Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving
Q: Do I need to take both Part 1 & Part 2 to be certified?
A: Yes.
Q: What is the difference between Part 1 & Part 2?
A: Part 1 is the home study, classroom review, and pool ONLY portion of the certification process. Part 2 is the open water training dive portion (4 total dives over two days) of the certification process. Both Part 1 & Part 2 need to be successfully completed to earn your PADI Open Water or Jr. Open Water certification.
Q: How long does my PADI Open Water certification last?
A: Once acheiving a PADI Open Water certification it never expires and lasts for life. It is recommended however, to take a “Scuba Review” if a certified diver has not been scuba diving within 6 months.
Q: What is the minimum age my child can get certified?
A: PADI and the Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) sets the minimum age at 10 years old. This is a “Youth Open Water Certification” (limited to 40′ and must dive with a parent or dive professional). Once the child turns 15 years old they are automatically upgraded to the standard Open Water certification. We require that all 10-11 year old students enroll in either “Private” or “Semi-private” classes. This is to ensure the class goes at a pace the child or children are comfortable with.
Q: It’s winter and I’m (we’re) going on vacation to a warm weather destination – how can I get certified?
A: Come do Part 1 with us (home study, and pool)! Then take the training materials that we have signed to a PADI dive shop anywhere in the world to do your referral Open Water Training Dives. This is known as the Referral Process and it works GREAT. You don’t want to spend your vacation in a classroom – do you? Of course not. Come and receive your Part 1 portion of the course with us and then dive in a beautiful tropical environment for your Open Water Training Dives. How cool would that be? Then once certified, dive to your heart’s content (within your level of training and safe diving practices, of course). If you had to procure a physician’s signature to dive, please make a copy of the document to bring with you to the PADI shop where you will be doing your referred dives (see Medical Statement below).
Q: How long does it take to complete my home study?
A: Generally 10-12 hours is required for home study with eLearning modules.
Q: I’m Claustrophobic. Can I still scuba dive?
A: We at Aquaventure hear this a lot! Most people that think they’re Claustrophobic have zero issues scuba diving. We recommend if you’re apprehensive to take our Discover Scuba trial class to put any fears aside.
Q: My ears hurt when I swim to the bottom of the pool. Can I still learn to scuba dive?
A: Of course! During your class you will learn how to easily equalize/clear your ears while scuba diving.
Q: How many people are in each class?
Our PADI Open Water classes generally have 4 with up to 6 students maximum. No cattle classes here! We want to ensure you receive the most thorough scuba training available. Each Part 1 class with more than 4 students will have an additional PADI Instructor assist with the pool portion of the class.
Q: What equipment is provided?
We provide top of the line Aqualung & Scubapro equipment for your pool (Confined Water) and Open Water training. This includes tanks, weights, BCD, regulator, alternate air source, dive computer, and (wetsuit/hood/gloves for lake dives).
Q: What equipment do I need to bring?
While we will provide all of the equipment listed above, you need to bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins. A custom fit of your mask, snorkel, and fins is incredibly important for your comfort and safety, You should consider these items in the same way you consider your toothbrush when traveling – you want to bring your own – trust us on this! We have a full range of scuba rated equipment with a very knowledgeable staff. We highly recommend you to come into our store before the class to get properly fitted with your equipment. Please make sure that you have scuba-rated fins. Fins that you may own for snorkeling may not be powerful enough to “drive” a full set of scuba gear.
The days of your class you will need to bring a swimsuit and a towel. If you are not eating at the adjacent Subway for lunch, bring your own plus a water bottle. There will not be enough time on class days to go any farther than the Subway restaurant next door for lunch.
Q: How old do you need to be to become a certified Open Water Diver?
To be a fully certified PADI Open Water Diver you must be at least 15 years old and there is no maximum age; however, children as young as 10 years old can become PADI Junior Open Water Divers. 10 and 11 year olds must successfully complete the same requirements as an adult student so you may want to consider private lessons for your child(ren). Once certified, 10 and 11 year olds must dive with a parent, a guardian, or a PADI Professional. Those 12, 13 and 14 years old must dive with a certified adult diver. Once a Junior Open Water Diver reaches the age of 15, they may administratively apply for standard PADI Open Water Diver certification (this can be done here at the shop or directly with PADI).
Q: Do I have to be a good swimmer?
Not necessarily…you need only to be comfortable in the water and capable of swimming continuously for two hundred yards, and treading water/floating for 10 min.
Q: What is required of me before the first class?
You should complete the online eLearning program: Complete all online coursework including all interim Assessments and the Final Assessment.
You will receive a second email from PADI. This email contains a link that you need to click on and complete all digital paperwork. Read all of the documentation and complete all of the paperwork (Note: if you have any “yesses” on your Medical Statement, you must complete a separate RSTC Medical Statement and bring it to your doctor – see next question below).
Q: What if I have a “yes” on my Medical Form?
To view the RSTC Medical Form click here – PADI Medical Form-PDF
Safety is our number one concern. If you can answer “yes” to ANY of the medical questions, a separate PADI RSTC Medical Statement may need to be taken/sent to your physician for signature for permission to dive prior to you getting into the pool. Please call the shop if you have any questions. Note: if you do have any “yesses” on your Medical Statement and your physician clears you to dive, please make copies of the document as you may need to bring this for your referral dives or future dives with other shops.
Q: Where are the classes held?
There’s no need to run around town! Your entire Part 1 scuba class will be held at Aquaventure Dive & Photo Center. This includes both classroom and pool portions of the class. Our custom on-site pool is a balmy 85 degrees. We are located in Maple Grove just northwest of Osseo on the north side of County Rd 81 in the same strip mall as a Subway restaurant. Our address is: 10024 County Rd 81, Maple Grove, MN 55369 (763) 424-8717.
Q: How warm is your pool?
A: Our pool is kept at a comfortably warm at 84-85 degrees.
Q: Are private lessons available?
Yes. Whether you prefer one on one instruction, Semi-private instruction, or a private class for your family, private lessons can be scheduled to meet your needs. Call us for more details (763) 424-8717. Private/Semi-Private lessons are required for 10 and 11 year olds or those feeling they need a bit more time and attention. Semi-Private lessons are also terrific for couples and families! We work to your schedule and needs.
Q: How do I sign up for the class?
You can simply call us and sign up over the phone with a credit card (pre-payment required) or stop in at our store.
Cancellation policy:
Course fees are due upon class enrollment to guarantee your space in the class. Classes are non-refundable within 14 days of the class start date and non-transferrable within 7 days of class start time. One transfer is allowed for a fee of $90. All course fees are forfeited if you do not attend.
