Frequently asked questions

This is one of the most common questions we get from people interested in diving or snorkeling for the first time. The answer is a big YES! All introductory dive and snorkel programs are perfectly safe and specially designed for non swimmers but any type of diving certification would require basic swimming skills.

Scuba diving is generally considered safe when practiced properly and within your limits. However, like any activity, it carries inherent risks. Proper training, certification, and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial.

You need to consult your doctor and possibly get a diving medical, depending on the actual condition.

You can get your Open Water scuba certificate in as little as 3 to 4 days, The course involves eLearning (5-10 hours), confined water (pool) sessions, and four open water dives.

Jacques Cousteau, the inventor of scuba diving, called it “the sport for active grandmothers“, and he was still diving in his eighties!. If you are fit then yes, you can scuba dive. If in any doubt consult your doctor and get a diving medical. At Dolphin Dive UK, we have taught people well into their 60's for example.

It depends on many factors. How deep you go (the deeper the dive the more air you breathe), how experienced you are (new divers tend to use a lot more air than the more experienced), how fit you are (fitter divers tend to use less air), how warm the water is, how much work you are doing underwater (swimming hard or just floating about). In warm water an experienced diver stays down for around an hour.

When learning you can often hire all the equipment, but you’ll soon want to buy some of your own. If you tend to get cold make sure you get a well fitting wetsuit or drysuit, plus your basic kit of mask, fins and snorkel. Again, make sure your mask fits well. Put it onto your face without the strap on and breath in. Does it stay on?

The maximum depth for newly qualified divers depends on the training you have received, but is generally 18m. Younger divers will be certified to a shallower depth, for example a SSI Open Water Diver who is under 12 can dive to 12 m

1. Good buoyancy control is essential so you don’t damage the underwater environment – crashing into, for example, coral. 2. In warm water don’t wear gloves – you will be more careful about where you put your hands. 3. Use reef-safe sunscreen: many sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that can damage coral reefs and marine life. 4. Avoid bringing single-use plastics or disposable items on dive trips. For example, opt for reusable water bottles. 5. Get involved in local marine conservation projects or volunteer for beach cleanups to help protect marine ecosystems and reduce pollution. If you don’t live near the sea, join a marine conservation society. 6. Respect marine life: observe marine life from a safe distance and avoid disturbing or harassing animals. 7. Choose a responsible dive operator which has environmentally friendly policies in place.