Scuba Diving FAQs
What you need to know before you dive into your course.
Frequently Asked Scuba Diving Questions
Click on any question for the answer
Do I need to be able to swim to learn to dive?
Yes, you need to be able to swim 200 metres non-stop in any swim style you choose and be able to tread water for 10 minutes.
How old do I need to be to learn to dive?
The minimum age to try SCUBA Diving in Queensland is 12 years old.
Do I need a Dive Medical to learn to dive?
Maybe, click here for a Medical Statement declaration.
Please answer the questions on your past or present medical history with a YES or NO and return to Turtle Town Scuba. A dive medical is NOT required if your medical history allows you to answer NO to all of the questions on the PDF.
Do you provide transport while I learn how to dive?
We may be able to assist with local transport. Please contact us prior to booking your course if you wish to confirm availability.
How long will the PADI eLearning theory take to complete?
The PADI Open Water eLearning takes approximately 8 hours to complete. You must complete all sections and the final exam and bring your completed exam print out to the first day of your course.
Will my dive certification be recognised worldwide?
Yes, PADI is the largest international diver training agency and recognised worldwide. Meaning, if you’re a PADI Open Water certified diver, you will be allowed to dive up to 18 metres anywhere in the world. Or if you’re a PADI Advanced Open Water certified diver you will be allowed to dive up to 30 metres anywhere in the world.
How long will my PADI Open Water Diver certification be valid for?
For life! However, we do recommend that you keep your skills fresh by diving at least every 6 months. Been a while between dives? We also offer Scuba Refresher courses if you haven’t been diving for more than 12 months. Click here to find out more.
Is SCUBA diving safe?
Yes, Diving is a safe recreational activity. Due to the nature of diving, standards and procedures are extremely strict and safety is the number one priority when learning to dive and once you become a recreational scuba diver.
Like with any adventure sport, however, there are certain risks involved, so it is important to follow correct procedures to minimise the chance of injury. Before your diving course, you will also be asked to sign a waiver.
Can I dive if I have glasses or contact lenses?
Yes, if you wear contact lenses it is fine for you to dive whilst wearing them. You just need to make sure that if you get water in your mask you need to keep your eyes closed. If you’re worried, bring a spare pair of contact lenses to the pool and ocean dives during your course. If you wear glasses, there are masks that can accommodate prescription lenses that can be fitted to whatever prescription you require – ask our diving instructors which masks are suitable for you.
Do I need to buy my dive equipment to learn to dive?
Learning to dive is an investment in a skill you will have for the rest of your life – SCUBA diving! Turtle Town Scuba’s dive courses include all your equipment hire, so whilst you don’t need to buy your own dive equipment, we do encourage you to purchase your own mask and snorkel as a COVID-safe practive, and so you can dive wherever and whenever you want! Plus, you have the added bonus of knowing your equipment is perfectly suited to your diving needs and fitted perfectly for you.
At Turtle Town Scuba, we can help you with all your scuba gear needs and can assist you with all fittings in-store. Visit our Bundaberg PADI Dive Shop to learn more.
Bargara and Bundaberg are home to Australia’s Southern Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world and a superb place to indulge in some of the best dive sites in Australia. It offers an abundance of coral reefs and marine life including turtles, whales (during whale season) and countless other species. We can take you to some hidden, calm and protected reef sites, perfect for first-timers, as well as deeper sites on the outer reefs for more experienced divers.
Learn To Dive
Turtle Town Scuba is the top-rated diving school in the Bargara and Bundaberg Region. We provide a range of diving courses and adventures for all levels, as well as diving gear hire and more!