Have a read of the common questions for when you are starting diving and for when choosing to dive with Freedom Adventures. If you have a question of your own the just ask!

What Equipment will I need?

What’s it like to breathe underwater?

Can I get my flights through Freedom?

Do I need Insurance?

Are transfers from the airport to my accommodation taken care of?

If needed, is transport to and from the dive school included?

What qualifications can I get?

What’s the difference between PADI and BSAC?

What if I don’t want to do a course, can I just dive?

What depths will I dive to?

Are there any prerequisites for entry level certification?

Do I need a medical examination or certificate before I can dive?

Are there any age restrictions?

Does it matter if I’m travelling alone?

What Equipment will I need?

Freedom Adventures can supply all or some of the kit you’ll need – whether it’s just a tank or the whole lot, we’ve got it covered and our dive schools only use high quality, regularly serviced equipment.  A lot of divers like to invest in their own mask and snorkel (buy in the UK, starting at around £25 for both) but we can supply them too if you’d prefer.

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What’s it like to breathe underwater?

Everyone’s different.  It can feel like the most natural thing in the world for some people or it can feel a bit strange or scary at first and just takes a bit of getting used to.  One thing’s for sure, once you take those first few breaths, it’s a thrilling experience seeing a whole new world open up before your eyes and as your exhaled breaths bubble up to the surface.

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Can I get my flights through Freedom?

Yes.  Freedom Adventures are ATOL protected and can offer you a selection of competitive flight options.  Experience tells us that these days however, a lot of travellers prefer the flexibility of booking flights themselves so we leave the choice up to you.  If you’d like flights, just let us know at the time of booking.

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Do I need Insurance?

Yes.  You will need insurance that covers you for diving.  If you already have holiday insurance, check whether you’re covered or are able to ‘bolt on’ diving cover for a minimal fee.  You will need to let your insurance company know the depths you’ll be diving to (just ask us first if you’re not sure), and they’ll want to know that you are qualified for those depths.  You can book insurance independently and at Freedom Adventures we can help point you in the right direction, please just ask when your speaking with a member of the booking team.

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Are transfers from the airport to my accommodation taken care of?

Yes.  When you arrive at the airport in your destination country, you’ll be greeted someone from our transport service who will take you to your accommodation and help you with your bags to Reception.

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If needed, is transport to and from the dive school included?

Yes.  A member of our dive school can pick you up from your accommodation and drop you home again at the end of the day, all free of charge.

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What qualifications can I get?

Both PADI and BSAC have a range of courses designed to progressively increase your knowledge and experience, from complete beginner through to instructor.  The first certification courses are Open Water Diver and Ocean Diver with PADI and BSAC respectively.  Click for detailed information on all the courses offered by PADI and BSAC.

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What’s the difference between PADI and BSAC?

PADI is a worldwide association based in the United States, whereas BSAC is based in Great Britain.  They are the two most common diving organisations in the UK for people learning to scuba dive and are both equally recognised internationally.  The main difference is that BSAC have clubs across the UK who meet regularly, providing training, dive programmes and social events.  PADI tend to run their courses from dive shops or dive schools.  Broadly speaking, those wanting to meet like-minded people and are more interested in diving in the UK or throughout the year are more attracted to BSAC, and those wishing to mainly dive overseas during holidays may be best suited to PADI, although you can just as easily dive in the UK with PADI or anywhere abroad with BSAC.

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What if I don’t want to do a course, can I just dive?

Our dive schools offer a try dive which lasts an hour or so in the pool or a confined open water site.  Alternatively, PADI’s Discover Scuba Diving course usually lasts a whole day and, whilst not an actual scuba certification, gives a quick and easy introduction to the sport and an idea of what it takes to become a certified scuba diver.  It may also hold valid credit towards a certification course, such as the PADI Open Water. It is however, in our opinion, rather limited and in order to fully experience scuba diving, Freedom Adventures recommends beginning your scuba experience with a certified qualification (if you have any doubts about whether it’s for you, perhaps do a try dive first in UK with your nearest dive school or club (PADI or BSAC)).

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What depths will I dive to?

If undergoing the PADI Open Water course you’ll be able to dive to a depth of 18m once qualified (12m if you’re between 10 and 12 years old).  If you decide to take your diving further, as a recreational diver you can get qualified to depths of up to 50m.

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Are there any prerequisites for entry level certification?

Yes.  You need to be able to swim 200m and tread water for 10 minutes in swimwear, satisfy that you are medically fit to dive (see below) and fulfil the age requirements (see below).

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Do I need a medical examination or certificate before I can dive?

If diving with PADI, students complete a brief medical questionnaire.  If you have any medical conditions that warrant it then a certificate from your GP to confirm you’re fit to dive may be necessary, particularly if you’re over 45 years of age.  If not, you sign the form and you’re ready to go!

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Are there any age restrictions?

With PADI, you must be over 10 years old to complete the Discover Scuba or Open water courses and BSAC requires divers to be 12 years and over for their Ocean Diver certification.

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Does it matter if I’m travelling alone?

Whether on a course or not, recreational divers ALWYAS dive with a buddy.  This may be a friend with whom you share a passion for diving or, as is more often the case, you will be paired up with a fellow dive student or qualified diver.  Scuba diving’s great for making friends and lots of people travel and dive independently.  We have plenty of instructors, dive masters and other students who would love to be your dive buddy!  No matter what, if new to scuba diving, you will always be under the supervision and guidance of experienced instructors.

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If you have a question of your own then please let us know; we'd love to help you.