Scuba Diving in Malaysia > Frequently Ask questions  I've always wanted to learn scuba diving. How do I get started, but I'm not sure if it's for me. Can I try it without signing up for a course? Is it difficult to learn scuba diving? How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver? How old do you have to be to become a certified diver? Do I have to meet any special qualifications or considerations before I can participate in a scuba class? Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver? Is scuba diving expensive? What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons? What's in a scuba tank? Oxygen? How long does a tank of air last? My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool. Won't they hurt when I scuba dive? In the movies and on TV, divers are always running into sharks or eels. Are marine animals really much of a concern? Is scuba diving dangerous? I need vision correction. Is that a problem? I’ve always wanted to learn scuba diving. Can I try before signing up?
Of Course! Our friendly dive instructors will be able to guide you towards your first stop in discovering the underwater world. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving program allows you to make a shallow scuba dive supervised by a PADI professional after a short pool session to familiarize you with the equipment and some techniques. You can usually do this in a few hours. There's also a program that lets you try scuba in a swimming pool only. This takes even less time, and it's popular in places that may not have an actual scuba diving site at hand. Scuba Diving Directory back to top Is it difficult to learn scuba diving?
No, in fact, it's probably easier than you imagine -- especially if you're already comfortable in the water. PADI's entry-level diver course is split into knowledge development, confined water (pool) skill training and four scuba training dives. The course is "performance based," which means that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill. back to top How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver?
PADI courses are "performance based," which means that you earn your certification when you demonstrate that you've mastered the required skills and knowledge. Some people learn faster than others, so how long it takes you may vary. The PADI Open Water Diver course (beginning course) is typically split into five or six sessions with tremendous flexibility. The course may be scheduled over as little as three or four days, or as much as five or six weeks, or something in between, depending upon student needs and logistics. As a rule of thumb, most students complete their initial certification in three or four weeks. back to top How old do you have to be to become a certified diver?
Ten years old. If you're between 10 and 15, you receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification. 10 and 11 year old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet. 12 to 14 year olds should dive with a certified adult. When you turn 15, you can upgrade your junior certification to a regular Open Water Diver certification. back to top Do I have to meet any special qualifications or considerations before I can participate in a scuba class?
No. Generally speaking, anyone in good average health and at least 10 years old can participate. As a precaution, you'll be asked to complete a routine medical questionnaire. If anything on the questionnaire indicates something to be cautious about, you'll check with your physician to make sure it's acceptable to dive. back to top Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver?
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 an easy 183 metre/200 yard nonstop swim (with no time or specific stroke requirement) or a 300 meter/yard snorkel with mask, fins and snorkel followed by a 10 minute swim/float back to top Is scuba diving expensive?
Not really. Like any hobby or recreation, you can invest a lot or a little, depending upon your interest level. Because most dive centers and resorts rent equipment, you can invest in equipment over time, renting what you don't have until you make the investment. Besides distant dive destinations, you probably have good diving not too far from where you live, so even travel costs are flexible enough to accommodate even the tightest budget. back to top What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?
Scuba courses vary in what equipment they provide, so it's best to check with your instructor ahead of time. Generally speaking, though, you'll probably want your own mask, snorkel and fins, which are all pieces of equipment that are most comfortable when personally fitted. We can help you select quality equipment that fits right and lasts. back to top What's in a scuba tank? Oxygen?
Recreational divers breathe compressed air. It's filtered to remove impurities, but otherwise, its air like you're breathing now. back to top How long does a tank of air last?
This is a common question that, unfortunately, doesn't have a single answer. People breathe at different rates, and you breathe faster when you're swimming than when you're resting. Also, the deeper you go, the faster you use your air, and, you can get different size tanks. So, the answer is "it depends;" this is why divers have a gauge that tells them how much air they have at all times. As an approximation, though, a diver sightseeing in calm, warm water in the 5 metre/15 feet to 10 meter/30 feet range can expect the average tank to last about an hour. back to top My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool. Won't they hurt when I scuba dive?
Your ears hurt because water pressure pushes in on your ear drum. In your scuba course, you'll learn a simple technique to equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane, and they won't hurt at all. back to top In the movies and on TV, divers are always running into sharks or eels. Are marine animals really much of a concern?
Virtually all aquatic animals are passive or timid. There are a few that can bite or sting defensively, but you can avoid these simply by watching where you put your hands and feet, and by not touching any animal you don't recognize. Divers aren't natural prey for sharks, so shark attacks are very rare -- more people are injured each year from bee stings than shark attack. back to top Is scuba diving dangerous?
Not really. Statistics show that recreational scuba diving is about as safe as swimming. Certainly there are a potential hazard -- which is 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. back to top I need vision correction. Is that a problem?
Not at all. If you wear soft contact lenses, you shouldn't have problems wearing them when you dive. If you wear hard lenses, you'll want the gas permeable type for diving. See your eye doctor about these if you don't have them now. Another option is to have prescription lenses put into  | 
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