Frequently Asked Questions

How can I begin to study diving?
The best way is contacting a professional diver; a qualified Diving Instructor, recognized and certified by an international diving organization

Is learning how to dive difficult?
No. It is probably even easier than you think, especially if you know how to swim and feel comfortable in the water. Diving courses usually start out in a pool and development is progressive, based on each participant’s performance.

How long can a course last and how long until I obtain certification?
Some learn more quickly than others, so this is relative. The beginners’ course can take from 4 to 6 weeks and is very flexible. It can also last for only 3 or 4 days. The certificate, which is obtained after diving in open waters, can take from three to four weeks.

At what age can I learn to dive?
You can start diving at the age of 14 and snorkeling at age 8. Other than those, there are no age limits for learning to dive. Many divers even learn diving after age 60.

Is it necessary for me to know how to swim?
Usually diving courses require students to be able to at least float without drowning. But there is no need to be an excellent swimmer or to swim in a specific style.

Are there any medical restrictions to learning to dive?
For the basic level the only prerequisite is being physically and mentally healthy and with a certain level of fitness. Advancing to higher levels of certification will demand greater physical abilities.
Before beginning a course, the student should undergo a full medical examination with a medical specialist or a physician familiar with diving. Among the different reasons that can prevent a person from diving, are epilepsy, chronic ear infections, diabetes, asthma, emphysema, heard disturbances, hemophilia, claustrophobia, depression and disturbances related to alcohol or drug use.

Is diving expensive?
As with any recreational activity, one can invest a great or little amount of money, depending on the interest level, knowledge and/or capability of each person. Most diving centers or instructors world wide hire out diving gear, therefore it is not necessary to own the complete kit (which is expensive) from the very beginning. One can purchase pieces of equipment gradually and as they become necessary.

What pieces of equipment should I have before beginning the diving course?
Normally the instructor provides all necessary gear at the beginning of the course; however it is recommendable to have the basics – mask, snorkel and fins-, as this will let you be more comfortable.

Is it necessary to learn breath-hold diving or snorkeling?
It is a good idea to learn snorkeling as an introductory guide to diving; however it is not really necessary.

How long does an air tank last?
This is one of the most common questions and the answer is relative: everyone breathes at different speeds and, for example, when jogging you breathe faster than when you are sitting down. Therefore, the deeper you go the more air you use. Besides there are tanks of different sizes and when you go diving you always take along a content gauge to control the amount of air left in the tank.

What causes ear pain when descending?
Upon descent, the water pushes the tympani due to an increase in pressure, causing the so-called ear pain. During the diving courses you learn a technique to equalize internal and external pressure, thus avoiding the disturbing pain.

Do eels and sharks attack divers?
All marine animals are peaceful and generally keep to themselves. Even if there are some that can bite or attack, this is usually for defense reasons, rather than due to hunger or aggressive behavior. This can be avoided by taking extra care when touching things with hands and feet and avoiding any unknown elements.

Is diving dangerous?
Statistics show that it is safer to dive than it is to swim. Diving is also safer than many dry land sports. However there are potential risks in diving, which is why it is necessary to take a diving course. But diving is just like driving a car: if you respect the rules and use common sense there shouldn’t be any danger.

Do prescription lenses interfere with diving?
No. If you use contact lenses there should be no problems diving with them. If you use glasses with a hard crystal lens you will need to use the Gas-Permeables to dive with, which will require a check up with a physician or eye doctor; another option is buying the lens of the mask with the appropriate prescription.

What is in a diving tank?
Although a lot of people believe it contains pure oxygen, the recreational diver only uses normal air, which is filtered so as to remove impurities.

Is learning to dive easy?
Yes. However, as with any new activity, diving requires the student to learn certain techniques and procedures. Generally, the courses are made up of theoretical and practical lessons (in swimming pools), where both types of lessons are given in a parallel manner. In theory lessons, students learn about pressure, using decompression tables, underwater signs and navigation, planning dives, how to use the equipment and a lot more. In the pool lessons the theory is applied and students learn to adapt to the underwater world. If you wish to obtain an international license the last stage of training is completed in open waters.

What happens if there is an emergency?
Every certified instructor must have passed a CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and first aid course. Besides, many instructors have advanced training in medicine and are qualified to deal with emergency situations.

Is it very cold underwater?
Some diving sites have warm water where only thin nylon suits are needed. Other sites require special neoprene suits which provide an excellent thermal barrier.