What are the reasons for splitting an open water course into a scuba diver course and an Upgrade to Open Water Diver?
The Scuba Diver is a halfway qualification to a full Open Water Certification and will allow you to dive to a maximum of 12 meters with a dive professional. You don’t need to become a Scuba Diver before aiming for Open Water. Both are entry level courses.
The main reason for doing a Scuba diving qualification is TIME. Some people just don’t have enough time to finish a full open water course. Since they still want to start with their dive education, they opt for the Scuba Diver. But there are also other factors
- You can’t finish the Open Water training for personal or environmental reasons
- You only want to dive with a dive professional in shallow depths anyway
If you’d like to continue with your dive training, it is easily possible to upgrade a Scuba Diver Certification. You pretty much only have to finish the Open Water Diver Course by returning into the pool for some more advanced skill practice and conduct two more open water dives to a maximum depth of 18 meters. There is of course some more theory as well. This you will study both by yourself and with your instructor.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of splitting the Open Water diver course in two parts?
The great advantage of the Scuba Diver certification is that you can complete your first diving course in only two days.
Should during the course the weather turn so nasty, that it is simply not possible to finish the Open Water Course, you still don’t have to go home empty handed. You might still be able to finish the Scuba Diver Course.
It is easily possible to later upgrade to a full Open Water Diver ticket. Doing it the two-phased approach in the end takes a little bit longer and is also slightly more expensive than doing the Open Water Course in the first place. However, the two-phased approach offers more flexibility.
What are the benefits of diving deeper than 12 meters?
As a scuba diver your depth is limited to 12 meters and you can only dive with a dive professional. There are thousands of amazing dive sites in the world that can been dived at 12 meters or less. However, being able to dive deeper opens up even more dive sites and also the chance for more advanced dive training. Additionally, some marine species live in deeper waters. Being able to dive deeper increases your chances on seeing them. The first step to deeper dives is the Upgrade to Open Water Diver level.
Can I do the theory before I arrive on the island?
Yes! In case you still have a book or e-learning, you can simply read the remaining chapters to prepare for the course.
Is the remaining theory difficult?
About as difficult as what you have already done. Also. Your divine instructor will explain the dive theory during classroom sessions. He/she will prepare you well for the final exam so you will just cruise through it. In the unlikely event of you failing the exam, your instructor will review the theory with you again and work on your weaknesses and you will redo the exam (a different one).
Will I have to remove my mask?
Yes! Even though you could avoid the dreaded mask removal for the Scuba Diver, it is a necessary skill for the Open Water license. Talk to your instructor if you had problems with it earlier. Many roads lead to Rome so we will take the time and work with you until you master the skill.
Are the open water dives any different?
The main difference is the depth. The first two open water dives were limited to a depth of 12 meters. The final two dives will take you to a maximum of 18 meters. The pressure difference is the biggest in the first 10 meters. You won’t feel a difference in between 12 and 18 meters. It is not darker or colder.
How long will my certification last?
Your entire life! There is no expiry date to the certification itself but it’s highly recommended that you keep in practice by just going diving. There are certainly worse things in life.. If you haven’t dived in a while, it might be wise to refresh your skills on a Refresher or Scuba Tune Up Dive with an instructor. Continuing your scuba education is also a great way to keep your skills fresh and up to date.
What if I have health issues?
There are some serious conditions such as epilepsy, active asthma, emphysema, heart disease or haemophilia that could prohibit any diving activity. Please check out the attached Medical-Statement. It Is most likely the same medical questionnaire that you have filled in for your Scuba Diver Course. If you needed to bring a fit for diving certificate before, it is best to get a copy since you will need it to finish your course with Divine Divers Gili Meno. There are also doctors on the Gili Islands that can examine you and issue this certificate should you face additional heath issues that you didn’t have beforehand.
What’s the difference between PADI and SSI?
If you are interested in getting your scuba diving certification, you’ve probably come across PADI and SSI, the two major training agencies in the world. But is there a big difference or is one better than the other?
Instructors of both agencies will teach you how to be a skilled diver, as there is a certain skill set that every diver needs to have. Therefore, all diving agencies follow a legal framework laid down by the World Recreational Scuba Diving Council. The training agencies also accept each other; hence you could do an Open Water Course with the one and an Advanced Course with the other agency.
The main difference is in the theoretical education, requirements and certification costs. And of course, much comes down to personal preferences and other factors such as the teaching skills of your instructor and the conditions of the water.
We have decided to offer PADI courses even though most of our instructors can teach both PADI and SSI.
Why should I do a diving course on the Gili Islands?
Postcard-like white sandy beaches, azure and year-round warm waters (28 to 29 degrees), the reef on your doorstep and a great lifestyle – does this sound like paradise to you? To us it does! The Gilis are known as the turtle capital in the world – rightfully so, because both green and hawksbill turtles are abundant. Reef sharks are also frequently spotted and there is a broad range of marine life to be met on all dives. The dive sites are rarely more than a 15-minute boat ride away and diving is great all year round. The dry season is running from May to October and the rainy season from November to April. Rainy season sounds more extreme than it actually is because it hardly ever rains an entire day – expect showers at different severity but therefore less people.
Why should I choose Divine Divers Gili Meno for my dive course?
We love what we do and we do it well! We have been in the game for over 10 years as Divine Divers on Gili Meno but our love for diving didn’t start there. Being passionate divers ourself, we have dived all over the world. Sometimes you come to dive centres that just have the little extra. Sometimes you can explain why and sometimes it is just that special vibe that we have here at Divine Divers Gili Meno. Overall, our main differentiator is our personal approach and of course our location at the most perfect sunset point on the island. What better way is there to end a perfect diving day than watching the sun disappear into the ocean with a cold drink in your hand?
Apart from that our groups are small and our instructors hand chosen for their personality and excellent teaching records. Safety is our primary concern; our equipment is in excellent order and of course regularly maintained. Most importantly, we are committed to offering first-class service and high-quality dive courses.