Thinking About Scuba Diving? We Answer Your Top 10 Questions!

Hello future divers! Here at Master Divers, we meet so many people who are fascinated by the idea of exploring the underwater world. Scuba diving is an incredible adventure, a way to see sights you’ve only dreamed of and experience a feeling of weightlessness that’s truly unique. But, like any new adventure, it’s natural to have questions. We get it! In fact, many of you ask similar things.

So, we’ve gathered the top ten questions we hear from people just like you who are thinking about starting or trying scuba diving. Let us, your experienced guides at Master Divers, clear things up for you!

1. Is Scuba Diving Safe?

This is usually the first question, and it’s a great one! Yes, scuba diving is a safe activity when conducted correctly. Like any adventure sport, there are inherent risks, but these are managed effectively through:

• Thorough Training: We ensure you learn all the essential knowledge and skills.
• Following Safety Guidelines: We dive by the book, and we’ll teach you to do the same.
• Quality Equipment: We provide well-maintained, reliable gear.
• Experienced Instructors: Our team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Your safety is our absolute top priority. We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t believe in its safety when done right.

2. Do I Need to Be a Strong Swimmer to Scuba Dive?

You don’t need to be an Olympic champion! You do need basic water comfort and some swimming ability. For our certification courses, we’ll ask you to:

• Float or tread water for a short period.
• Swim a certain distance without stopping (it’s not a race!).

For a “try dive” or discovery experience, the swimming requirements can be more relaxed as you’ll be under the direct supervision of our instructors in very shallow water. The main thing is that you feel reasonably comfortable in the water.

3. What Are the Medical Requirements for Scuba Diving?

Your health is important. Before you start any scuba course, we’ll ask you to complete a medical questionnaire. This helps us identify any conditions that might not be compatible with diving or might require a doctor’s approval.

• Be honest! It’s for your own safety.
• If you have any “yes” answers on the questionnaire, we’ll advise you to see a doctor to get clearance for diving.

Most people are fit to dive, but it’s crucial to check.

4. How Deep Can I Dive as a Beginner?

As a brand new diver, your adventures will start in shallower waters.

• Introductory Dives/Try Dives: These are usually in calm, shallow areas, often no deeper than 6-12 meters (20-40 feet), with an instructor right by your side.
• Open Water Diver Certification: Once you complete your PADI Open Water Diver course with us, you’ll be certified to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet) with a buddy.

There’s plenty to see in these ranges, especially around vibrant reefs like we have here in Ko Tao!

5. Will My Ears Hurt From the Pressure?

Ah, the ear question! It’s true that as you descend, the water pressure increases. However, we teach you simple techniques to “equalize” the pressure in your ears, similar to what you might do on an airplane.

• It’s a gentle process.
• We’ll practice this with you until you’re comfortable.
• It shouldn’t hurt – if you feel discomfort, you just ascend slightly and try again.

It becomes second nature very quickly!

6. What If I’m Scared of Sharks or Other Marine Life?

This is a very common concern. The image of sharks from movies is very different from reality! Here’s what we know from thousands of dives:

• Most marine life is shy or indifferent to divers.
• Shark encounters are rare in most popular dive spots, and incidents are even rarer. The species we usually see are not aggressive.
• We teach you to be a respectful observer of the underwater world.

Honestly, once you see the beauty and diversity of fish and corals, fear often turns into fascination. We’re more likely to be excited to show you a cool Nudibranch or a graceful turtle!

7. Do I Need to Buy My Own Scuba Gear?

No, you don’t need to buy anything to start!

• For all our courses and introductory dives, we provide all the necessary scuba equipment.
• This includes your mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control device (BCD), regulators, and tank.

Once you fall in love with diving (and we’re pretty sure you will!), you might want to invest in your own mask, snorkel, and fins first. We can always offer advice on what gear is right for you when the time comes.

8. How Long Does It Take to Get Certified?

Getting your PADI Open Water Diver certification, the most popular entry-level course, typically takes 3 to 4 days. This usually involves:

• Knowledge Development: Learning the theory, which can often be started online beforehand.
• Confined Water Dives: Practicing skills in a pool or shallow, calm water.
• Open Water Dives: Four dives in the sea to put your skills into practice and explore!

We can tailor schedules to fit your holiday plans, too.

9. How Much Does It Cost to Learn to Scuba Dive?

The cost of getting certified can vary depending on the location and what’s included. Here at Master Divers, we believe in transparent pricing. Our course fees generally include:

• All instruction
• Full equipment rental
• Certification processing fees
• Dive logbook

It’s best to contact us directly or visit our website for the most up-to-date pricing on our courses and introductory experiences. We see it as an investment in a lifetime of adventure!

10. What If I Feel Claustrophobic?

Some people worry about feeling enclosed by the gear or the water. We understand this, but here’s what most people find:

• Modern dive masks offer a wide field of vision.
• The feeling of weightlessness underwater is incredibly freeing, not confining.
• Our instructors are very experienced in helping new divers relax and build confidence slowly.

We find that once people experience breathing underwater and the calm of the marine environment, any initial nervousness often melts away.

We hope this answers some of your biggest questions! Scuba diving is an amazing way to discover a whole new part of our planet. If you’re ready to take the plunge or just want to chat more, get in touch with us here at Master Divers. We can’t wait to share the underwater world with you!