Home ▪ Scuba Diving FAQ - Most Asked Diving Questions - Gill Divers
  

Gill Divers FAQ – Scuba Diving

PADI Open Water Diver Course

  1. What is the PADI Open Water Diver certification?
    • The certification will allow successful participants to independently dive with a buddy for not more than 18m. In the event that you go diving without a buddy, the dive operators will assign one for you, almost anywhere in the world.
    • PADI is the largest diving certifying agency, therefore most of the dive operators all over the world will recognize your PADI certification
    • Although the PADI dive certification never expires, it is advised that you attend a Scuba Review or refresher if you have not dived for more than 6 months.
  2. What is the difference between Junior Open Water Diver and Open Water Diver?
    • For participants between the ages of 10 and 15 years, upon completion of the course, they will be certified as Junior Open Water Diver and they may only dive up to 12m with a buddy. The course structure and content are identical, but during the course, the participant to trainer ratio is smaller.
  3. How long does it takes to complete the PADI Open Water Diver course?
    • Typically, a week or so following a fix schedule, however individuals may request for customized schedule with more personal instruction.
    • All PADI course are performance based, example 1: Tuesday, student diver completed Theory sections of the course and realized he/she will be busy for the next 1month, he/she may continue his/her training when available.
    • Example 2: Training Schedule (Tuesday – Theory Lesson, Sunday – Pool (confined water) Training). Participant signed up on Friday and only has limited time to complete the course, he/she may choose to attend the Pool before the theory in order to fit the schedule better.
  4. How many participants will attend the course?
    • Many factors will determine the course size, but we will ensure maximum attention for every participant, if a class size is more than 4-6 (depending on individual group comfort level in the water), an additional divemaster will be assigned or the class will be split into 2 or more groups.
  5. What are the age group of the participants?
    • It varies from early twenties to fifties.
  6. Where will the PADI Open Water Diver Course lessons be conducted?
    • Theory Lesson – Usually the classes are conducted in Gill Divers (37b Hongkong Street), house calls are possible if you are signing up as a group of substantial size, 20+
    • Pool Lesson – Usually pool training is conducted at the pool Outram Secondary School (map)
  7. Do I need my own diving equipment for this course?
    • All basic equipment is included in the package, however for your own comfort, it is advisable to get your own basic equipment such as mask and snorkel and fins. This is more for your own comfort and hygiene. For more information, you can contact your friendly instructor to help you choose fitting equipment.

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

  1. Can I take the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course right after my Open Water Course?
    • Yes, you can take the Advanced Course right after doing the Open Water course, however some people like to log a few more dives before doing it. It is your personal choice and comfort level.
  2. What is the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification?
    • The certification will allow successful participants to independently dive with a buddy for not more than 40m. In the event that you go diving without a buddy, the dive operators will assign one for you, almost anywhere in the world.
  3. Do I have to do the Advanced Course to do a Night dive?
    • No, you can do a PADI Night diver specialty course if you only wish to do night diving.
  4. What new things can Advanced Open Water Diver course offer me?
    • The Advanced Open Water Diver exposes divers to different kinds of diving such as drift diving, night diving, deep diving, underwater navigation, search and recovery and wreck diving. It is an interesting course and apart from Deep Diving and Underwater Navigation, the other 3 dives are electives.
  5. Is there a minimum number of dives I need to log before taking the Advanced Diver Course?
  6. What equipment is recommended for the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course?
    • It is recommended that you get a Surface Marker (Sausage) for your own safety and a signaling device. Basic equipment like mask, snorkel and fins is recommended as well if not already owned. If you are looking to invest in some of the more expensive equipment, we would recommend getting a dive computer as you will be going for a deep dive. Your instructor will teach you to use your new equipment if necessary, like deploying your Surface Marker.
  7. How deep will we dive to on our Deep Dive?
    • The maximum depth you will go to for your training Deep Dive is 30m

PADI Rescue Diver

  1. Is the PADI Rescue Diver Course recommended for me to take on?
    • The PADI Rescue Diver course is recommended for divers who are interested in learning how to avoid and handle problems for themselves and other divers. It is highly recommended as it enriches your confidence level as a diver as well as benefits other divers in terms of safety.
  2. What skills can I learn from the Rescue Diver Course?
    • You will be learning self rescue skills as well as learning to handle dive injuries, missing divers, panicked divers and surfacing unconscious divers. You will learn how to identifyor prevent problems as well as manage emergencies. You will practice different scenarios which are most fun when you have other Rescue divers to co-ordinate with.
  3. Would the PADI Rescue Diver Course be too physically demanding for me?
    • The PADI Rescue Diver Course is one of the most physically demanding courses but you only need to be good physical health. It may be tiring at times, but if you put in the effort, the reward of being able to handle an emergency is more than enough.
  4. Can I take the PADI Rescue Diver Course concurrently with the PADI Divemaster course?
    • We offer the 3-in-1 Rescue/Divemaster package that also includes the Emergency First Response course (CPR and First Aid). You will be doing the PADI Rescue Diver course before starting on the Divemaster course, but when we groom for the Professional levels like Divemasters, you get more practice as Rescue divers because you repeat components of the Rescue multiple times over more training sessions.
  5. Is there a minimum number of dives I need to log before I can apply for the PADI Rescue Diver Course?
    • There is no minimum logged dives for a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver. But if you have an equivalent certification from another agency, you will need to prove that you have 20 logged dives at least.
  6. Do I need to do the Emergency First Responder Course?
    • You need to have proof that you have current CPR and First Aid training.
  7. What equipment is recommended for the PADI Rescue Diver Course?
    • You should have your own basic equipment like mask, fins, snorkel, exposure suits by now. But you should have safety equipment like a Surface marker (DSMB), a signaling device like pointers or bangers, a torch, a compass, a reel, slates or wetnotes. A dive computer would be good as well as there are a lot of safety features on it which would be very useful as a

