Q. Why should I go scuba diving?

- Around 70% of the world consists of water- why only explore 30% of Earth? Scuba diving takes you on a fascinating voyage of discovery and adventure into a world beneath the oceans. Discovering the underwater world is truly magical, and every dive brings a different experience. Also, underwater is the most peaceful place to be. Diving is a great way to get away from all the noise, the traffic, and the hustle-bustle of life. For that hour you are underwater, it is just you and the beauty of the marine world. Besides, it is simple to learn and an extremely safe sport that makes you stronger, fitter and increases your endurance. Now, there are various reasons to go diving. What is your reason? Or if you've never dived, what's holding you back. Contact us for a safe and fun scuba diving experience.

Q. What does SCUBA mean?

- SCUBA is an acronym that stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

Q. Is Scuba Diving Safe?

- Scuba Diving is an extremely safe and fun activity. All you have to do is listen to your Instructor and follow the procedures. All our courses and diving experiences include briefings on safety procedures. Our Instructors and Divemasters are professionals with international qualifications and trained in dive supervision, diver rescue, and Emergency First Response (EFR). At Scuba Evolution India, diver's safety is our utmost priority, and we take acute care in ensuring the same. We pride ourselves on our 100% safety record.

Q. Scuba diving sounds exciting, but I'm not sure if it's for me. Can I try it without signing up for a course?

- If you haven't dived before, then the Discover Scuba Diving program is meant for you. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience lets you learn necessary scuba skills in a swimming pool and allows you to make a shallow scuba dive (up to 12m) in the sea, supervised by a PADI Professional.

Q. How old do I have to be to scuba dive?

- The minimum age for scuba diving is 10, and there is no upper age limit. Your whole family can share the experience; younger children (8-9-year-olds) can enroll for our PADI Bubblemaker program.

Q. I don't know how to swim. Can I scuba dive?

- Yes! You don't need to be a swimmer to experience scuba diving. You can opt for our Discover Scuba Diving program, where you will be accompanied by a qualified, experienced dive Instructor. For the Open Water Diver certification course, you must be able to swim up to 200m without aid or 300m with mask, snorkel, and fins and float in the water comfortably for 10 minutes.

Q. Will I be trained in a confined water environment before diving in the sea?

Confined water training or pool training is conducted before you go for your actual dive. Here you'll learn necessary scuba skills like buoyancy control, basic underwater navigation, entering and exiting the water, how to get water out of your mask, etc. You will practice these skills with your Instructor until you are comfortable.

Q. How deep will I go when scuba diving?

- Beginners can dive up to 12m while certified divers can dive up to 18m and more. Below is the PADI dive limit for all levels:-

Q. How long will I stay underwater when scuba diving?

- Usually, you can spend anywhere between up to 40-60 mins underwater depending on your breathing rate, the depth you are diving to, and the dive conditions.

Q. What happens if I use up all my air?

- Your dive gear includes a gauge that displays the level of air you have. Your Instructor shall check for it regularly, so there is no fear of using up air. In case of a critical situation, your Instructor will have an extra regulator that allows you to share the air supply while swimming up to the surface.

Q. What happens if I feel claustrophobic?

- As a beginner, you will always be under the close supervision of your Instructor. If you feel claustrophobic, signal to your Instructor and you will go together to the surface. At Scuba Evolution India, we have Instructors that can manage all types of situations. You will be guided underwater most safely and comfortably dependent on the level of your confidence. Be rest assured you're in safe hands, and this is your chance to overcome any prospective adversity.

Q. Can I fly or drive to an altitude after diving?

- If you complete the open water experience, it is recommended you wait at least 12 hours before flying or driving to altitude. If you make more than one open water dive on the same day; or dive over two or more days, wait for 18 hours.

Q. What is PADI?

- PADI is the world's leading scuba diver training organization. More than 25 million beginner divers just like you have earned their PADI diving license by taking the PADI Open Water Diver course. It's by far the world's most widely recognized scuba diving license.

Health

Q. What are the qualifications required to dive?

- To dive, you must be in overall good health, particularly your respiratory and circulatory systems. Mentally, you need a mature attitude, good judgment, and the self-discipline to follow safe diving guidelines. Young participants need the approval and support of their parent or guardian. You will need to complete the PADI self-assessment before you start your course. If you answer 'no' to every question, you don't need to see a doctor. If you answer yes to any of the questions, you will be required to take your PADI medical statement to a doctor and obtain a certificate of fitness to dive.

