Scuba Diving’s TOP 10 FAQs!
Written by Melanie Hwa, December 2024
As a dive center and dive instructor, we get asked A LOOOOOOT of questions about scuba diving and after doing this professionally for about 9 years, some questions are more common than thought!
So, we had a random idea – that is to Google up what is the most frequently searched questions about Scuba Diving online and guess what we found?
So let’s go through some of the above alright?
How Deep can you dive?
Well, as a beginner Open Water diver, you can go down to 18m. With your Advanced Open Water certification, you can dive down to 30m – which in our opinion – is pretty good as most life would be at the depth of 15-30m due to average coral reef depth.
However, if you wish to be more adventurous – perhaps to explore deeper waters for caves, caverns or wrecks – you can always take up your Deep Specialty and that would allow you to dive down to 40m. Anything deeper, you will need to take up Technical Diving!
Is Scuba Diving safe?
Of course it is! There have been decades of research put into scuba diving to make it as safe as possible! Most scuba accidents are due to diver error – when divers ignore the safety guidelines and rules taught. Remember to always dive safe and within your limits.
Does Scuba Diving hurt your ears?
It is a common concern where scuba diving might cause ear pains, ear infections or ruptured ear drums due to pressure related injuries. This is a common fix. Learn how to equalize your airspaces properly, stay calm and equalize early and often, explore decongestant pills to help clear out your sinuses, wash & keep your ears dry and clean at all times.
Will there be dangerous marine life?
This depends on where you are diving and its local marine habitat. However, in general – marine animal attacks are very rare. It is more likely that we hurt ourselves by accidentally scraping corals or swimming into jellyfishes by the surface. The fishes are more likely to be afraid of us divers than we are of them! So, by default they would very likely swim away than to attack!
Fitness level for diving
You do need be of good health to be able to scuba dive – if you have any medical conditions, you should consult your doctors if you are fit for scuba diving before any trip or course. However, you do not need to be in great shape to scuba dive. People of all fitness levels can enjoy scuba diving as there is not much strength of physical fitness required for this leisurely activity.
Aren’t you afraid of sharks?
Sharks are friends! Despite them being on top of the food chain – we are certainly not on any sharks’ regular menu. Despite the movie portrayals, very few sharks are aggressive. They are mostly curious but shy – making our encounters with them extra special.
How much does scuba diving cost?
Scuba diving costs varies depending on your appetite – if you live near the ocean, it would pretty much cost you very little. However, if you love traveling to remote areas for one of the best and natural diving – this may cost you a little bit more. Simply look at it as a form of travel holiday and budget it as you would a holiday trip.
Where do you go scuba diving?
Similar to the last question – this depends on your own appetite. We are superbly lucky to be living along the coral belt of the world – where the best tropical diving is!
We hope that the answers addresses your questions and concerns. And we would like to throw in two bonus questions that we personally get a lot!
Can you scuba dive if you don’t know how to swim?
We would strongly suggest that you take up basic swimming & gain water confidence before the start of your course. This would help you be more prepared and less scared when you start your Open Water course. Do check out our swim & dive packages to get you started!
This one is for the ladies:
Can you scuba dive during menstruation?
Yes you can! I personally dive multiple times during menstruation throughout the last 13 years of diving! There are options like tampons and menstrual cups that you can use and you feel so comfortable with it while diving – you wouldn’t even think about it! Check out this video for a more thorough guide! https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4HZol8plYH/?igsh=MXExOW92Nnc4amtxOA==
Have more questions that are not listed above? Feel free to reach out to us via whatsapp and we would be happy to answer any of your questions you have for Scuba Diving, Freediving or even Mermaid!