Scuba Diving - Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that aren't answered here please do not hesitate to Contact Us


  • Why do people want to Scuba Dive?
  • What do Scuba divers breathe?
  • What does SCUBA mean?
  • How old do I have to be to learn to Scuba dive?
  • Isn't Scuba diving dangerous?
  • Do I have to be a strong swimmer to learn to Scuba dive?
  • Is Scuba diving expensive?
  • Do I need to have my own Scuba Diving equipment?
  • Can I Scuba dive on my own?
  • I have an ailment which I think may prevent me from Scuba diving, what should I do if I want to learn to dive?
  • Can people with disabilities learn to Scuba dive?
  • Where are the training courses held?
  • Will I be able to dive worldwide with my certification?
  • What do I get at the end of my Scuba Diving course?
  • I am currently a diver with another organisation, can I cross over to PADI courses?
  • Can I go straight from PADI Open Water Diver to the PADI Advanced Course?

Why do people want to Scuba dive?

Two thirds of the surface of our planet is covered by water. The best way of experiencing this incredible environment at first hand is to equip ourselves with SCUBA gear. Scuba diving also attracts a wide range of warm friendly people, of all ages and from all walks of life. This enables Scuba divers to meet and share their own wonderful experiences and adventures of, quite literally, new worlds.


What do Scuba divers breathe?

It is a common misconception that Scuba divers' tanks are filled with pure oxygen, not so! In fact most Scuba divers' tanks are actually filled with compressed air - the very same that you and I are breathing right now.

Long Tail Boat

What does SCUBA mean?

Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus


How old do I have to be to learn to Scuba dive?

The minimum age is 10, while there is no maximum age although there are activities for younger children so the whole family can share the experience such as Snorkelling, PADI Bubblemaker and PADI Seal Team.


Isn't Scuba diving dangerous?

No. Statistics show that Scuba diving is one of the safest sports, providing you remain within the simple PADI guidelines taught to you.


Do I have to be a strong swimmer to learn to Scuba dive?

No, as long as you can swim comfortably and tread water you will be able to learn to Scuba dive safely.


Is Scuba diving expensive?

Initially Scuba diving may appear relatively expensive. However, when compared to a life long adventure that is different every time and enables you to visit parts of the world you would never normally see, then it really isn't. A lifetime of experience can be gained by simply forgoing beers at at your local!


Do I need to have my own Scuba Diving equipment?

No. Scuba Cat Diving, Phuket, Thailand will provide all course materials and equipment you will require to learn to Scuba dive.


Can I Scuba dive on my own?

NO! As a PADI diver you will be taught the SAFE diving practices, this means you will NEVER dive solo. However, if you do not have a partner to learn to dive with or accompany you on a course, Scuba Cat Diving, Phuket, Thailand will provide you with a dive buddy, all our "Fun" dives are guided on our Day Trips and Liveaboards so you will get the best from a site.


I have an ailment which I think may prevent me from Scuba diving, what should I do if I want to learn to Scuba dive?

You should seek advice from a diving doctor before commencing a course. As long as your doctor gives written consent you will be able to take up diving. We can recommend a doctor once you get to Phuket however you may wish to proceed with these Forms before you come.


Can people with disabilities learn to Scuba dive?

Yes, as long as you have written clearance from you doctor prior to booking a course and can master basic dive skills. IAHD are specifically for this purpose.


Where are the training courses held?

The classroom and pool sessions take place in our classrooms and Pool, while the open water dives are held at from our Day Trips Boat Scuba Fun.


Will I be able to dive worldwide with my certification?

Yes, PADI is the largest diver training organisation in the world.


What do I get at the end of my Scuba Diving course?

As well as the manual, dive tables and log book; you will also receive a temporary certificate of successful completion, we use PIC online to register you as a qualified diver your qualification will be mailed to your home address. This is returned to you as proof of your dive qualification.


I am currently a diver with another organisation, can I cross over to PADI courses?

Yes, although the level of cross-over depends on individual circumstances.


BSAC Levels and how they correspond with PADI:


  • 1. Ocean Diver/Club Diver may enroll in a PADI AOW
  • 2. Sport Diver may enroll in a PADI AOW
  • 3. Sport Diver w/min. 20 dives may enroll in PADI Rescue Diver
  • 4. DIVE LEADER may enroll in a PADI Divemaster course
  • 5. Advanced Diver may enroll in a PADI DM or AI course
  • 6. Club Instructor may enroll in an IDC
  • 7. Open Water Instructor may enroll in an IDC
  • 8. Advanced Instructor may enroll in a PADI IOC

CMAS Levels and how they correspond with PADI:


  • 1. CMAS 1 Star Diver may enroll in a PADI Advanced Open Water Course
  • 2. CMAS 2 Star Diver (with verification of Night and Navigation dive) may enroll in a PADI Divemaster course
  • 3. CMAS 3 Star Diver may enroll in a PADI Assistant Instructor Course
  • 4. CMAS 1 Star Instructor may enroll in a PADI IDC
  • 5. CMAS 2 Star Instructor may enroll in a PADI IOC

SSI levels and how they correspond with PADI:


  • 1. SSI OW = OW may enroll AOW
  • 2. SSI AOW = AOW may enroll Rescue
  • 3. SSI Stress & Rescue Techniques = Rescue may enroll Divemaster must assess rescue skills!
  • 4. SSI Master Diver = Rescue/MSD may enroll Divemaster, must assess rescue skills!
  • 5. SSI First Aid & CPR = EFR (provided training completed within past 2 yrs)
  • 6. SSI Dive Con = DM can enroll 1995 curriculum AI (or 2001 curriculum IDC = AI +/- OWSI)
  • 7. SSI OW / Dive Con Instructor -> either one can enroll in 2001 OWSI program, provided candidate is a current member with SSI and has been an instructor member with SSI for at least min 6 months, and all other OWSI prerequisites are fulfilled

Can I go straight from PADI Open Water Diver to the PADI Advanced Course?

Yes, PADI encourage the new diver to acquire further dive skills under the supervision of a PADI professional, the Advanced Course is specifically designed for this.