What does SCUBA stand for?

• Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus

Is learning to dive difficult?

• No, it's probably easier than you think, especially if you're already comfortable in the water.  PADI's entry level course consists of pool diving, knowledge development and open water dives.  The course is performance based, meaning that you progress as you lean and demonstrate knowledge and skill.

How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?

• You must be at least ten years old to receive a Junior Open Water Diver Certification.  Ten and eleven year old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 meters/40 feet.  Twelve to Fourteen year olds must dive with a certified adult.  At age fifteen, the Junior certification upgrades to a regular Open Water Diver Certification

Are there any special qualifications or considerations to participate in a scuba class?

• Generally speaking, anyone in good average health and at least ten years old can participate.  You will, however, complete a medical questionnaire.  If anything on the questionnaire indicates a reason to be cautious about diving, you'll need to check with a physician to make sure you can dive.

Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as a scuba diver?

• No.  You need to be a reasonably proficient swimmer and comfortable in the water.  You must swim 200 meters/200 yards non stop, without a time or specific requirement or a 300 meter/yard swim with mask, fins and snorkel.  You'll also perform a ten minute tread/float.

What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?

• Due to their customized fit, Chicagoland Scuba recommends each student have their own mask, fins, snorkel and boots.  Our trained professionals can assist you in our store to ensure you get the gear that best fits your needs.

What's in a scuba tank?  Oxygen?

• Recreational divers breathe air, not oxygen.  The air in a scuba tank is like the air you're breathing but is also filtered to remove impurities, and most of the moisture.

I'm not sure if scuba diving is for me.  Is there a way I can try scuba diving without paying to be certified?

• Yes there is.  You can try a Discover Scuba session.  All equipment will be provided for you.  The session will consist of a short academic session and a skills demonstration before you can try scuba diving under direct supervision of a certified scuba instructor.  This dive may be applied to your certification.  Speak to your Discover Scuba Instructor and the staff at Chicagoland Scuba to determine that.

My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool.  Won't they hurt when I scuba dive?

• Your ears hurt because of the water pressure on your eardrum.  In you scuba course, you'll learn simple techniques in equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane.

Is scuba diving safe?

• Absolutely!  During the course of your training, you will be given the knowledge on how to safely dive within the limits of your training.

I need vision correction.  Is this a problem?

• Probably not.  Call or stop by our store and speak to us regarding your specific situation.

In movies and television, scuba divers are always running into sharks and eels.  Should I be concerned about marine animals?

• Most aquatic animals are passive or timid.  A few do bite or sting, but you can avoid these by not touching them.  Divers are not natural prey for sharks, and therefore shark attacks are rare.

I am certified with an organization other than PADI.  Can I still take PADI courses?

• Yes!  Call or stop by our store, and our professional staff with assist you in planning the appropriate course for you.