Frequently Asked Diving Questions

Click on the questions below to read answers to some of our frequently asked questions. Got a question we haven’t answered below? We’d love to help. Contact us with your questions.

Where is the best place to dive?

We have a difficult time answering this question. So many great dives…so little time! California is by far the most diverse; the kelp forests, the Channel Islands, Halibut, Lobster, Abalone, Underwater Mountain tops that never made it to the surface.

Can you imagine swimming along a reef for 30 minutes where every inch of the reef is covered by the most brilliant colors you have ever seen; blankets of strawberry anemones, giant white-plumed anemones, a variety of star fish, including huge sun stars; huge barnacles, basketball-sized crabs, nudibranchs, sponges, snails, and sea cucumbers?

California diving never disappoints, but then again, how can you argue with unlimited visibility and 80 degree water?

Do I need to be a great swimmer to be able to SCUBA dive?

Before enrolling in a SCUBA class you should be relatively comfortable in the water. You should not be uncomfortable in the deep end of a pool.

Why should I learn to SCUBA dive?

People are motivated to learn how to dive for many reasons, most of them good. However, you should not take up SCUBA diving simply to please a spouse, parent, or friend. If you always wanted to try diving, get started with a Try SCUBA Experience class.

What do you learn in a SCUBA class?

A SCUBA instructor teaches his students how to react to common scenarios underwater. A good instructor introduces student divers to the rules of SCUBA diving, including the proper knowledge, skills, equipment, and experience, to have fun underwater. They will also focus on the concepts behind those rules. The goal is that you develop a working knowledge of the physics and physiology of diving, as well as develop the ability to apply that knowledge to the skills and equipment.

Does SCUBA diving hurt your ears?

Many swimmers have experienced ear pain when diving down in a swimming pool because they did not properly equalize the pressure in their ears. If a diver descends without equalizing his ears, the increased pressure in the outer ear compared to the middle ear flexes the eardrum inwards. The discomfort felt is called “squeeze”. During your dive training, you will learn an important skill called Equalization to prevent this “Squeeze” before it happens.

How old should you be to SCUBA dive?

No upper age limit for SCUBA diving exists.

As a general rule, children aged 10 and above may SCUBA dive, depending upon their maturity level. Special children’s programs conducted in shallow and confined water, with controlled conditions for children age 10 and above exists. Many physicians trained in diving medicine feel that it is wise for adolescents to wait until an age when long-bone growth is complete before considering diving.

What is the Learn To Dive Program like?

Learning to SCUBA dive is convenient and fun. We have several different program formats to choose from. Group classes are conducted two nights a week, over a minimum of five weeks, usually 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Semi-flexible schedules are available as well.

What SCUBA equipment do I need to buy to get my Open Water Diver certification?

At a minimum, you will want your own personal snorkeling system (mask, fins and snorkel, etc.) when you begin your program. This equipment is considered to have a personal fit and is sanitary equipment; it is important to your comfort, safety, and enjoyment of snorkeling and SCUBA Diving. BDS will help you select the equipment with a proper fit and features best suited to you. You’re more comfortable and more safe using equipment personally fitted for you. Remember, comfort + safety = enjoyment!

What is the difference between SSI and PADI Scuba Diving Class certification? SSI, PADI, NAUI, CMAS, SDI, IDEA, MDEA, NASE, IANTD, etc.

The reason we choose SSI as our primary certification agency is because their diver training philosophy includes Experience as a primary component of diver training. We agree!

SSI and PADI Scuba diving classes are the most popular certification agencies in the world and are both members of the Worldwide Recreational SCUBA Training Council (WRSTC) and ISO. While they are separate agencies, they both adhere to all WRSTC standards for their minimum training requirements, and both are internationally recognized. Being separate businesses, they operate differently and have different business models, but they give the same training and certification.

After I'm certified, where can I dive?

You can dive anywhere there’s water – from a swimming pool to the ocean and everywhere in between, including quarries, lakes, rivers and springs. Your experience level, site accessibility, conditions, and interests determine where you dive. Some of the best diving is closer than you think! The California Channel Islands and Monterey Bay Area are considered among the most elite dive sites in the World! BDS can help you organize great local diving trips, or an exotic dive vacation. Our Sub Club organizes dive travel excursions around the world.

How much does diving cost?

Compared with getting started in other popular outdoor activities, learning to dive isn’t expensive. For example, you can expect to pay about the same as you would for:

a day on the slopes
a full day of surfing lessons
a weekend of kayaking lessons
a weekend of fly-fishing lessons
three private golf lessons
three hours of private water skiing lessons

Learning to dive is a great value when you consider that your BDS Staff Instructor is a highly trained and experienced professional. Invest in scuba diving lessons and then travel the world with the BDS Sub Club.