General

Q. Is it hard to learn to SCUBA dive?
No, in fact, it’s probably easier than you imagine especially if you are already confident in the water. PADI’s entry-level diver course is split into knowledge development, confined water (sheltered bay) skill training and Scuba training dives.

Q. How long does it take to become a certified Scuba diver?
PADI courses are “performance based” which means that you qualify when you demonstrate that you’ve mastered the required skills and knowledge. Some people learn faster than others so how long it takes may vary. The PADI Open Water Diver course for beginners is typically split into five or six sessions with tremendous flexibility. The course can be scheduled over as little as four days. The PADI Scuba Diver course can be scheduled over as little as two days.

Q. How old do you have to be to become a certified diver?

According to local law, persons can dive from 12 to 60 years old. A minor from 14 till 18 years old will need written consent from parent or guardian to dive with us.

Q. Scuba diving sounds exciting but I’m not sure if it’s for me. Can I try it without signing up for a course?
Yes. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving program allows you to make a shallow dive supervised by an instructor after a short theory and practice session to familiarize you with the equipment and some techniques. This takes just a few hours and if you like it, you can credit the skills to the 2-day Scuba Diver course or to the 4-day Open Water course.

Q. Is Scuba diving expensive?
Following a Dive Med College Program is very good value for money. All the programs include medical examination and a 45 min boat trip from Mandraki Harbour to the dive site with a big luxurious and modern boat. Because Dive Med College can supply all the necessary equipment, you don’t need to invest in any gear at all. Also Dive Med College is following high standards on diving because it is a PADI 5* Gold Palm Instructor Development Centre.

Q. Is Scuba diving dangerous?
Statistics show that recreational Scuba diving is about as safe as swimming. Certainly there are potential hazards, which is why you need training, but, like driving a car, as long as you follow the rules and use general common sense, it’s very safe.

Q. Can I wear my glasses under the mask?

No, but under the water sight is magnified by one third more and we are only interested in seeing objects close to us.

Q. Can I wear my contact lenses under the mask?

Yes soft lenses can be worn, but we advise not to wear hard or medium hard lenses, because there is a possibility to lose them. Sight under water is magnified by one third more.

Q. Both of the parents want to dive who is going to take care for their child?

Both of them can dive but not together. One will go diving in the first group while the other cares for child then the second will go in the last group while first takes care of child. It is something that they have to arrange on the boat together with the responsible instructor for the groups.

Q. How old do you have to be to go Scuba Diving?
According to local law persons can dive from 14 to 60 years old. A minor from 14 till 18 years old will need written consent from parent or guardian to dive with us.

Q. When does the dive boat depart?

Our boat “TRITON II” is situated in Mandraki Harbour opposite the New Market. Our boat is open from 08:00 to check in passengers for our excursion. At 09:00 we request clearance from the Harbour Master and will depart anytime between 09:00 and 09:15.

Q. What do I need to bring with me on the excursion?

A jumper for the beginning and the end of season, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, a towel, a good pair of comfortable non-slip shoes (flip flops not advised). Extra money for snacks and refreshments and the optional extra facilities such as: second dive, picture, video, T-shirts, Sweatshirts.

Medical

Q. Do I have to meet any special health or fitness requirements?
No. Generally speaking, anyone in good average health can participate. As a precaution, you’ll be asked to complete a routine medical questionnaire. If you answer yes to anything on the questionnaire, a doctor is going to check you on the boat to make sure it’s acceptable to dive.

Q. My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool. Won’t they hurt when I Scuba dive?
Your ears hurt because pressure pushes in on your eardrum. In your Scuba program, you’ll learn a simple technique to equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land with an airplane, and they won’t hurt at all.

Q. I have an ear infection can I dive?

It is recommended not to dive with an ear infection. Drops can be purchased at the pharmacy and it normally clears out after a few days.

 Q. I have had a perforated eardrum can I dive?

If the ear was perforated within a month it is recommended not to dive.

But if there has been a perforated eardrum in the passed, no problem, it normally heals over in a month. It is good though to mention it to the doctor so the instructors are going to take you down more carefully.

 Q. I have Asthma can I dive?

If some one has sever chronicle Asthma and different types of medicine are taken to control it, it is recommended not to dive.

But for some one suffering from common Asthma is able to dive but it is recommended that they bring their medicine with them.

 Q. I am deaf can I dive?

Yes no problem, as long as there are no internal problems with equilibrium.

 Q. I have a pacemaker can I dive?

No, since little research has been done on pacemakers and diving and due to the increase of pressure while under water it is recommended not to dive.

 Q. I have a cold and a cough can I dive?

You can cough through the regulator while breathing under water, if the sinuses are not blocked with mucus you can dive. If the sinuses are blocked than you will have a problem equalizing the pressure in your ears, than it is recommended not to dive.

 Q. I just had an operation can I dive?

If the incisions have well healed and if the operation was not performed for medical conditions that will disqualify you from diving, then you can dive.

 Discover Scuba diving

 Q. How soon can I fly after a dive?

For the depths and times of the Discover scuba program you can fly after 12 hours according to International diving rules.

 Q. Is lunch included?

No. But we have a fully stocked bar with a variety of sandwiches and snacks and cold drinks for sale at reasonable prices.

Q. Can I eat just before a dive?

Yes. Actually it is a good idea to eat light before a dive. It is not recommended to have a full heavy meal before a dive.

Q. Can I drink alcohol before or during the excursion?

No. Alcohol consumption is not recommended before a dive. It is recommended that heavy drinking should be avoided the evening before.

 Spectators

 Q. Am I stuck on the boat all day?

No. When we arrive in Kalithea, every one on the excursion has access to land.

Q. What can I do all day?

You can relax on the boat in shaded or unshaded areas. You can snorkel, swim, sunbathe or explore Kalithea bay.

Certified Divers

 Q. How many dives can I make in one day?

It is possible to make two dives in one day. For the second dive you will pay on board.

Q. I am with a friend who is on the Discover scuba program will we be separated?

No, you will be all on the same boat. The only time that you will be separated is while you are diving. The certified divers are guided by one of our instructors in a group. The discover scuba program dives separately with other Instructors.

 Q. At what depths will I dive to?

Certified divers are taken between 10 and 20 meters.

 Q. I haven’t dived for over a year. Is this a problem?

Divers should know that if they have not been diving for periods of over 1 year they should take a refresher course. This course is available from us daily.

 Q. My family member or friend is on the Discover scuba program can I dive with them?

Yes, you can. It will count as the dive you have booked. Later you can join in on the second dive with the certified divers (Optional extra).

 Q. I forgot my diving certificate at home; can I join the certified divers?

Certified divers will have to provide us with their diving certificate.

Certified divers should know that if they cannot show proof of their diving experience they will be treated as beginner divers. The client can have their certificate faxed over to their hotel or to our office; this will also be sufficient proof. Or they will come out and have a check out dive with one of our instructors which will count as the dive they have booked they can then join in on the second dive (optional extra).

 Q. Are their more dive sites on the Island?

No. Due to the archeological department scuba diving is not permitted anywhere on the Island except Kalithea bay. Our boat arrives at Kalithea bay at 10:00 hours. It ties up to a platform and all diving takes place from there.