Got Scuba Questions? We’ve Got Answers! Your Top 23 Beginner Dive FAQs
Thinking about exploring the amazing underwater world around Koh Tao? Awesome! Scuba diving is an incredible experience, but we know you’ve probably got a ton of questions buzzing around your head before that first dive. Totally normal!
Here at Master Divers, we hear these questions all the time. So, we’ve put together the answers to the most common ones, keeping it nice and simple. Let’s get you ready for adventure!
1. So, what exactly is Scuba Diving?
Imagine swimming underwater like a fish, but with cool gear that lets you breathe! You get a tank of air on your back and a breathing gadget (called a regulator), so you can hang out below the surface way longer than just holding your breath. It’s your ticket to exploring colourful coral reefs and meeting all sorts of amazing sea creatures right here in Thailand!
2. Is scuba diving safe?
Yes, absolutely! When you learn properly and follow the simple safety rules, scuba diving has a great safety record. Here at Master Divers, safety is our number one priority. We make sure:
- You get clear briefings before you dive.
- All our gear is checked and double-checked.
- Our certified instructors keep a close eye on you. Modern equipment and training make diving super safe and fun.
3. Do I need to be an Olympic swimmer?
Good news! For your very first try-dive experience (like our Discover Scuba Diving program), you don’t need to be a strong swimmer. We’ll be right there with you, often holding your hand if needed. If you decide you love it (you probably will!) and want to get certified (like with the PADI Open Water Diver course), you’ll need some basic water skills, like floating and a short swim, just for safety.
4. How old do you have to be?
Kids can often start learning from 10 years old with special programs like the PADI Junior Open Water Diver course. These are designed to be safe and fun for younger divers. It makes diving a fantastic activity that the whole family can enjoy together!
5. Do I need to be super fit?
Not really! If you’re healthy enough for a brisk walk or a gentle swim, you’re likely fit enough for recreational diving. You’ll need to be okay walking a short distance with the gear on (it feels lighter in the water!) and kicking your fins gently.
6. Do I need a certification for my first time?
Nope! For a beginner experience like a Discover Scuba Diving dive, you don’t need any certification. You’ll be with one of our awesome instructors the whole time. But, if you want to dive deeper (below 12 metres/40 feet) or plan dives with just a buddy later on, getting certified (like PADI Open Water) is the way to go.
7. What happens in a beginner scuba course?
A typical beginner certification course (like the PADI Open Water) usually includes:
- Learning the Basics: Some easy-to-understand theory about how diving works, safety stuff, and your equipment.
- Pool Time: Practicing essential skills (like breathing underwater and clearing your mask) in shallow, calm water like a swimming pool.
- Ocean Dives: Taking your new skills out into the beautiful ocean with your instructor guiding you on fun dives!
8. Can I try scuba diving without getting certified here in Koh Tao?
Yes, definitely! Our Discover Scuba Diving program is perfect for this. You get a basic briefing, learn a few skills, and then go for an amazing dive with an instructor right by your side. It’s the perfect way to see if scuba is for you!
9. Do I need a doctor’s note?
Not always. You’ll fill out a simple medical questionnaire first. If you answer ‘yes’ to any questions about things like asthma, heart conditions, or epilepsy, you’ll need to get a quick check-up and a ‘fit to dive’ note from a doctor before diving. Honesty is key here for your safety!
10. Can I dive if I’m pregnant?
Unfortunately, scuba diving isn’t recommended for pregnant women. The pressure changes underwater could pose risks to the baby. Best to wait until after the little one arrives!
11. What if water leaks into my mask?
No problem! It happens sometimes. During your training (even in the Discover Scuba program), we teach you a super simple skill to clear it out: just look up slightly, press the top of the mask frame against your forehead, and gently blow out through your nose. Poof! Water gone.
12. Help! What if I run out of air?!
Okay, first off, this is extremely rare because we teach you to check your air gauge often! But, in the very unlikely event it happens:
- Stay calm! Panic is never helpful.
- Signal to your instructor or buddy immediately.
- You can use their spare mouthpiece (the ‘octopus’ or alternate air source).
- Your instructor will guide you safely to the surface. We practice how to handle this in training, so you’ll know exactly what to do.
13. What if I get seasick on the boat?
Feeling a bit queasy on boats happens to some people. Here are a few tips:
- Consider taking non-drowsy seasickness medicine before the trip.
- Stay hydrated (drink water!). Avoid greasy food beforehand.
- Look out at the horizon while on the boat, not down at your feet.
- Tell our crew – we have ways to help you feel better!
14. What if I feel weird or uncomfortable during the dive?
Always tell your instructor or dive buddy right away using the simple hand signals we teach you!
- If it’s something small like needing to equalize your ears (we teach you how!), just pause, sort it out, and signal ‘okay’.
- If you’re feeling anxious or really uncomfortable, signal that you want to go up.
- Your instructor is trained to help you calmly and safely ascend to the surface if needed. Never hesitate to communicate!
15. Are there dangerous sharks everywhere?!
Forget the scary movie hype! Shark encounters are actually rare, and attacks on divers are almost unheard of. Most sharks you might see around Koh Tao (like Blacktip Reef Sharks) are shy and way more scared of you. Seeing a shark is usually a highlight for divers!
16. How deep will I go on my first dive?
Beginner try-dives usually go to a maximum depth of 12 meters (about 40 feet). There’s tons of amazing coral and fish life to see in this shallower range, and it keeps things nice and safe.
17. How much does a first dive cost?
This varies, but a Discover Scuba Diving experience usually includes the briefing, equipment rental, and the dive(s) with your instructor. Check out our current prices on the Master Divers website for the latest info and any special offers!
18. Do I need special dive insurance?
For a simple try-dive, it’s usually not required (though travel insurance is always a good idea!). If you become a certified diver and plan to dive often, specific dive insurance is highly recommended. It covers unlikely issues like decompression sickness or equipment problems.
19. Can I fly on a plane right after diving?
Good question! You need to wait a bit. Flying too soon after diving can cause problems (called decompression sickness or ‘the bends’) because of the pressure changes. The general rules are:
- Wait at least 12 hours after a single dive.
- Wait at least 18 hours after multiple dives in a day or diving over several days. Plan your flights accordingly – maybe enjoy a relaxed day on the beach first!
20. Why do I feel so tired after diving?
It’s normal! Your body has been working – moving through water, breathing compressed air, and adjusting to pressure. Plus, you’re concentrating! Just relax, drink plenty of water, and enjoy that post-dive glow.
21. Can I get photos or videos of my dive?
Absolutely! Capturing that first underwater adventure is awesome. Many dive centres, including us here at Master Divers, offer underwater photo or video packages. It’s a great way to remember your dive and show off to friends and family!
22. Can I do more than one dive in a day?
Yes! If you’re doing a certification course or are already certified, you often do multiple dives. You just need to take a break on the surface between dives (called a ‘surface interval’). This lets your body safely process the air you’ve been breathing. Your instructor or dive computer will tell you how long you need to wait.
23. I loved it! What’s next?
Awesome! If you enjoyed your first taste of diving, the next step is usually getting your PADI Open Water Diver certification. This allows you to dive with a buddy anywhere in the world! From there, you can explore advanced courses, fun specialties like underwater photography or wreck diving, and keep exploring the incredible underwater world.
