PADI Scuba Diving Training FAQ

Whether you want to try scuba diving, become a PADI Master Scuba Diver or Go Pro or Go TecRec, PADI scuba diving training with the experts at Easy Divers Cyprus will guide you to your goals.

• New to scuba? Check out the Start Diving area.
• View PADI courses.
• Want to improve your skills and continue the adventure? Browse the Keep Diving section.
• Ready to get a life and a dream career? Go to Teach Diving with the Scuba Internships for Padi Divematers and Padi Instructors.

Information and frequently asked questions about PADI scuba diving training, learning how to scuba dive, and PADI courses in Cyprus.

• Snorkelling seems easy, do I really need training?
• I’ve always wanted to learn to scuba dive (or snorkel). How do I get started?
• Is learning to dive difficult?
• How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver?
• How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?
• Are there any special qualifications or considerations to participate in a scuba diving?
• Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver?
• Is scuba diving expensive?
• What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?
• What’s in a scuba cylinder? Oxygen?
• How long does a cylinder of air last?
• My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool. Won’t they hurt when I scuba dive?
• In the movies and on TV, divers are always running into sharks or eels. Should I be concerned about marine animals?
• Is scuba diving dangerous?
• I need vision correction. Is that a problem?
• If I have been diving, how long should I wait before flying?
• Scuba diving sounds exciting, but I’m not sure if it’s for me. Can I try it without signing up for a course?
• How do I find out more about diving or snorkeling?
• I want to learn about PADI; what is PADI?
• What is the PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations?
• What is PADI Travel Network?
• What is Project AWARE Foundation?
• I’m already a scuba diver and I’ve lost my certification card. Can I get another one and how long does it take?
• I’m a certified diver through another training organisation. How can I become a PADI diver?
• I’m a scuba instructor certified through another training organisation. How can I become a PADI Instructor in Cyprus?

 

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, we can train you to get the best out of your snorkelling.

2. I’ve always wanted to learn to scuba dive (or snorkel). How do I get started?

The best way is to visit us here at Online. We are a Current Certified 5 Star PADI Instructor Development Centre.

3. 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 confined water diving, knowledge development and open water dives. The course is performance based, meaning that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill.

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

PADI scuba diving training 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 slightly but usually takes around 3 days depending on the padi training.

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

You must be at least 10 years old to 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 12 metres/40 feet. Ages 12 to 14 year must dive with a certified adult. At age 15, the Junior certification may be upgraded to a regular Open Water Diver certification.

6. Are there any special qualifications or considerations to participate in a scuba diving?

No. Generally speaking, anyone in good average health and at least 10 years old can participate. You will, however, complete a medical questionnaire. You wont need to get a doctors certificate but, if anything on the questionnaire indicates a reason to be cautious about diving, you’ll need check with your GP to make sure you can dive – there is simple form we can give you to take with you.

7. 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 need to be able to 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.

8. Is scuba diving expensive?

No. Like any hobby or recreation, you can invest however much you want, depending upon your interest level. Because we can assist you with rental 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.

9. 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 – learn with us and we provide all equipment you will need for your course. Generally speaking, you’ll want to own your own mask, snorkel, fins and boots. We can help you select quality equipment that fits properly. Most scuba equipment is very durable, so you won’t have to replace it often. Generally Easy Divers Centres supplies all equipment you will need.

10. What’s in a scuba cylinder? Oxygen?

Recreational divers breathe air, not oxygen. The air in a scuba cylinder is like the air you’re breathing now, but is also filtered to remove moisture from the air. This way it prolongs the life of the scuba tanks and equipment, with moisture removed air may give you a dry mouth, drink lots of water before and after diving.

11. How long does a cylinder 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 cylinder. However, divers in calm, warm water from 5-10 metres/15-30 feet can spend about one hour underwater with an average cylinder.

12. 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 equalise your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an aeroplane.

13. 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.

14. Is scuba diving dangerous?

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

15. 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 which we can advise you about.

16. 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 preflight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested.

Repetitive Dives and/or Multi day Dives – A minimum preflight surface interval of 18 hours is suggested.

For Dives Requiring Decompression Stops:

A minimum preflight 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 make-up or special dive circumstances result in decompression sickness despite following the recommendations.

17. 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 introduction with the flip chart, you will be in the confined area of the sea in no time at all. There will be lots of interesting creatures to see. This usually takes a few hours and hopefully will ‘wet’ your appetite for more!

18. How do I find out more about diving or snorkeling?

Visit us here at Easy Divers Centre in Protaras Cyprus and we can give you more information about PADI programs Padi Training Courses and how you can get started. Or simply just use the contact form on the bottom of this page.

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

PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the largest scuba certification organisation 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 Centers 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 7 out of 10 North American divers are certified by PADI, and approximately 55 percent of all divers worldwide are certified by PADI.

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

The PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations consists of approximately 4400 authorised PADI Dive Centers, 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 Centers and Resorts must adhere to specific standards that assure you’ll get the best training and service.

21. What is PADI Travel Network?

PADI Travel Network is a specialised travel service that offers dive travel packages and trips to some of the best dive destinations around the world.

22. What is Project AWARE Foundation?

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

23. 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 speak to us, 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 Centers or Resorts can usually verify your certification through the computerised Dive-Check system at any time.

24. I’m a certified diver through another training organization. How can I become a PADI diver?

Start by visiting us 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 Speciality 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.

25. I’m a scuba instructor certified through another training organisation. How can I become a PADI Instructor?

Contact us here and as an authorised PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre we can 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.