Scuba Diving FAQ's
Explore our underwater oceans....

Many people have thought about learning to SCUBA dive, but might have been afraid that diving was too difficult, too expensive, or even too dangerous. In this section, we try to answer many commonly asked questions about diving.

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. An entry-level diving course usually is split into knowledge development, confined water (pool) training, and SCUBA training dives in open water. The course is 'performance based,' which means that you progress as you learn, and as you demonstrate knowledge and skill.   Contact your local dive shop to inquire about classes.

Q. How long does it take to become a certified diver?
A. The course is typically split into 5 or 6 sessions, which may be scheduled in as little as several days, or over several weeks. Once the coursework is complete, the open water dives - where you apply and demonstrate the knowledge and skills that you learned in the course - are conducted on at least 2 separate days.

Q. How old do I have to be to become a certified SCUBA diver?
A. Twelve years old. If you're between 12 and 15, you receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification, which means you should dive with a SCUBA-certified adult. When you turn 15, you can upgrade your Junior certification to a regular Open Water certification.

Q. Do I have to meet any special qualifications or considerations before I can participate in a SCUBA class?
A. No. Generally speaking, anyone in average good health and at least 12 years old can participate. As a precaution, you'll be asked to complete a routine medical questionnaire. If anything on the questionnaire indicates anything to be cautious about, you'll check with your physician to make sure it's OK for you to dive.

Q. Do I have to be a great swimmer to SCUBA dive?
A. No - all you need to be is a reasonably proficient swimmer who is comfortable and relaxed in the water. The swimming requirement for certification is a 200 yard nonstop swim (with no time limit) and a 10 minute tread/float.

Q. Is SCUBA diving expensive?
A. Not really. Like any hobby or recreation, you can invest a lot or a little, depending on your interest level. SCUBA equipment can be rented, until you're ready to buy.

Q. What equipment do I need to have before the course?
A. Generally, you'll want to buy your own mask, snorkel and fins (though many have these items to loan you during your course at no extra charge).

Q. How long does a tank of air last?
A. That depends on several factors, which is discussed during your course. In general, actual SCUBA dives last between 20-60 minutes.

Q. My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of the pool - won't they hurt when I SCUBA dive, too?
A. Your ears hurt because water pressure presses in on your ear drum. In the SCUBA course, you'll learn a simple technique to equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, and they won't hurt at all.

Q. In the movies and on TV, divers are always running into sharks or eels. Are marine animals really much of a concern?
A. Virtually all aquatic animals are passive and timid. There are a few that can bite or sting defensively, but you can avoid these by watching where you put your hands and feet, and by not touching things that you don't recognize. Divers aren't natural prey for sharks, so shark attacks are very rare -- more people die each year from bee stings than shark attacks.

Q. Is diving dangerous?
A. Not really...if you are trained, use common sense, dive with a buddy and don't dive beyond your ability. Statistics show that diving is about as safe as swimming. Certainly, there are potential hazards -- that's 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.   Do not ever '*#@*!$#*' dive with being trained and certified.

Q. I need vision correction. Is that a problem?
A. Not at all. If you wear contact lenses, you shouldn't have problems wearing them when you dive. If you wear hard lenses, you'll need the gas permeable type to dive. Another option is to have prescription lenses put into your mask.

If you are in Playa del Carmen we recommend working with the Tank-Ha Dive Center.  Or, check our list of Dive Resorts.