Our Training Course Catalog Class Schedules Class Registration Training FAQ
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| Q: Is it hard to learn to scuba dive? A: No, in fact, it's probably easier than you imagine especially if you're already comfortable in the water. The entry-level diver course is split into knowledge development, confined water (pool) skill training and four scuba training dives. The course is "performance based," which means that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill. Q: How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver? United Diver courses are "performance based," which means that you earn your certification when you demonstrate that you've mastered the required skills and knowledge. Some people learn faster than others, so how long it takes you may vary. The United Divers' Open Water Diver course (Beginner Track) is typically split into six to seven sessions with tremendous flexibility. The course may be scheduled over as little as two days, or as much as five or six weeks, or something in between, depending upon student needs and logistics. As a rule of thumb, most students complete their initial certification in three or four weeks. Q: Is scuba diving dangerous? A: Not really. Statistics show that recreational scuba diving is about as safe as swimming. Certainly there are potential hazards -- which is why you need training and certification -- but like driving a car, as long as you follow the rules and use common sense, it's pretty safe. Q: Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as an Open Water Diver? A: You need to be is a reasonably proficient swimmer who is comfortable and relaxed in the water. The swimming requirement for certification is an easy 200 yard non-stop swim (with no time or specific stroke requirement) and 10 minutes treading water. Q: I have medical history. Can I still dive? A: Depending on the diving course being taken, you may first be required to have a dive medical. Failing this medical, or having certain pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and epilepsy may prevent you from diving. So will pregnancy. Please check with the Training Director for further information. Q: If my ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool, won't they hurt when I scuba dive? A: Your ears hurt because water pressure pushes in on your eardrum. In your scuba course, you'll learn a simple technique to equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane, and they won't hurt at all. Q: What type of wet suit do I need? What are the diving conditions? A: On average the water temperature here is 55-65° F so a 5mm to 7mm wetsuit or drysuit should be sufficient. Your instructor will cover different kinds of suits and what is appropriate for your needs. Q: How long does a tank of air last? A: This is a common question that, unfortunately, doesn't have a single answer. People breathe at different rates, and you breathe faster when you're swimming than when you're resting. Also, the deeper you go, the faster you use your air, and, you can get different size tanks. So, the answer is "it depends;" this is why divers have a gauge that tell them how much air they have at all times. As an approximation, though, a diver sightseeing in calm, warm water in the 15 - 30 ft. range can expect the average tank to last about an hour. |
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