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Answering the Top 10 Common Questions About Scuba Diving for Beginners

Learning to Scuba Dive: Amadive Answers the Top 10 Questions for Beginners

The idea of breathing underwater and exploring a whole new world is always exciting. But along with that excitement often comes a series of questions and a little bit of apprehension. “Is it safe?” “Will my ears be okay?”. These are perfectly natural concerns.

At Amadive, we believe that knowledge is the key to dispelling any worries. Here are the answers from our team of experts to the 10 most frequently asked questions, helping you take your first step into the ocean with confidence.

 

1. Is scuba diving safe?

This is the most important question. The answer is YES, scuba diving is extremely safe when you are properly trained and follow the rules. In fact, statistics show that recreational scuba diving is safer than many other popular sports. At Amadive, we strictly adhere to PADI’s high safety standards, use regularly maintained equipment, and always keep our class sizes small to ensure maximum supervision.

 

2. Do I need to be a very strong swimmer?

You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete. You just need to have basic swimming skills and be comfortable in the water. The PADI requirement is to be able to swim 200m (any style, untimed) and float for 10 minutes. Diving is about slow, graceful movement, not a race.

 

3. Will my ears hurt when I go deep?

Absolutely not, if you do it correctly. The feeling of discomfort is due to pressure differences, and you will learn the “equalization” technique from your very first session. It’s a simple maneuver like pinching your nose and gently blowing. Our instructors will ensure you master this skill before you even descend.

Learn more in our article: [5 Safe & Effective Ways to Equalize Your Ears When Diving]

 

4. I’m scared of sharks!

The fear of sharks largely comes from movies. In reality, shark encounters while diving are rare and are always a thrilling experience. The shark species commonly seen in Con Dao’s waters are reef sharks, which are quite shy and pose no threat to humans. Seeing one is considered very lucky!

 

5. How deep will I go on my first dives?

In the PADI Open Water course, you’ll start in very shallow water (like a pool or a calm bay) to get comfortable. Your open water dives will gradually increase in depth, with the maximum depth for certification being 18 meters (60 feet). Progress is always slow, steady, and safe.

 

6. How long does a tank of air last?

This depends on many factors: your depth (the deeper you go, the faster you use air), your relaxation level, and your personal physiology. On average, a beginner might get 40-50 minutes of dive time at a shallow depth of 10-12 meters. Our goal is to teach you to breathe slowly and efficiently to extend your enjoyment underwater.

 

7. Do I need to buy my own equipment?

Not at all. When you take a course or a fun dive tour with Amadive, we provide all the necessary scuba equipment from A to Z. All of our gear is from reputable brands and is meticulously maintained.

 

8. What is PADI? Why is it important?

PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the largest and most respected diver training organization in the world. Your PADI certification will be recognized at any dive center globally, acting as your “passport” to the ocean.

 

9. Can I dive if I wear glasses?

Yes, you can. If you wear contact lenses, you can generally wear them while diving without any issue. If you wear glasses, you can invest in a prescription mask that has lenses made to your specific prescription.

 

10. What is the minimum age to learn to dive?

According to PADI standards, children as young as 10 years old can participate in the Junior Open Water Diver course. Scuba diving is a fantastic family activity for creating unforgettable shared memories.

We hope these answers have helped you feel more confident. The underwater world is a beautiful place, and the only barrier between you and it is the decision to begin.

Are you ready for your first breath underwater? Contact Amadive to book your PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience or Open Water course in the paradise of Con Dao!

Scuba Diving Knowledge & Skills: The Complete Guide

Dive Safety & Truly Experience Diving in Con Dao with Amadive!