Pro Dive Cronulla - Frequently Asked Questions on Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving.

Is Scuba Diving Safe?
Diving is one of the fastest growing leisure activities in the world today due to a whole host of reasons, but one of the major ones is that it is safer than ever before to dive. Advances in equipment technology and diving practices have greatly improved the safety and have also lowered the price of learning to dive. You are more likely to be killed or injured in a car crash than suffering the same fate diving.
How long does a learn to dive course take?
The standard Learn to Dive PADI Open Water Diver course takes four days to complete. Allow one day for theory, one day in the pool and two days in the ocean. Courses are conducted on a full time basis (i.e. Monday to Thursday) or on a part-time basis over two consecutive weekends. If you have time constraints, we'll happily work with you to agree a schedule that meets your needs.
Will I be attacked by a shark or other dangerous animal?
This is often the single most common question and fear for many would-be divers and is a reaction that has been stimulated by the media and movies such as Jaws. Statistics show you are far more likely to be run over by a bus than be attacked by a shark. There are hundreds of thousands of divers who have never had an incident in their dive careers. The simple rule underwater is never touch, intimidate or corner anything you are unsure about. You are a stranger to the marine environment and will need to treat it with respect. The vast array of marine life you will see and enjoy is still widely misunderstood and threatened by our interaction with its environment. Sharks in particular are beautifully-adapted and majestic creatures that usually prefer to stay away from bubble-blowing groups of divers! Once divers have had the privilege to dive with sharks they often want to do nothing else (although they are very hard to come by)! As with any adventure activity common sense needs to prevail and all students learning to dive are always accompanied by fully trained instructors who have an in-depth knowledge of their local dive environment and its inhabitants. So don't worry and enjoy the exhilaration of diving!
What Is Diving like?
Diving is something different to every individual but it is certainly fun, exciting and a great way to meet lots of interesting people. It is a relaxing activity once you become used to it and have gained some confidence and has been described as sky-diving in slow motion. Imagine being weightless and able to move around in all three dimensions in a whole new world. Often clients worry about claustrophobia due to the mask impairing their field of vision but more often this is forgotten as soon as they experience the liberation of diving in clear waters. PRO DIVE instructors take students every step of the way and help them develop their confidence in and out of the water. There is never any obligation or pressure to perform and each student receives individual attention from our instructors to ensure total satisfaction before progressing to the next step in their course.
Are there any age or health requirements?
You must be 12 years or older to dive. Generally, as long as you can swim 200 metres, tread water for 10 minutes and do not suffer from any ear, heart or asthmatic condition then you can learn to dive. At PRO DIVE we often teach people over 70 years of age how to dive! You must also pass a dive medical to Australian Standard, A.S. 4005-1 (cost not included in course fee). Please remember however, the doctor’s word is final.
What equipment do I need? What do I wear?
For the PADI Open Water Diver course we provide all the equipment and you provide yourself (preferably in a swimming costume with a change of clothes, sun block, 2 passport photographs and a towel)! Equipment provided on the PADI Open Water Diver course consists of: wetsuit, full foot fins, mask, snorkel, BCD (Buoyancy Control Device (this is an inflatable jacket that helps you to go up or down), tank (for your air), regulator (you breath through this – it attaches to your tank) and gauges (to tell you how deep you are and how much air you have left). For reasons of enjoyment and comfort, we do suggest that you consider purchasing your own mask, snorkel and fins (a leaky mask or stepping on a sea urchin without dive boots can take some of the fun out of your dive course!). We have plenty of packages at special course prices from which to choose from.
Isn't the water too cold for diving?
The average New South Wales water temperatures range from 15-22C (59-72F). A properly fitted wetsuit will ensure you stay warm and comfortable whilst diving.
What will I see? Where do we dive? Can I dive with contact lenses?
What you see depends on where you dive and the visibility underwater – from Saddleback dolphins or the sea lions of Jervis Bay, from the Moray eels and nudibranchs at Port Stephen's to the cuttlefish, octopus and weedy sea dragons at Cronulla! Most our learn to dive courses are conducted in and around Cronulla's beautiful beaches. At least once a month we venture to Jervis Bay or Nelson Bay. Yes you can dive with contact lenses. Images underwater are magnified by 20% so those with short-sighted vision usually notice the difference. Masks with corrective vision lenses are also available for purchase if needed.
What do I get to prove I did my course and how long does it last?
You will receive a PADI GOLD certification card (showing you have been trained at the best level there is). You are now a qualified scuba diver and can dive anywhere in the world for the rest of your life!