Manta Divers

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Frequently Asked Questions
 

IS IT HARD TO LEARN TO SCUBA DIVE?

 

No, in fact it's probably easier than you imagine, especially if you're already comfortable in the water. PADI's entry-level diver course is split into knowledge development, confined water (pool) skill training and four scuba training dives. The course is "performance based", which means that you progress as you learn, there is no pass or fail!

 

DO I HAVE TO BE A GREAT SWIMMER TO BE CERTIFIED AS A PADI OPEN WATER DIVER?

 

No. All you need to be is a reasonably proficient swimmer who is comfortable and relaxed in the

water. The swimming requirement for certification is an easy 200 metre non-stop swim (with no time or specific stroke requirement) followed by a 10 minute tread water/float.

 

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO DIVE?

 

The minimum age to start a PADI scuba course that leads to a diving qualification is 10 (for the

PADI Junior Open Water course). Children of 8 and above can participate in the fun Bubblemaker experience and Seal Team programme to give them a taste of diving. There is no upper age limit.

 

DO I HAVE TO BE MEDICALLY FIT TO DIVE?

 

Yes you do. As with most sports, the fitter you are, the more you will get out of the sport. However,

you don't need to be a super athlete to take part in diving as long as you can (truthfully!) answer 'no'

to all of the questions on the PADI Medical Statement then you'll be OK to dive. Even if you can't it

doesn't necessarily mean that you can't dive; we would ask you to take the medical form to your local GP. Assuming that he or she is happy that you are fit to dive, you're ready to go!

 

CAN YOU PROVIDE ALL THE EQUIPMENT THAT I NEED FOR THE COURSE?

 

Yes we can, although you will probably want to buy your own mask, snorkel and fins. We will be happy to advise any equipment needs you may have.

 

WHAT'S IN A SCUBA TANK? OXYGEN?

 

Recreational divers breathe compressed air, not oxygen. It's filtered to remove impurities, but otherwise it's like the air we breathe every day!

 

MY EARS HURT WHEN I DIVE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE POOL.

WON'T THEY HURT WHEN I SCUBA DIVE?

 

Your ears hurt because water pressure pushes in on the eardrum. In your scuba course you'll learn a

simple technique to equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do in an aeroplane, and they won't hurt at all.

 

IN FILMS DIVERS ARE ALWAYS RUNNING INTO SHARKS AND EELS.

ARE MARINE ANIMALS REALLY MUCH OF A CONCERN?

 

Virtually all aquatic animals are passive or timid. There are a few that can bite or sting defensively,

but you can avoid these simply by watching where you put your hands and feet, and by not touching

any marine life. Divers are not natural prey for sharks, so shark attacks on divers are virtually

unheard of - more people die each year from bee stings than from shark attacks!

 

IS SCUBA DIVING DANGEROUS?

 

Not if you are careful and follow safe diving practices which you learn when you train with PADI.

Statistics show that recreational scuba diving is about as safe as swimming.

 

I NEED VISION CORRECTION. IS THAT A PROBLEM?

 

Not at all. If you wear soft contact lenses you shouldn't have a problem wearing them when you dive.

If you wear hard lenses, you'll want the gas permeable type for diving. See your optician about this.

Another option is to have prescription lenses put into your mask. Contact Manta Divers about

this.

 

SCUBA DIVING SOUNDS EXCITING BUT I'M NOT SURE IT'S FOR ME.

CAN I TRY IT BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR A COURSE?

 

Absolutely. The PADI Discover Scuba program allows you to try scuba in a swimming pool with one of our PADI professional Instructors. Have a look under courses for more information.