Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving - FAQs

#1 What does the acronym SCUBA stand for?

“Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus“.

#2 Is scuba diving safe for beginners?

Yes, scuba diving is generally safe with proper training in a reliable diving shop, good quality equipment with adequate maintenance, and the precautions followed. Beginner divers receive thorough instruction to ensure their safety underwater. Plus you will always be accompanied by well-trained PADI professional. Nevertheless, if you keep in mind the basic safety rules, scuba diving is extremely safe and fun.

#3 What are the requirements for learning to scuba dive?

You need to have a passion for excitement and adventure, be older than the minimum age of10 years old and medically fit for diving. You will complete a brief scuba medical questionnaire before your first immersion.

#4 Do I need to be a strong swimmer to scuba dive?

While being a strong swimmer is beneficial, it's not always necessary. Basic swimming skills and comfort in the water are more important, as you'll learn specific scuba diving techniques during training.

#5 What equipment do I need to scuba dive?

Essential scuba diving equipment includes a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), and exposure protection (wetsuit or drysuit). You'll also need weights and a tank filled with compressed air. Normally as a beginner you do not need to own any scuba diving equipment as it comes included in your course package, but check with your local dive shop before the dive to confirm.

#6 How long does it take to get certified to scuba dive?

The duration of scuba diving certification courses varies, but most entry-level courses, such as the PADI Open Water Diver course, take about 2-3 days to complete.

#7 How long can I stay underwater?

It depends how long does your air lasts underwater and that is effected mainly by 2 factors: your air consumption and the depth. Your air consumption is directly related with your breathing control, stress levels and healthy habits. For example people who practice cardio activities more often or are non smokers have better air consumption. In the depth, the pressure of the water increases as you go deeper, and your body needs to work harder to breathe against the increased pressure, hence you will use more air.

#8 What are the risks associated with scuba diving?

Sunburn, seasickness and dehydration, all of which are preventable, are the most common problems divers face. Injuries caused by marine life, such as scrapes and stings, do occur, but these can be avoided by wearing a wetsuit, staying off the bottom and watching what you touch. Risks associated with scuba diving include decompression sickness, barotrauma, nitrogen narcosis, equipment malfunctions, and underwater hazards. However, these risks are minimized through proper training and adherence to safety protocols.

#9 Can I scuba dive if I have health issues?

Some health conditions may preclude individuals from scuba diving. It's essential to consult with a physician and complete a medical questionnaire before the immersion to ensure you're fit to dive.

#10 How much does scuba diving cost?

The cost of scuba diving varies depending on factors such as certification courses, equipment purchase or rental, dive trips, and additional expenses like accommodation and transportation. For example the price in the Caribbean region of Colombia of the PADI Open Water Diver course moves around 1,500,000 COP ~ 390 USD and Fun Dive around 350,000 COP ~ 95 USD for 2 immersions.

Compared with other popular adventure sports and outdoor activities, learning to scuba dive isn’t expensive. It is a great value when you consider that you learn to dive under the guidance and attention of a highly trained, experienced professional – your PADI Instructor. What’s more, you receive an internationally recognized certification to scuba dive at the end of a PADI course.

#11 What should I expect during a scuba diving course?

Scuba diving courses typically include a combination of classroom sessions, confined water (pool) training, and open water dives. You'll learn essential diving skills, safety procedures, and dive planning. The theoretical part is mostly online, where you can study in a confort of your home or wherever you find yourself at the moment.

#12 How do I communicate underwater?

Underwater communication primarily relies on hand signals. Divers learn a standardized set of signals to communicate with their dive buddy and others underwater.

#13 What marine life might I encounter while diving?

Marine life varies depending on the dive location, but common encounters include tropical fish, coral reefs, sea turtles, rays, sharks (often harmless species), and sometimes larger marine mammals like dolphins or whales.

In Tayrona National Park in the Caribbean coast region of Colombia, you can spot many lobsters, angel fish, trumpet fish, pufferfish, moray eels, tortugas, caballito del mar, octopus, squids, brain corrals, elkhorn corrals, among others.

#14 What should I bring with me for a dive?

You will need your swimsuit and a sun protection like a reef-safe sunscreen, a hat or a rush guard - a long sleeved shirt. Being well rested is recommended.

#15 What can I eat before scuba diving?

It is recommended to eat something light and easily digestible before immersion. Don't eat oily and spicy foods or drink alcohol before diving to prevent sickness. Ideally something that includes sources of complex carbohydrates and fat, fruits or vegetables, and water. Dark chocolate, nuts, bananas, eggs and spinach beforehand provide extra energy while diving and the potasio also protects your muscles from cramps.