Frequently Asked Questions about PADI Courses & Scuba Diving in Pattaya, Thailand

This section contains questions and comments on FAQ's (frequently asked questions) about Scuba Diving, PADI Dive Courses, and Scuba Diving in Pattaya, Thailand.

Q. Is Scuba Diving dangerous ?
Well, do you remember when Scuba diving was dangerous, and sex was safe? One of the most dangerous things about diving is that it could change your life forever, and it may cost you some money to pay for the adventures and excitement that the underwater world offers.

Q. Why should I choose PADI for my Scuba Training ?
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), is the world’s largest recreational diving membership organization. The PADI system is based on proven educational design principals and has evolved for more than 40 years. The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most sought after certification in the world. Through their training, PADI divers learn the importance of protecting fragile aquatic ecosystems and are encouraged to become involved in preservation efforts.

Q. Do I need to be a good swimmer ?
The Open Water course requirements state that the student must demonstrate that they can comfortably maintain themselves in deep water. The two methods are a 10 minute swim float and either a 200 meter continuous swim, or a 300 meter swim with mask, snorkel and fins.

Q. Do I need a medical examination ?
Each student must read and sign a Medical statement and Diving Medical questionnaire.
If the student checks ‘yes’ to any of the items, a physician must approve the student's fitness for diving before any in water training. However, these forms are not necessary for participants in PADI courses that do not involve in water activities such as Emergency First Response courses. (more information is available at WRSTC)

Q. Can I learn to Dive online, and if so, how ?
If you are 10 years or older, you may decide to start to learn diving online. To register, you must be affiliated with a PADI Dive Center or Resort member first. This can be done either through the eLearning Resort/member website, or at Padi.com. The cost is approximately $120 to participate in the knowledge development portion of the Open Water course, online. Student divers can then access the online version of the PADI Open Water manual, and have full interaction with the Dive Center through e-mails and posted discussions. Upon successful completion, the students can print their eLearning Record and head to their affiliated PADI Center or Dive Resort for confined and open water dive training.

Q. If I haven’t been diving for a while, what is the best way to return to Scuba Diving ?
Remember, diving is a safe sport until the day that you forget how dangerous it ‘can’ be! If you’ve been inactive from diving for a while, you may appreciate our basic reminders and tips checklist (click here for our scuba diving safety tips)
Maybe you have an opportunity to receive our FREE SCUBA DIVING refresher* ?

Q. What is a 'Scuba Referral' ?
Student divers who begin their training in one location may need or want to continue their training in another location. PADI courses can be transferred to another instructor/resort so that the student can continue or complete their Dive courses in a different location.

Q. What is Nitrox Diving ?
Nitrox is a mix of nitrogen and oxygen gases. Enriched air (nitrox) is a mix with 22% - 40% Oxygen. This increase in oxygen and decrease in nitrogen allows divers to stay longer at certain depths while staying inside the limits of recreational diving.

Q. Can I dive with a disability ?
Diving and snorkeling have huge physical and psychological benefits for those Diving with a disability.
PADI standards have been adapted to optimize the inclusion of people who are handicapped in some way. The extra mobility and freedom, the rehabilitation and the added challenge is now extended to this wider audience to welcome disabled divers.
Send me an e-mail for more information about divers with special challenges, or visit www.iahd.com

Q. How soon can I fly after I have been Scuba Diving ?
Recent experimental trials indicate the risk of decompression sickness (DCS) decreases as the preflight surface interval increases. Based on these studies, the Workshop reached the following consensus recommendations. These recommendations apply to flights at cabin altitudes between 600 metres/2000 feet and 2400 metres/8000 feet and to divers who are without DCS symptoms. Work by Buehlmann, which was used by the US Navy Diving manual, suggests that immediate ascent to 600 metres/2000 feet altitude is possible with low DCS risk. In 1999, the US Navy adopted more flexible procedures based, in part on Buehlmann and Vann et al. Following these recommendations reduces DCS risk but does not guarantee that a diver will avoid DCS. For Dives within the No-Decompression Limits;
Single Dives - A minimum preflight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested
Repetitive Dives and/or Multiday Dives - A minimum preflight surface interval of 18 hours is suggested

Q. What happens if I can't complete the Course ?
If you're unable to complete your scuba course for some unlikely reason, your PADI instructor may grant you a PADI referral for the portion of the course you have completed, and you can finish the course at a later date.

Q. Can we help with somewhere safe & clean to stay in Pattaya ?
Our slogan is 'Here to help' and we can certainly recommend safe and clean accommodation in Pattaya during your Scuba Course with us. Simply send us an e-mail with your requirements and we'll suggest some options for you to choose from. Rooms in Pattaya range from Budget Apartments up to Luxury Hotel Accommodation, the choice is yours.

Q. How do I make a booking for a Scuba Diving Course ?
At Private Scuba we make it easy to reserve your Scuba Course or Dive Trip. Simply fill in the details on our contact us page, and we will confirm your booking with a personal and prompt reply.
We look forward to meeting you soon ......

To make an enquiry, submit a booking, or ask question, please use our Contact Us form.