Is SDI training  A PADI recognised course?

Yes, SCUBA Diving International (SDI) certifications are fully recognised by all PADI, and SSI Dive Centers anywhere in the world. PADI is a training agency like SDI, they both provide training that is world recognised and endorsed by the Royal SCUBA Training Council (RSTC).   PADI, SSI and SDI are simply brand names, like Coke and Pepsi.

I am already an SSI or PADI SCUBA Diver, can I do an upgrade to Open Water?
Yes, the course cost and format is still the same, you will just have a head start on the theory and skills!

Can my kids join in?
We do require a parent or guardian's approval for all guests under 18 years of age.

Usually our minimum age requirement is 12 years old.  However if their parent or guardian is a diver or is intending to complete the course at the same time as the child we can allow children as young as 10 to participate in the course. Children under 15 will be issued a Junior Open Water certification. Junior Open Water Divers need to dive with a dive professional or a parent or guardian at all times and are limited to a maximum depth of 15 meters. the Junior Open Water Certification can be upgraded to full Open Water at no additional cost once the child turns 16.

If you have kids under 12 who are interested in diving we do have experiences available for ages 7 and up, ask us for more details!

Do I need to be fit?
Diving is not overly strenuous, but the gear is a little heavy, kind of like carrying a heavy backpack. We have divers of all levels of fitness and all age ranges. here at Extreme Watersport our youngest regular diver is 10, and our oldest is in his late 70's.

Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes, it is a course requirement.  You must be comfortable in the water and able to swim 200 meters unassisted and tread water for 10 minutes.

Do I need a Medical Certificate?
In most cases no. You will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire if you answer NO to all questions you will not need a medical. If you do require a medical we can provide you with a list of physicians to visit 

 

Do I need to complete a liability release?

Yes, you will be required to complete the SDI Liability Release, this is a requirement of all SCUBA training agencies. 

Why don't you include ALL equipment?
We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your course and we know you will be most comfortable in equipment that has been specifically fitted to you and is designed to meet your individual needs.   For this reason most dive shops do not include personal equipment. Finally we train divers with the intention that they will continue diving, its been proven that divers who have invested in a little bit of their own equipment are up to 90% more likely to continue diving.  

 

How much does the required personal equipment cost?

We have sets available for less than $200, our average customer spends about $300-$400 on their own personal SCUBA equipment and accessories

I already have some of my own equipment, can I use that?
Of course! However your equipment must be suitable for SCUBA diving, in good condition and fit you properly.  Please be aware that most sorkeling sets sold at Aldi, Rebel, Anaconda and the like are not suitable for SCUBA Diving as they are only designed for gliding a snorkeler across the waters surface not pushing a diver through water. If in doubt bring your gear in on your orientation day and we will give you an honest opinion.

For OH&S reasons we cannot allow divers to use barefoot fins or small flimsy snorkeling fins.

Do I need my own transport?
We encourage our guests to make their own way to and from the dive sites with their dive equipment. Once you are certified this is standard practice anyway. If you do not have transport available please talk to us and we will be sure to accommodate your needs.

Is diving expensive?
This is subjective... But honestly SCUBA diving is generally a pretty cheap hobby..  

Once you complete the Open Water Course you can rent a full setup for 24 hours for just $55 (assuming you have purchased all your personal equipment). Shore dive are FREE you strap your gear on and away you go! Air fills are just $7 and boat dives are $65. If you want to own all of your own equipment this will set you back about $2k and we offer interest free finance!

Can I buy multiple courses for my friends or family?
Of course!  In fact we would encourage it, if you learn to dive with a friend or family member you have an instant dive buddy for your future adventures!

 

What if I get sick or something happens and I can't complete the course?

You maybe able to transfer your course to a friend or family member or under verifiable extenuating circumstance we maybe able to offer a refund or exchange at our discretion.

 

Do many people fail the course?

We don't believe in failing students, but some students need more training and time  to complete the course and some require more practice. We work with our students to ensure they achieve the required minimum standards and are competent divers before certification, if this means additional days or additional practice there is sometimes a small additional cost required to cover the cost of these services, but we try to keep costs to the bare minimum and they are really on a case by case basis..  Some students do decide that diving is not for them and choose not to proceed with the course, but this is quite unusual..

I don't know any divers and I am thinking about doing the course on my own, is this a problem?
Absolutely not, we will introduce you to lots of new divers!