Q. Can I dive if I wear glasses?

- Yes, you can dive if you wear glasses. It is possible to wear soft contact lenses while you are diving. Another option is to rent a scuba diving mask with prescription lenses. Yes, there are various options. It is possible to wear contact lenses or have prescription lenses fitted in your mask.

Q. My ears hurt when I go to the bottom of a swimming pool. Will my ears hurt while scuba diving?

- Sometimes on a flight or diving down to the bottom of a swimming pool, you may feel pain as the air pressure is increasing and squeezing your ears. It won't be a problem while you're diving because your Instructor will teach you how a simple technique to prevent this (called equalization).

Diving with SEI

Q. Why should I choose Scuba Evolution India?

- Scuba Evolution India is a PADI 5Star and Instructor Development Dive Resort. Diver's safety is our utmost priority, and we take acute care in ensuring the same. PADI accredited dive professionals, who have a keen knowledge of safety procedures conduct our programs and know how to make a diving experience fun and enriching. Also, our programs are conducted one-on-one based on PADI standards. We make sure the participant is comfortable in the water and has acquired essential skills and training necessary for an actual dive. To know more about us, you can read what other divers have to say about us.

Q. How many divers does the Instructor take during an open water dive?

- According to PADI standards, the ratio is four students to 1 Instructor. We at Scuba Evolution India, limit the number to one student per Instructor during an open water dive to maintain the highest safety standards possible.

Q. What are the timings for my course or dive?

- Our dives take place in the earlier half of the day between 7 am to 3 pm. If you are taking a course, you may be required to spend more time later in the day depending on the progress of your theory and the Instructor's schedule for you.

Q. What does the dive trip include?

- Each dive trip includes all standard dive equipment, pool training session, certificate of participation, transfers, lunch and refreshments, boat hire, photographs, and one short video of your dive.

Q. What check-list do I need to follow before I scuba dive?

- Never drink and dive- intoxication can put a diver in a compromised position- inability to use common sense, and make rational judgments, especially when it involves safety. Don't eat a big meal before you dive. Diving on a full belly creates the possibility of acquiring cramps. It is advisable to eat light before a dive. Never conceal any severe or chronic medical conditions you know to exist.

Q. How do I sign up for the course?

- It's pretty simple – e-mail us on info@scubaevolutionindia.com or use the Contact Us page to let us know when you are coming. We will block a spot for you and send you an e-mail with deposit information, how to pay and cancellation policy. Or you can just book your course online.

Q. What modes of payment do you accept?

- We accept cash, Visa, and Mastercard. Please note that in some instances, debit cards do not work reliably. Therefore, credit cards are preferable. You can also pay via bank transfer if you have an Indian bank account. Or you can pay us online.

Q. Where are you located?

- We are based in Anjuna, Goa in India.

Q. Do you offer accommodation?

- Unfortunately, we do not offer accommodation at the moment. However, send us an e-mail, and we'll suggest some places nearby.

Diving in Goa

Q. Why should I go scuba diving in Goa?

- Goa is known for its beaches and water sports, but there's a vast marine world that is waiting right under the waves. This magical world is far more exciting than the beaches only if you dive a few metres below the surface. The warm, sheltered waters around Grande Island, make it an ideal dive destination for beginners to learn scuba diving and for seasoned divers to enjoy the challenging dive sites. The marine life in Goa is abundant in variety. You can come across coral reefs, Scorpion Fish, Puffer Fish, Snappers, Trigger Fish, Angel Fish, Fusiliers, a few resident Groupers and several reef critters. Besides, you can explore the ruins of WWII warships and sunken vessels that lie submerged on the seafloor. Also, if you are looking forward to spending a long weekend in Goa, scuba diving is a perfect underwater sport that you must experience.

Q. Where do you dive in Goa?

- We leave from the Candolim Jetty and head to Grande Island, a 45-minute boat ride from the shore. You can dive the SS Rita, a ship that wrecked in the 1950s, Bounty Bay, The Jetty, Coral Garden and more. Check our dive sites.

