Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be able to swim to learn to dive?
Do I have to be medically fit to dive?
What additional costs would there be for the Open Water course?
Can I try Scuba diving without signing up for a course?
Is it hard to learn to scuba dive?
How long does the qualification last for?
Where can I dive after finishing the course?
What equipment will I need to learn
What or who is PADI?
PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the largest scuba certification organization in the world. Since its inception in 1966 PADI has grown to have centres in more than 180 countries. Approximately 65 percent of all divers worldwide are certified by PADI.
Do I need to be able to swim to learn to dive?
Yes you do but not necessarily to Olympic standards! The basic requirements for the PADI Open Water Course are a 200m swim, any stroke, with no time limit and tread water for 10 minutes.
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 medical declaration form which is on the Green File inside your pack. If you can’t, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t dive. You would need to take a medical form to your GP and assuming that he or she is happy that you are fit to scuba dive, you’re ready to go.
What additional costs would there be for the Open Water course?
The only additional costs are travel to & from Stoney cove, accommodation and dive site entry of £15 per day. All scuba diving equipment required for the duration of the course will be provided.
Can I try Scuba diving without signing up for a course?
Yes you can. 3D Diving offer Trial Sessions for people who are unsure as to how they will get on. The session usually lasts a couple of hours and will acquaint you with the scuba equipment and underwater environment.
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. The course is "performance based," which means that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill.
How long does the qualification last for?
The PADI Open Water qualification lasts a lifetime. However it’s up to you to keep diving and keep your skills current. Generally speaking if you haven’t dived for more than 6 months you should complete a half-day Scuba Review to refresh both your knowledge and dive skills.
Where can I dive after finishing the course?
PADI dive qualifications are the most widely recognised in the world. There are around 5,000 PADI dive centres and resorts in more than 180 countries so there’s no shortage of places to scuba dive.
Can I dive here in the UK?
Of course! Some of the world’s best wrecks can be seen whilst diving around the UK coast, particularly off the south coast. As well as thousands of wrecks there is also an abundance of sea life around the shores of the UK.
What equipment will I need to learn?
3D Diving will provide everything you need to learn to dive.
