thinking of taking up diving

[VJ]

Hello,

I know there are some MURCers here that know how to dive, and dive freqently. It is something that has always appealed to me, esp. after going snorkling (ok, isn't the same) in Mexico. I'm currently living elsewhere (temporarily, away from the university) and noticed there are a couple of diving clubs quite closeby. So I figure it might be the perfect time to start learning it.

What should I look out for in a diving school / club ? Or are most (licensed) clubs and schools safe and on par? I noticed the diving licenses (1 star, 2 star, ...), which I think are international. Is this the case? Any particular requirements or preparations I should be aware of (I noticed there are medical checks, but other than that)?
Oh, most clubs here learn in the same community swimming pool.

(I know about the limitations when diving and flying, and the times that need to be inbetween doing both activities )

Thanks!


Jörg

[Sasq]

I have a PADI rescue divers license, PADI, NAUI, and a few others are internationally recognized.

The medical check is fairly simple, just get your doc to sign off on not having asthma, and no heart/blood pressure conditions.

Before you invest too heavily, I would recomend doing a PADI try scuba course, it counts towards your PADI basic open water if you choose to continue, and gets you in the real water on the first day. It is about 2 hours or so of theory and dry dock practice, then in a small group down to max of 5~7m. you get to paddle around in a safe environment.

As far as diving goes, really there is no limit to where you can take it.

[Sasq]

oh and http://scubaboard.com/ is a great forum to check out the local scene and hear rumors/stories on different places and or opperations.

[VJ]

Neither school mentions PADI or NAUI on their website. One mentions: the different certificates
one-star: <15m on the first 5 dives, <20m after that
two-star: < 30m
three-star: < 40m
four-star: >40m
(apart from specialized courses)

Does this fit in with PADI or NAUI?
Or do you have to request your own certificate using the one you get in the school?
Most likely, my medical pilot license will be stricter than this one?

Thanks for the suggestion on the PADI try course!
I guess I'll stop by to ask for inquiries.


Jörg

[Nowhere]

...

The medical check is fairly simple, just get your doc to sign off on not having asthma, and no heart/blood pressure conditions.

...

So...generally (when it comes to international average/norms) that's all?

Been thinking about diving myself...never done much research into it because I assumed I'm unnaceptable...

[VJ]

So...generally (when it comes to international average/norms) that's all?

Quite a difference from the pilot medical check: bloodtest (cholestorol, diabetes, ...), ECG, vision test (normal, peripheral, night), hearing test, equilibrity test (they make you close your eyes, give a mental task like counting backwards -3 starting from e.g. 457, then pour warm water in one ear, ...), full medical history (past surgeries, diseases, ...), current medication (with statement from the prescribing doctor), ...


Jörg

[Sasq]

if they are not mentioning a specific international license, then it is a home brew license that meets certain international criteria.

My first diving license was such, I would recomed finding a PADI or NAUI shop, and getting your license there, it resolves many international issues.

then again, being realistic your log book does to, just the PADI/NAUI card solves that.

[Jessterw]

So...generally (when it comes to international average/norms) that's all?

Been thinking about diving myself...never done much research into it because I assumed I'm unnaceptable...

It's been quite a few years since I was actively diving, but yeah, that's generally all. I actually have asthma, but it's not severe enough that it was disqualifying. I do know that some dive instructors/schools here in the US require a few differing items to be clear medically, but the norm is surprisingly lax.

@VJ: Interesting the places you're looking don't mention PADI - it's a fairly global certification. That said, there are places even here in the US that don't do PADI, so I'm not entirely surprised.

Here's what the PADI series of courses look like:

http://www.padi.com/padi/en/kd/padicourses.aspx

[VJ]

Just learned that the first club issues PADI licenses:

http://www.timetodive.be/Centrum/engels/cursus.htm

(the name PADI isn't mentioned on the schools website, but the diving school is also mentioned on the PADI website as an official PADI Centre )

Can't find any references to the other club/school on the PADI website... so I guess my choise is made...

Thanks!


Jörg

[VJ]

Just came from that divingclub/school.

They always start out with the PADI scuba course. Suprisingly (to me at least), all lessons are with an appointment, either private (!) or with 2 students. The courses are combined: one hour theory, followed by an hour in the pool. After those five lessons is a theory exam followed by five deeper dives (either in another pool, or in a lake closeby). The result is then the first PADI license, allowing one to dive with a buddy. I'll check when I'll start the courses, but I'll most definitely give it a go.

Thanks for the advice!


Jörg