PADI Divemaster Course

  1. Should I continue my diving journey through the PADI Divemaster Course?
    • If you have a interest becoming a dive professional, this course is recommended for you. You will broaden your dive knowledge, assisting with student divers, learn role model behaviour, hone your skills as well as learn to lead certified divers. You will increase you water confidence and will get to go for more trips if you are keen and have the right attitude. Also, becoming a Divemaster is the first step to becoming a Scuba Diving Instructor.
  2. Would the PADI Divemaster Course be too physically demanding for me?
    • You should be physically fit as a Divemaster and there are some waterskills and stamina tests for you to perform.
  3. Is there a minimum number of dives I need to log before I can apply for the PADI Divemaster Course?
    • You need 20 dives to start the PADI Divemaster course and in order to be certified, you need to have logged 60 dives.
  4. How long does the PADI Divemaster Course take?
    • The course can be completed in two weeks with but to be a good divemaster, usually we are talking about training spread out over a couple of months. Most of our Divemasters take a couple of months to complete all the components.
  5. Do I need my own diving equipment for this course?
    • Yes, as a Professional, we expect you to have your own equipment. Our Divemasters must own the following; BCD, regulator, dive computer, mask, snorkel, fins, necessary exposure suit, slates, Surface marker, signaling device, torch, dive knife or cutting tool, dive bag.
  6. Are there other additional expectations Gill Divers has for their Divemasters?
    • Yes, we have a basic Malay class since most of training dives are in Malaysia. We also encourage our divemasters to have Nitrox Specialty Certifications and need to do a simple Marine Project.

General FAQ

  1. Is Scuba Diving safe?
    • Scuba diving is safe if you practice safe standards of diving and have proper training. However, with all sea related activities, there is some element of risk but this is easily minimized with good practices.
  2. How long has Gill Divers been around?
  3. Will we encounter sharks?
    • Yes, it is a possibility but most tropical sharks are shy and wary of divers so it is unlikely that you will come very close to one. Also, the shark populations are being decimated so it is harder to see them then you would think.
  4. Where are the popular/ usual destinations for Scuba Diving?
    • In Southeast Asia, we have tonnes of great dive sites at our doorstep. Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand have many places for you visit, check out our dive travel.
  5. Is there diving all year round?
    • Different dive sites have different seasons but there is always somewhere in Southeast Asia that is in season all year round.
  6. Do I need my own diving equipment?
    • For courses, we provide all the basic equipment but of course we recommend personal equipment for safety, hygiene, familiarity and comfort.
  7. Can I purchase equipment from Gill Divers?
    • Yes, you can visit our shop or view our products on our website.
  8. Will Gill Divers‘ instructors accompany me to dive locations?
    • Depends on the dive package. We also send our own instructors to courses to Tioman and Dayang, but if you are going to further destinations, it depends on the package as well as the number of students going.
  9. How can I sign up for PADI courses from Gill Divers?
    • You can register online in the top righthand corner of our website. Payment can be made at our shop in cash, credit card, cheques or NETS. We accept bank transfers as well, but you will need to come down to our shop at some point to complete the registration and pick up your material.
  10. Can I dive if I am menstruating?
    • If menstruating does not prevent you from doing other sports then it should not prevent you from diving. It is dependent on your personal comfort level.
  11. I am over 50, can I still learn to dive?
    • As long as you have good general health you should be able to dive. Having a doctor approve of you medical history is the best solution for any worries you have.
  12. Is there insurance included?
    • All PADI courses have minimal insurance that cover you while in the water only. However, it is recommended that you get some form of travel insurance and we have a recommended one for short trips available at our shop..
  13. I am a weak swimmer, can I still learn to dive?
    • You will need to pass a 200m swim or 300m snorkel as well as tread/float water for 10 minutes to qualify for the Open Water course. Apart from that you should be okay. Also, it does not necessarily follow that I weak swimmers make bad divers.

Certification Cards

  1. I need to dive immediately, can I get my certification card immediately?
    • Unfortunately the card needs to be processed and that takes time. However, you will be issued a temporary card if necessary, just inform your instructor.
  2. How long will it take for me to get my certification card?
    • We need to send the certification applications to the PADI Asia Pacific Office in Australia. Depending on whether we use snail mail or send it online, cards usually take between 2weeks to 2 months to arrive at our shop, upon which we will email you when it is ready for pickup.
  3. I have yet to receive my card, what is going on?
    • Did you send in your photo? Did you write your name on your photo if you sent in a hard copy? A card will not be issued if you do not have a photo. Also, we process many students so sometimes if you do not write your name on your photo or use a nickname different from the one your register with us from, confusion occurs.
  4. I have still yet to receive my card, what should I do?
    • Please email us directly at gillmen@gilldivers.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . It would be great if you could include your NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, LEVEL OF CERTIFICATION and a digital photo of yourself that would be good. Ideally, if you have uploaded a photo onto your onediver profile we should be able to track your card more easily.
  5. I have lost my card but need to dive, how do I replace it?
    • To replace your card we charge $70 and will need your NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, LEVEL OF CERTIFICATION and a digital photo of yourself. You can email us or come to our shop directly.
  6. I forgot to bring my card along for my dive trip, what can I do?
    • If you are on the trip already, you can contact us to search for the certification number. We will need your NAME, DATE OF BIRTH. And any Variation of your name, Example: “Lily Ming Wei Tan”, instead of just “Lily Tan”. Or “Douglas Duncan Black” instead of just “Doug Black”.
    • I no longer live in Singapore, how will I get my card?
      • Please give us your mailing address to send the card to because we assume students live in Singapore if not otherwise stated.