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AquaBach Scuba FAQ regarding Open Water Course

FAQ Open Water Course

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Open Water Course.


Do I need a Doctor’s note?

If you answered “Yes” to ANY of the medical questions on the student folder(blue or yellow folder) you need a doctor’s release saying you’re fit to scuba dive. You need this note BEFORE we can put you in the pool on scuba. So you need it before the second class.
No exceptions.


What is this blue or yellow folder for?

It’s a student folder. Besides having basic info for your instructor like name, address, contact information etc. It is also 3 legal documents.
1) PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices Statement of Understanding.
2 Liability Release and Assumption of Risk.
3 Medical Statement.
EACH section is to be read and signed. For detailed information click on How to fill out the “Student folder” or Click here.

Is the final Exam graded?

Yes. You need 75% to pass.

Do I need all my own scuba gear?

No. You need your own mask fins and snorkel. The Diveshop provides all other gear needed for the pool. You do need to have all scuba gear for the open water dives. You can rent, or buy most items


What gear do I need to supply for the Open Water Dives that I can’t rent?

Mask fins snorkel of course. Compass & knife/shears

I may have to miss a class. What do I need to do?

The class is performance based. It’s important to learn skills in a particular order. It’s best not to miss a class but if you have to, discuss it with the Instructor as early as possible.Beforehand.

What do I need to bring to the first class?

Pen, note paper, bathing suit, towel.
Open Water Packet if you already have it, And a good attitude!


What do I need to bring to the Second class?

Same as the first class and a little more. PADI Open Water manual.
You need to have your mask fins and snorkel for the second class.
A wetsuit is also recommended but not mandatory.


Ok, what about classes 3, 4 & 5?

All things same as class 2 and;
RDP (Recreational Dive Planner) and logbook.
Don't forget passport style photos and copies of all 5 knowledge reviews for class 5


What materials does each student need to have?

Up to date PADI open water manual, Recreational Dive Planner (RDP), RDP Booklet, and a logbook.
By the last class you need to hand in 2 passport style photos and signed copies of ALL 5 knowledge reviews.



Why do I need 2 passport style photos?


They are used for your certification card.
Head & shoulder photos approximately 1 3/4" wide & 2 1/4" high
Photos from a photo booth are fine. No dark glasses or hats please.
Many drug stores in our area, like Genovese, have photo booths. They'll cost you $3 or $4. Camera stores like Berger Bros take official passport photos.So do some post offices.These will be more expensive.
If you choose to do your certification dives elsewhere you do not need to give photos to me at the last class. You will need to bring them with you to the other instructor doing your certification dives. We call that a referral.


What certification will I earn from the open water course?

PADI Openwater Diver.
Basic certification to be a scuba diver. This is the certification you need to get scuba gear. It’s required to show when getting tanks or tank fills and Dive operators will ask to see your Certification card as proof you are a certified diver.


What is PADI?

PADI, stands for the Professional Association of Dive Instructors.
PADI is the largest scuba training organization in the world.
It’s recognized world wide by resorts, dive operators and scuba centers.
PADI develops scuba programs and diver training products, monitors the scuba training conducted by more than 100,000 PADI professionals worldwide, maintains diver certification records and issues your diver certification credentials.Founded in 1966, there are PADI professionals in more than 175 countries and territories, and international service offices in nine countries. Approximately seven out of ten North American divers are certified by PADI, and approximately 55% of all divers worldwide are certified by PADI.
For more information on PADI click on their link or go to;
www.padi.com

What are Knowledge Reviews?

Knowledge Reviews are part of your homework. They’re at the end of each chapter. Sort of a “quiz” for you to do after you’ve read the chapter and BEFORE class. We will go over the knowledge reviews for the particular chapter at the end of each lecture and before you take the classroom quiz. At the last session you need to hand in copies of ALL 5 Knowledge Reviews.

Please PRINT your name on top and sign the bottom.


Do I have to copy the Knowledge Reviews
or can I tear them out of the book?


Your choice, but I recommend you make the copies. This way you can reuse your book for review or lend it to a friend.

Do I really have to read the book and do the knowledge reviews?

Only if you want to pass the course

Do I have to be a strong swimmer to be a scuba diver?

There is a swim test on the first night. You are required to swim 200 yards. In the Diver’s Way pool that’s 12 pool lengths. There isn’t a time limit for the swim so pace yourself. You also need to be able to tread water for 10 minutes.

What are the certification dives?

The Open Water dives are scheduled over 2 days. During these dives you will be asked to show your ability to do the skills you learned in the pool.

What if I want to do my certification dives in the Carribean?

Tell your instructor your plans. In your log book there is a referral form that your instructor can sign off on what you've done. Then when you arrange your certification dives you'll need to show them that form. If you need to find a PADI center contact PADI and they'll tell you where the nearest PADI center is located. While we include your certification dives if you do them with us, you will have to pay whatever fees are involved with the center doing your certification dives.

Are their risks in scuba diving?

Yes. There are inherit risks in scuba diving. That’s one of the reasons it’s important to learn to dive properly. It’s why you need to study, do your homework and pay attention.
Statistics show that recreational scuba diving is about as safe as swimming. Certainly there are potential hazards but like driving a car, as long as you follow the rules and use common sense, it's pretty safe.


If I do everything you say will I eliminate all risk?

No. The only way to eliminate risk is not to dive.

How old do I have to be to learn to dive?

10 years old. But you need parental permission and when students are that young we ask that an adult take the class with him or her, If you're between 10 and 15, you receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification. 10 and 11 year old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 40 feet. 12 to 14 year olds should dive with a certified adult. When you turn 15, you can upgrade your Junior certification to a regular Open Water Diver certification.

How many classes are involved?

Five classes. They consist of 5 classroom sessions and 5 pool sessions.

How are classes conducted?

Each class begins with a video. Then we will go over the knowledge reviews from that specific chapter. Then a 10 question quiz. After the quiz we have the pool session.


What’s the difference between a Divemaster and an Instructor?

A certified Divemaster is a training assistant. They are volunteers and do this for the love of the sport.It's custommary to tip your divemasters at the end of the course.

I'm interested in information on other courses after I'm certified.
Where can I get it?


Ask your Instructor. There's also info in your Open Water manual. I have some internal limks that describe many courses. For an overview go to the link that says,"Various Course Descriptions" or Click Here.
I will be adding more links soon too.


What is this Nitrox stuff I keep hearing about?

Nitrox or Enriched Air is a breathing gas that many divers use instead of regular compressed air. It has a higher level of Oxygen than air and therefore a lower level of Nitrogen. There are many benefits to this. You can get longer bottom time or shorten your surface interval. Some divers consider it safer too.Go to my Nitrox link for frequently asked questions on Nitrox.
or, Click here for Nitrox


Do I need a certification course to get Nitrox?

Yes. While there are many benefits to diving with nitrox there are risks as well. You need to learn how to use it properly.



Open Water Class Internal Links


How to fill out the Student Record Folder

Student Items Needed for Class & Pool

Click Here for Studypoints for Open Water Exam

Click Here for RDP Practice Questions

Click Here for ANSWERS to the RDP Practice Questions

Click Here for Equipment List for Certification Dives