DIVE TRAINING
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Africa Diver offers
the full range of PADI scuba diving in Cape Town, from courses for the novice to dive master level
and even
instructor level. Our Cape Town scuba diving courses are aimed at developing
careers out of dive training in Cape Town. Most of of scuba diving
courses in Cape Town are run from Simonstown or from Hout Bay. |
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 I've
always wanted to learn to scuba dive (or snorkel). How do I get
started?
The first step is to contact a dive training centre such Africa
Diver, who will ask you some questions and get you started in
the right direction. So well done you have started on the road
already.
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.
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.
How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?
You must be at least ten years old 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.
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.
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
nonstop, 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
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
centers 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.
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. Your
local PADI Dive Center or Resort can help you select quality
equipment that fits properly. Most scuba equipment is very
durable, so you won't have to replace it often.
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.
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.
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.
Is scuba diving dangerous?
No, but there are potential hazards, which is why you need
proper training and certification.
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.
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some material sourced from
- padi.com |
