Bob Ballard and Sylvia Earle.

As part of a growing commitment to fund the Society’s initiatives, all of National Geographic’s net proceeds from the PADI National Geographic Diver program will support exploration, conservation, research, and education. National Geographic supports a wide array of aquatic initiatives, including expeditions to reveal and share unique underwater environments around the globe. Other projects will include preservation of national marine sanctuaries and protection of endangered aquatic animals and plants.

Project AWARE, in conjunction with PADI, introduces more than a million divers and non-divers each year to aquatic conservation and environmental issues. The National Geographic Diver program curriculum further encourages understanding of and respect for the aquatic world’s delicate ecosystems. Project AWARE and PADI have also developed additional courses about the aquatic environment. For more information about this training, contact your local PADI Dive Centre or Resort to enrol in one of the many AWARE specialty programs offered.

Q. Will there be additional diving courses?

A. There’s a possibility that the PADI National Geographic program will expand in the future. Currently, there are many PADI courses available to continue your dive education and enhance your specialty diving interests.

Q. How did National Geographic choose PADI?

A. National Geographic chooses partners who share their mission of exploration and conservation of our planet. PADI shares that philosophy and those values in promoting awareness of the aquatic environment and advocating education about the underwater world through increased participation in the sport of scuba diving.