Frequently Asked Questions
HOW CAN I GO SCUBA DIVING?
In order to go scuba diving you must receive a certification. Certification includes a series of short quizzes and exam that will test you on information from a variety of books and pamphlets. Then, you do practice diving with your instructor in a pool setting. Then, you get to go on real dives with your instructor. After the fourth dive, you can receive your certification. The whole process usually takes about four days.
HOW MUCH DO CERTIFICATION COST?
Your regular Open Water Certification can cost anywhere from $475 to $525. This covers the costs of your book work, pool work, and initial dives. An Advanced Certification, which will allow you to dive deeper, costs about $400.
WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD THE CERTIFICATION OR DON'T HAVE THE TIME?
If you want to go scuba diving but don't have the time or money for a full certification, an excellent option is the Resort Course. The Resort Course (also known as the Dive-in-a-Day Course) allows curious water lovers to actually go scuba diving without a certification. The course is starts off with 1.5-2 hours of pool work in the morning where an instructor gives you the basics of a successful scuba diving trip. Then, in the afternoon, the scuba students will be able to go on a dive, guided by their instructor.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO GET CERTIFIED?
At the age of 10, you can be certified as a Junior Open Water Scuba Diver, which allows you to go scuba diving with a parent, guardian or a scuba diving instructor. At 12, you can dive with any certified adult. At 15, the Junior Open Water certification can become upgraded to a regular Open Water certification and the diver can go diving at their own free will.
HOW DEEP WILL I BE ABLE TO GO?
If you are only Open Water certified, you should not go on a dive that is more than 60 feet deep. To go on deeper dives, you should get your Advanced Certification.
HOW LONG DOES A TANK OF AIR LAST?
The average tank on an average dive lasts about an hour. But, in reality, the length of time a tank of air will last depends on a variety of factors including the rate at which someone breathes, how deep the dive is, water temperature, and the size of the tanks.
HOW DANGEROUS IS SCUBA DIVING?
Scuba diving is basically as safe as swimming! There are potential hazards that one needs to be aware of and one has to be cautious while diving. Certification is meant to make all divers fully aware of all risks and hazards associated with diving and thus avoid these dangers.
WHERE DO YOU GO SCUBA DIVING IN KEY WEST?
Key West is surrounded by a beautiful living coral reef. Here, you will find miles of coral reef stretches, where you will find a thriving underwater community. You can also go diving in one of the several wrecks that are scattered throughout the waters around Key West. The most popular wrecks include Joe's Tug and the Cayman Salvager.
HOW DO I PLAN A SCUBA DIVING TRIP?
First, you have to plan to get down to Key West. From there, you can call a dive center to inquire about availability for the day of your visit on the different dive boats. The dive center will be able to provide you will all the equipment you need, though they also have a "tanks and weights" option for people who have most of their diving equipment. Divers can also request an instructor go down with them at an additional cost.