Post date: September 15, 2008
Even though there may be more scuba shops than there used to be, choosing a good scuba program has gotten more difficult due to the number of options. This is amplified even more when you realize that the various options can be so different. I will answer some of the common questions people have when trying to choose a scuba program. Hopefully, after reading this article you will be able to make a better decision.
Which is the best certification agency?
The simple answer is that there really isn’t one. While each diver will swear that the agency they got certified is the best, the individual practice of the dive shop or instructor is much more important. There are a general set of standards throughout the industry, and while some agencies hold to them more than others, the quality of the program really lies with the individual shop or instructor. I have listed the most common certification agencies below.
What should I look for when searching for a good scuba program?
There are essentially three parts to every scuba program: the book work, the pool work, and the open water training.
- The book work covers all of the information you will need to know to dive safely. Such things as the scuba gear and what it is used for, diving physics and the effects of pressure on your body, and safe diving practices and emergency situations. There are now a number of options available for the bookwork section including: classroom, computer, internet, and hybrid systems which mix the above. I actually prefer the traditional training because there is an instructor there to answer any questions you may have, but the important thing is to make sure that you understand these principles well. Also, the materials you purchase for the class will be the minimum you need to pass the course. I definitely recommend that you continue to study and learn.
- The pool training is where you get the chance to practice everything you have learned. A good program should have a decent amount of pool time. The more time you are able to spend int he pool the better. Receiving insufficient training time in the pool will make your open water training more difficult and stressful and may also take some of the enjoyment out of your diving career. Breathing underwater and moving in all that gear is not something that comes natural. It takes training and time. The pool training should at minimum be broken into at least a couple of days with several hours per day.
- Lastly, the open water certification is where you get to practice the skills you have learned in a real diving environment. If you found a program with sufficient pool time, this should be no problem. The open water certification should include about 5-6 open dives including a dive with just your diving partner. If it is much less than this you are not really receiving a decent course
If you are unable to pass on the first time around, what happens then?
The scuba shop should be willing to continue to work with you and help you gain the skills you need to be a competent and safe diver. Everyone has different comfort levels in the water and some may require a little extra training. It is actually a good sign if the shop requires you to spend more time in the pool or ocean. Just be sure they are doing this for your benefit. For instance, many shops don’t charge you again if you go through the normal classes (attend with the next class) again.
What type of scuba gear do they use?
I have always found that you can determine the quality of a scuba shop by how well they take care of their scuba gear. It should be serviced once a year and the gear should not be all patched together. Also, scuba gear changes, make sure they are using newer gear. There is no reason to learn on gear that is outdated.
To what level can they certify?
This is more a question for a shop than the individual, but I recommend that you choose a place that offers additional courses. Continuing education will improve your experience as a diver.
How knowledgeable are the instructor and shop staff?
They should be able to answer your questions regarding the course and the gear. You should feel like you are getting quality information and not just being sold something. if you feel you are just another number to them, I recommend you continue looking. It is perfectly okay to ask to speak with customers who have already taken the course.
And finally, remember to have fun. That’s the whole reason you decided to do this. Learning to dive should be fun and exciting. There will be difficult times, but overall you should have a blast.
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