SCUBA Ventures FAQs

It’s easy! Just call or stop by our store and notify one of our staff members that you want to learn how to scuba dive. Read our page Start Diving for more info.

No, it’s very easy to learn as long as you are comfortable in the water. Scuba diving certification is split into these sections - academics, pool skills training, and open water testing. Each student moves at his or her own speed under the supervision of the instructor.

With proper training, scuba diving is very safe. As with any recreational sport, it has its inherent risks. But, like driving a car, as long as you follow the rules and use common sense, it can be very safe.

This is a common question that doesn’t have an easy answer. People breathe at different rates; you also breathe faster when swimming than when resting. Also, the deeper you go the faster you use your air. Tanks also come in different sizes. This is why divers have gauges at all times to tell them how much air they have.

Your ears hurt because water pressure pushes in on your ear drum. In your scuba course you will learn a very simple technique to eliminate pressure in your ears much like you do when you are in an airplane. Once you learn this technique, your ears won’t hurt at all.

In the movies and on TV, divers are always running into sharks or eels. Are marine animals really much of concern?

Virtually all aquatic animals are passive and even timid. There are a few that can bite or sting defensively, but you can avoid these by simply watching where you put your hands and feet and by not touching any animals. Divers aren’t natural prey for sharks, so shark attacks are extremely rare. Very much blown out of proportion by Hollywood!

Although wearing a lot of equipment may seem awkward, many people find the weightlessness of scuba diving to be quite freeing. Modern dive masks are available with translucent materials, which you may prefer if a scuba mask makes you feel closed in.

Does a history of ear troubles, diabetes, asthma, allergies, or smoking preclude someone from diving?

Not necessarily. Any condition that affects the ears, sinuses, respiratory function, heart function, nervous system function, or one that may alter consciousness is a concern. Only a qualified physician can assess your individual risk.