Q. What is the best season to scuba dive in Goa?

- The best time to visit for scuba diving in Goa is from mid-October to mid-May, generally after the monsoon. The weather is warm and dry during these months; otherwise, Goa receives most of the rainfall during other months. During monsoon season, it is not at all advised to carry on the diving activity as the visibility is low and the weather conditions do not permit a safe dive.

Q. Will I encounter sharks while diving in Goa?

- While not common, if you're lucky, you may see nurse sharks or reef sharks around Goa's dive sites. Sharks are majestic marine animals, and encounters with these graceful creatures are highly sought after by divers around the world. Despite what many people believe, incidents with sharks are sporadic. Like most marine animals, sharks are usually frightened by the strange appearance of divers along with the noise of exhaled bubbles made by the scuba system and swim off almost immediately upon encountering divers.

Scuba Diving certification

Q. Why should I get a scuba diving certification?

- Without scuba diving certification, you would have to dive under the umbrella of Discover Scuba Diving program. You will always have dive under the supervision of an instructor. Getting your Open Water Diver certification is advisable because once you gain your certification, you can dive anywhere in the world without instructor supervision. Another advantage of obtaining certification over diving as a non-certified diver will be an increased depth limit.

Q. How long does it take to get certified?

- It usually takes three-four days to complete your PADI Open Water Diver certification. Learning to dive is skill-based, and the duration of the course is determined by your progress in developing your skill level, comfort, and confidence. Your PADI Instructor will focus on helping you become a confident and comfortable diver, not on how long it takes. You earn your certification based on demonstrating you know what you need to know and can do what you need to do. This means that you progress at your own pace – faster or slower – to become a competent scuba diver. If you choose PADI eLearning before your program, this will reduce the amount of time needed at the dive center. We also offer courses over two weekends, so you don't need to take time off work. Also, if you are planning a vacation and don't want to study on holiday, you can always take the theory and pool sessions with us and just make the open water dives on your holiday (we will give you a pool referral certification). There are various options but if you are planning to take the program on a holiday to Goa or a long weekend, remember that you need at least 18 hours after diving before flying home.

Q. What do I get at the end of my PADI Open Water Diver Course?

- Along with the PADI manual, dive tables, and logbook, you will also receive a temporary certificate of successful completion. We register you with PADI as a qualified diver, and your certification card will be mailed to your home address. This PADI certification and your logbook is the proof of your dive qualification.

Q. What's next after I complete my Open Water Diver certification?

- Completing your Open Water Diver certification opens a doorway to various adventures and experiences in the aquatic world. It changes the way you can plan your holidays- dive destinations offer fantastic top-side attractions too. There are many places to visit underwater- caves, World War era sunken ships, reef sites, etc. You can also continue your dive education and pursue dive specialties. Most divers decide on completing their Advanced Open Water Diver course once they are comfortable with their level of diving. Then there are challenges and rewards of PADI's Continuing Dive Education Courses like Emergency First Response and Rescue Diver. If you wish to enter the professional world of scuba diving, you can opt for professional courses like Divemaster and Scuba Instructor.

Q. Can I get certified along with my family/ friend?

- Of course! Having a family member or a friend together while getting your scuba diving certification can make the experience better- you'll also have a dive buddy from the start of your diving adventure.

Q. Why do I need a dive buddy?

- It is actually not the question of preference; it is the matter of your safety. If you are a novice diver, the buddy system is a must for you, and if you're an advanced or expert diver, it is still the right way to go. Diving in pairs is the most popular form of scuba diving. It is indeed essential because no one can say that you will never have a problem underwater. Here are some examples of emergencies where a dive buddy can help save your life:-
- Out-of-air emergency
- If the diver is trapped in net or ropes
- If the diver is carried away by the strong current
- Equipment failure
- Medical emergencies Safety should be the top priority for all divers to enjoy the adventurous sport of scuba diving and diving with a buddy can ensure safety to a great extent.

Q. What if I cannot complete my dive course?

- If you cannot complete your dive course with us for any reason, we will give you a referral certificate. You will have a maximum of 12 months to complete it with us or any other dive institute around the world.

Q. Does scuba diving certification expire?

- No, most recreational scuba diving certifications do not expire. However, it is crucial to be up-to-date with your knowledge and skills to ensure a fun and safe dive. If you've not been underwater recently, you can opt for a refresher course.

