"Some great confidence boosting dives with plenty to see inland and offshore. UK diving doesn't get better than ..."  
  Jason, Advanced Open Water Course  
 
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(FOR THE PADI OPEN WATER COURSE)
Dive Right
 

Are there any extra costs over and above the course fee?
Possibly... accommodation at the dive site, any boat dives, transport to and from pool and dive sites.  See staff for pricing or call Dave on 0770 262 0831.

What do I get for my money? 
All the main equipment necessary for the course, course manual and accessories, professional Instruction. Continued support and training after qualifying. New friends and access to one of the most exciting sports available...ever wondered what the Discovery Channel is like in real life!

Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes - don't panic! easy 8 lengths (200m) any stroke with no time limit.

Do I need to buy gear?
No... we will provide all your gear and air as part of the PADI Open Water course, but we strongly recommend you purchase own mask & snorkel for hygiene, comfort & future use.

Do I just turn up one day and start the course?
No... you need to watch the training dvd (at home), review the theory in the Open Water manual as well as complete ALL the 5 knowledge reviews and familiarize yourself with the Recreational Dive Planner (RDP)... usually 2 weeks before you start the course.

Medical fitness?
A reasonable level of physical and mental fitness is required. You will be asked to certify your fitness before enrolment on the Open Water course. Please consult our staff with any specific queries.

What age do you have to be?
Minimum 10. Between the age of 10 and 14, successful completion of the full Open Water Course results in Junior Open Water Certification. Jr. Open Water Divers MUST dive with a certified adult to a max depth of 14m. 15 and above, successful completion of the full Open Water Course results in Open Water certification to a max depth of 18m.

Are there formal lectures?
Yes... on Saturday morning, you will receive formal lectures from the Instructor followed by a multiple choice written exam.  

If I fail the exam, can I continue?
Depending on your results you could complete the pool sessions (confined water) subject to the Instructors approval, but would have to successfully re-sit the exam to move on to the sea (Open Water) sessions.

Where do I do my pool training? (confined water)
Just 3 mins away from Temple Meads train station (Sunday afternoon). We will tell you how & when to get there at your lecture.

Where do I do my sea training? (open water)
This depends on weather conditions but can include either Portland - Dorset or Salcombe - South Devon or Plymouth - Cornwall or Vobster Quay - Somerset.

What's the difference between the pool and sea sessions? 
All of the basic skills for your certification level are practiced in the pool (Confined Water) before repeating most of them at sea (Open Water).

What's the water temperature around the UK?
May - October... anywhere between 12-18c

Will I see anything on my sea dives (open water)?
Yeah!...it all start's here...you'll see other diver's, when was the last time you saw that! You may also see coral, coastal fish and crustaceans...and yes... lucky ones have seen Fred the Dolphin !!

How many people on a course?
Anywhere from 2 - 6 people... typically 3 - 4.

How long does it take?
The Open Water Course with us takes just 2 days, 2 afternoons & 1 morning. Saturday 9.30am till 2.30pm approx (theory and exam), two afternoons in the pool and 4 Open Water dives at sea over one weekend. You MUST add at least another 2 weeks before this to complete the knowledge reviews (compulsory), review the training dvd and familiarize yourself with the RDP (Recreational Diver Planner).

Can I take the exam and pool session here and do the sea sessions somewhere else?
Yes... it's called a referral. The theory, exam & pool sessions are completed with us, then the 4 open water dives can be completed at any other PADI school in the world!

How deep can I go?
Jr. Open Water Diver (10-14 yrs) max depth 14m (with certified adult). Open Water Diver (15 yrs +) 18m (with certified buddy).

Could I certify as Open Water Diver without having dived in the sea?
Yes... if sea conditions are bad, we can complete the course at a location inland, usually a quarry with FULL professional dive facilities. Inland sites are not as exotic as the sea, but easier to get to and there is no worry about the tide times.

What would I see in an inland site?
Well anything from cars, airplane, the old crushing works and even rainbow trout.

When I'm certified, can I hire gear instead of buying it?
Yes... here at Dive Right Ltd we will hire gear appropriate to the certification level to enable you to continue your diving without buying your own gear. However, the sooner you buy your own gear the more enjoyable and frequent your dives will become. If you need anything, we are sure to be able to give you a great deal!

What's UK diving really like?
The coast around the United Kingdom offer a stunning range of diving opportunities, whether it's shallow reefs, national marine parks with its abundance of marine life, historic wreck diving or deep technical diving, we've got it all here!! Yes, UK diving (white water) can pose more of a challenge than tropical destinations (blue water) which many people appreciate more than "another easy dive on a reef" Keep an open mind... you may be pleasantly surprised!

 
 
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