Diving Sites in Port Blair
Scuba diving is open throughout the year except for the rainy season. Simply put, you can’t go for a dive if it's raining or there are chances of a storm since it's risky. Usually, scuba diving season starts around the beginning of October and ends by the end of April. However, many scuba diving sites are also open throughout May and some parts of June, on days when there’s no rain. Note that the diving centre may cancel your scuba dive in case there are sudden spells of rain.
Answer: The PADI Emergency First Response course usually lasts for a day. The course comprises both classroom lectures and practical training.
If a student fails the written test or open water dives, they can retake the portion of the course they failed at a later time.
Yes, absolutely. It might come as a surprise to you, but you don’t need to know how to swim to be able to scuba dive. Scuba diving is open to non-swimmers as well. However, you cannot get a PADI/SSI certification if you do not know how to swim as you are not eligible for the scuba certification training course. You can still opt for a recreational scuba package that will include a dive with an instructor.
Answer: Yes, an online version of the PADI Emergency First Response course is available. The online course covers the same content as the classroom-based course and includes instructional videos, interactive quizzes, and other study materials.
The certification does not expire and is valid for life.
Port Blair is the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Hence, you’d first have to take a flight to Port Blair to reach Neil Island. From Port Blair, you can take boats to Neil Island. Neil Island is around 37 km from Port Blair and it can take you anything between an hour and a half to 2 hours to reach the island. You can either opt for the government ferries at one of the jetties in Port Blair or a private boat. While the government ferry is cheap, it is a bit slow and usually experiences a lot of rush. Two private agencies provide boats to Neil Island from Port Blair – Ocean Green and Makruzz.
Answer: PADI Emergency First Response certification remains valid for two years. After that period, you need to take the course again and pass the skills assessment to renew your certification.