1. Is Scuba Diving safe?
The long and short of this basic question is that yes, it is! As long as you follow the rules. That is why you need to take a scuba diving certification course from an experienced scuba instructor, to aquired the knowledge, skills and dive techniques to be a safe, confident scuba diver.
As a certified PADI diver you not only learn about both your equipment and the requirements of going diving, but also so much more. Interested in looking at courses to take? Click here to get started. If the thought still has you nervous but reluctant, try a Discover Scuba dive, this will help you stick your toe in and see if scuba diving is for you.
2. How Likely Am I to Get Hurt by a Shark?
There are approximately 70 attacks by sharks on humans each year, which results in around 6 deaths. These attacks usually occur to swimmers, surfers or boogie boarders. It is very, very rare that a scuba diver that is not provoking a shark is attacted.
This means that the likelihood of being hurt by a shark is very low, and the likelihood of being killed by a shark is even lower, and the likelihood of a scuba diver being involved is even lower still.
In Canada you are more likely to run into trouble from a bear, moose, or coyote.
3. How to Get Your PADI Scuba Certification in Canada ?
There are many PADI dive centers and resorts around the world that offer PADI scuba diving courses. In order to find a PADI dive center or resort near you, please visit the PADI Dive Operator locator website. Once you input your information, the PADI locator website will generate a list of PADI dive centers and resorts near you. In Edmonton Alberta there are few diver operators and dive shops.
4. What is the process I need to go through to get my PADI Open Water Certification?
You need to complete three main phases of training in order to become certified.
These include:
1. Knowledge development (online, home study or in a classroom) to understand basic principles of scuba diving
2. Confined water dives to learn the required skills. In Canada confined water is in a swimming pool.
3. Open water dives to use your skills and explore!
5. How long does it take to complete the PADI Open Water Course ?
The PADI Open Water Course can take as little as three days to complete, However in Canada most of the open water courses take place over two weekends.
There are also other options as well, PADI has a very flexible trainig system, for example you could complete your online training on your own time, when completed you can select A dive shop or independant dive instructor to complete the confined water portion (pool training) Then if you want you could complete the Open water training in a different location, say Belize in the Caribbean. Once all segments are completed successfully you will be certified.
6. What is the PADI Advanced Course all about?
The PADI Advance Course is a certification that allows divers to access more advanced diving activities and dive sites, like night diving, deep diving or underwater photo/videography.
The course teaches divers how to safely dive in deeper water, navigate using underwater compass and landmarks, and use specialized diving equipment for certain activities, like Search and Recover, Underwater Photography or computer assisted diving and more.
The PADI Advance Open Water Course will enhance your knowledge, skills, aquatic awareness and most of all, your enjoyment.
7. Will I Need to Buy all the Scuba Gear Once I am Certified?
No, it's not nessasary to buy the scuba gear once you are certified, but once you have established yourself as a diver you may choose to.
In most diving areas, you will be able to rent all the scuba gear that you will need. However it is highly recommended that you buy your own personal gear, which consists of mask, snorkle and fins, this will ensure proper comfort and fit.
8. Is My PADI Certification Recgonize all Over the World?
Yes. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is recognized as the world's leading scuba diving training organization. PADI Scuba Instructors train over 80% of the worlds divers in over 150 countries, in several languages. PADI is the world wide standard for recreational scuba diving training and instructor development courses
9. Does my PADI Scuba Diving Certification Expire?
PADI Scuba Diving Certificates do not expire, however it is a good idea to refresh your scuba diving skills every 3-5 years. Your knowledge and diving equipment have probably changed significantly since you took your original scuba diving certifcation. You can enroll in ReActivate Scuba Training, (Scuba Tune Up) this is a short mini course to refresh your knowledge and skills.
Learn more about the ReActivate Dive Program and register for your session right here in Edmonton.
If you are interested in giving scuba diving a try, then let's give it a try, register today for the Discover Scuba Diving Introduction Program
