What is PADI?
PADI - the Professional Association of Diving Instructors - is the largest dive training organization in the world with affiliated dive centers and members in more than 100 countries.

Is it hard to learn to scuba dive?
No, in fact, it's probably easier than you imagine especially if you're already comfortable in the water. Entry-level diver course is split into knowledge development, confined water (pool) skill training and four scuba training dives.

Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as an Open Water Diver?
You need to be is a reasonably proficient swimmer who is comfortable and relaxed in the water. The swimming requirement for certification is an easy 200 meters non-stop swim (with no time or specific stroke requirement) and 10 minutes treading water.
Please ensure that you meet the requirements before signing up for the course. Failure to meet the pre-requisite will incurred in unncessary cost.

I have medical history. Can I still dive?
To do a diving course you will first be required to have a dive medical that conforms with PADI Standards. Failing this medical, or having certain pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and epilepsy will prevent you from diving. So will pregnancy.
Before you can enroll in your course, you must sign a medical statement that says you are fit to dive. If you had any pre-existing conditions, they must be signed off by a doctor.

My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool. Won't they hurt when I scuba dive?
Your ears hurt because water pressure pushes in on your eardrum. In your scuba course, you'll learn a simple technique to equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane, and they won't hurt at all.

Is there an age limit for taking up scuba?
The minimum age is 10 years old and there's no maximum age. Health and individual level of maturity should also be taken into consideration.

Will there be any written exams?
For PADI Open Water Diver course, there will be a 50-question written exam to be completed in no more than 90min(1.5hr). This exam is to evaluate and reinforce your knowledge acquired during the course.

Is my PADI Open Water Diver certification card recognized outside of Singapore?
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the most widely recognized and respected scuba diving certification agency in the world. Your PADI OWD certification card and all other level of certifications are honored by dive centers, resorts and charters worldwide.

Is there an expiration of my PADI OWD certification?
PADI OWD certification is for life. But if you have not been diving for quite some time (for instance last dive was almost 12 months), we urge you to take the personal responsibility of signing up for Scuba Review to re-acquaint yourself.