Q: How do I replace my certification card if it was lost or stolen?
A: Contact us directly on 0191 232-7983, or drop by with your divers logbook, and we can order a replacement card.

 

Q: How do I obtain a letter saying that I am certified?
A: If you are a PADI certified diver we can provide you with a letter of certification via FAX or email. There is a small fee. Please contact us by telephone to request this service.

Q: How much is the Master Scuba Diver Application?
A: Please call for current prices on 0191 232-7983

Q: How can I get college credit for my certification?
A: View PADI courses for college credit information.

Q: How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver?
A: 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. Typically, the PADI Open Water Diver course is split into five or six sessions over as little as three days or as long as six weeks.

Q: How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?
A: PADI offers junior scuba certifications. You must be at least ten years old (this may vary in some countries) to receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification.

Ten and eleven-year-old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional and are eligible to dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet.
Twelve to fourteen-year-olds must dive with a certified adult. At age fifteen, the diver may upgrade to a regular PADI Open Water Diver certification without further training.

Q: Scuba diving sounds exciting, but I'm not sure if it's for me. Can I try it without signing up for a course?
A: Absolutely. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience allows you to make a shallow scuba dive in a pool or shallow open water site supervised by a PADI Professional.

Q: I'm a certified diver through another training organization. How can I become a PADI Diver?
A: Start by visiting an authorized PADI Dive Shop or Resort and present your certification card. After an assessment of dive skills and knowledge, a PADI Instructor will guide you to the appropriate course. You must take a PADI course to obtain a PADI certification.  Here are some general course prerequisites:

For the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course and most PADI Specialty courses – an entry level scuba certification and documentation of at least four open water scuba training dives as part of the certification course completed.

For the PADI Rescue Diver course - certification beyond entry level and documentation of at least 20 open water scuba dives that include experience in deep diving and navigation.

For the PADI Divemaster course  - certification from a recognized training organization specific to scuba rescue and documentation of at least 20 logged open water scuba dives that include experience in deep diving, night diving, and underwater navigation. Additionally, you'll need a CPR and first aid certification within the past 24 months and need to be at least 18 years old.

 

Q: I'm a scuba instructor certified through another training organization. How can I become a PADI Instructor?
A: Contact an authorized PADI Dive Shop or Resort or PADI Course Director to determine where your instructor rating fits in the PADI System of diver education. You’ll complete initial training based on your current qualifications, followed by the PADI Instructor Examination (IE). The IE 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 qualifies you as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.

 

Q: Do I have to be a good swimmer?

A: No actually a very msall amount of water confidence is good to have. You do not have to be 'Olympic Standard'. You should be able to swim to better enjoy your environment.

 

A: All equipment is provided as far as tank, bcd, regulator. It is highly recommended that you have your own mask, fins and snorkel as these are personal items and will improve your confidence in the water.

 

A: That's fine! You can complete a referal open water diver course. This means you will complete all the pool and classroom sessions here in the UK. So this leaves 4 open water dives in the sunshine and have the benefit of having all the work done before you go on holiday.