Frequently Asked Questions
Can Children get SCUBA certified?
Yes! The minimum age for children to try SCUBA is 8 years old. Children aged 8-12 can enroll in the SDI Future Buddies program. Completion of the program includes the child diving under direct supervision of an instructor in a controlled environment. Students will learn much of the same material covered in the OW course and will be required to demonstrate some of the same underwater skills covered in the OW course.
How Long Does it Take to Get Certified?
Completion of courses depends on the student, but the motivated diver can complete the course within 7-10 days, with the average length being ~2 weeks including the eLearning and in-water training.
Do You have to be a Good Swimmer?
Students are required to demonstrate the ability to swim a certain distance and for a certain amount of time. So while you may not have to be an olympic swimmer, you do need to have the ability to swim. Like many physical activities, you'll enjoy SCUBA more if you are healthy and fit.
What Gear do I Need for Class?
Students must own their own mask, snorkel and fins. Aether Scuba will provide the remaining equipment required for the course. We are more than happy to help you determine what gear would best fit your needs. There are a lot of different options when selecting SCUBA gear.
When Should I Buy Gear?
Deciding when to buy gear, what gear to buy and where to buy it can be overwhelming. We recommend that you spend some time exploring your interests in diving to help decide what type of diving you will be doing. Are you an occasional vacation diver? Underwater photographer? Tooth diver? Wreck diver? Different dive roles require different gear that may not be necessary, or even a hindrance, depending on the type of diving you are doing. From there, try out different setups to find out what suits you best before making a decision on what to purchase, when possible. Besides your personal gear (mask, snorkel and fins) you may want to consider a dive computer and a regulator setup as your first gear purchases. Most dive computers today keep a log of your dives as well as relay crucial dive information. It is best if you know the ins and outs of your computer rather than trying to learn a new computer every time you dive. The regulator set is a life-support system when you are underwater. Owning your own gives you peace of mind to know that it is well maintained and used with care.
What about Sharks?
Yes, you may be lucky enough to view a shark on your dive. But aggressive interactions between sharks and SCUBA divers are extremely rare. Most underwater wildlife is often wary of a diver carrying a big metal tank and making bubble noises, including sharks. You'll learn about sharks and other potentially hazardous wildlife and how to stay safe in the SDI Open Water SCUBA course.