Equipment

Q. Is scuba diving equipment easy to understand?

- Yes, scuba diving equipment is easy to understand. Your dive instructor will teach you how the equipment works and make sure you are comfortable using it. When you take a certification course, you'll learn to assemble, operate, and maintain the equipment by yourself.

Q. How often do you change your compressor filter?

- The compressor fills the air in the scuba tanks that you breathe from. It is the heart of every dive centre and the most essential machine/equipment there is. We change our filters after every 4 hours of operation (which varies from model to model) which literally means every few days or once a week depending on the bookings.

Tec Diving

Q. What is Tec Diving?

- Technical (Tec) Diving means going beyond recreational scuba diving limits- diving deeper, longer and with more gear. It allows a diver the freedom to explore and dive beyond the traditional diving limits. It includes one or more of the following:-
- Diving beyond 40m/ 130ft
- Stage decompression
- Use of variable gas mixtures during the dive
- Extensive equipment: 2 or more tanks, sidemount configuration, etc.

Q. I want to do Tec Diving. Is it for everyone?

- Tec Diving goes beyond depth and time spent underwater. It involves meticulous planning, advanced training, and extreme safety measures. So if you're willing to accept added risks, advanced training, investment of time and the commitment needed to go beyond the recreational diving, Tec Diving is meant for you.

Q. I am a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver. Can I become a Tec diver?

- Yes, you can become a Tec diver. To become a PADI Tec 40 diver, you must be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent. For more information about the course, click here.

Q. I am PADI certified Deep Diver. Why do I need Tec 40?

- PADI Tec 40 qualifies a diver to:-
- Dive to a maximum depth of 40m/ 130ft using enriched air.
- Gas planning, oxygen limits, and decompression planning.
- Use enriched air nitrox during decompression.
- Make technical dives with up to two tanks. The PADI Deep Diver specialty course allows the diver to dive down to 40m, but it does not teach gas planning, use of enriched air nitrox, etc. It is limited to no-stop diving whereas Tec 40 includes a lot of additional knowledge, skills, and dives, constituting the base of decompression diving.

Q. What is Sidemount?

- Sidemount diving is a scuba diving technique based on an alternative gear configuration where two scuba cylinders are mounted alongside the diver instead of on his back (backmount configuration). It gives the diver flexibility and streamlining options. While sidemount was developed for cave diving to allow divers more advanced penetrations, it has become increasingly popular in both recreational and technical diving.

Q. What is the difference between Sidemount and Tec Sidemount?

- A Sidemount diver uses equipment with two cylinders to plan and make no-stop recreational dives. Tec Sidemount diver uses equipment up to four cylinders in the context of technical diving, to plan and make technical decompression dives.

Q. What is the Tec Deep Diver Course? Is it different from Tec 40, 45, and 50?

- The PADI Tec Deep course comprises of Tec 40, Tec 45 and Tec 50 courses. To put it simply, Tec Deep is an umbrella term for all the three courses. A diver who completes all the three courses will be considered a Tec Deep Diver.

Instructor training

Q. How do I become an Open water scuba instructor?

- To become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, you need to be certified as an entry-level diver for at least six months before you can take the Instructor Development Course (IDC).Also, you need to have an Advanced Open Water Diver certification, Rescue Diver certification, and a Divemaster certification. To know more, read about our Instructor Development Course.

Q. How much does the IDC cost? What is included in the IDC?

- The Instructor Development Course (IDC) includes all the study material (instructor manual and slates), a set of rental Scubapro dive equipment, all dives required to complete the course, boat hire charges, and refreshments on the boat. For pricing details, connect here.

Q. What is an Instructor Examination?

- To complete your Instructor Training, you need to pass an examination to certify as an Open Water Scuba Instructor. The exam is a right of passage for PADI Instructors and is known as the Instructor Examination (IE). It is usually spread over two days and is conducted by a PADI Instructor Examiner. The IE is split into four components:
1. Written Exams
2. Classroom presentation
3. Confined water teaching
4. Open water teaching

Q. What are the pre-requisites for an Instructor Examination?

- To be able to take the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), you need to have completed an IDC and logged at least 100 dives (you'll do at least ten dives during your Instructor Development Course). Haven't found an answer to your question? Get in touch with us here.