Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: The duration of a PADI master scuba diver course can vary depending on your pace and schedule. However, it typically takes 6-12 months to complete, as it involves a significant amount of training and experience in different diving specialities.

To qualify for the master diver rating, a diver must have completed at least 50 logged dives and have certifications in several diving specialities, such as deep diving, underwater navigation, and night diving. The time it takes to complete each speciality course can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the intensity and frequency of the training.

Yes, parents can accompany their kids during the PADI Seal Team program. However, parents will not be allowed to participate in the pool sessions or the fun day of diving. They can watch their kids from the pool deck.

Answer: The DSD program is a well-structured and carefully curated experience designed to provide a taste of what scuba diving entails. It generally consists of three main components, giving participants a wholesome introduction to the world of diving.

Knowledge Development: This is the first part of the program, where you will participate in an interactive orientation session. A PADI professional will cover the basics of scuba diving, diving safety, and fundamental diving principles. This part of the program is designed to familiarize you with the essential rules and techniques of scuba diving, ensuring you're well-informed before you take the plunge.

Confined Water Dives: After gaining an understanding of the theory, you will move on to the practical part of the program. In a pool or confined water site, you will learn and practice key diving skills under the guidance of a PADI professional. This includes becoming familiar with diving gear, learning how to manage buoyancy, practising breathing underwater, and understanding how to communicate through diving signals. This controlled environment allows you to build confidence and get comfortable with the equipment before heading to the open water.

Open Water Dives: This is undoubtedly the highlight of the DSD program. With the basic skills under your belt, you'll embark on an actual dive in open water. Under the direct supervision of a PADI professional, you will explore the underwater world, descending to a maximum depth of 12 meters/40 feet. This is where you get to truly experience the magic of diving, observing marine life up close and enjoying the unique sensation of moving effortlessly through the water.

Answer: Scuba diving certification can be provided by a PADI-certified scuba instructor. While you can scuba dive even if you do not know how to swim, unfortunately, you cannot pursue a scuba certification course in the Andaman Islands. Knowing how to swim is one of the most important eligibility criteria for scuba diving certification.

Answer: Becoming a PADI master scuba diver is a significant achievement that recognises a diver’s commitment to mastering their skills and knowledge in the sport. The course provides advanced training in various diving areas, including deep diving, underwater navigation, and search and recovery, as well as elective specialities. Master scuba divers are experienced and skilled divers who can undertake challenging dives with confidence and safety. The certification will also open up new opportunities for you as a diver, such as pursuing a career in diving or volunteering in marine conservation projects.

The minimum age for scuba diving in India is 10 years. Kids who are 8-9 years old can participate in the PADI Seal Team or the PADI Bubblemaker program, which are introductory scuba diving programs designed for kids.

Answer: While being a strong swimmer can certainly help boost your confidence underwater, it's not a necessity. As long as you're comfortable in the water and can tread or float, you're good to go. Remember, the DSD experience is more about a gentle exploration than an athletic endeavour.

Answer: The Andaman Island is a beautiful place with many diving sites spread across its many islands. Each dive site has its unique marine life, current, and depth that you can explore. Sadly, non- swimmers cannot explore all the dive sites in the Andaman Islands. That’s because some dive sites are specifically meant for intermediate or Advanced scuba divers. But most of the dive sites in the Andaman Islands are open for exploration by divers of all levels – beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. Aquarium and Lighthouse are two of the most popular diving sites in the Andamans and both of them are open to beginners including non-swimmers. You can also try diving sites like Dugong Dungeon, Elephant beach, Pilot reef, Nemo Reef, I-95, and Nursery if you are a non- swimmer.

Answer: The master scuba diver course is designed to enhance a diver's skills and knowledge through advanced training in various diving areas. The course consists of core and elective speciality dives, with a minimum requirement of 50 logged dives. The core dives include deep diving, underwater navigation, and search and recovery, while the elective specialities can be chosen based on the diver's interests and goals, such as wreck diving or underwater photography. The course includes both classroom and practical training, with instructors providing guidance and feedback to help divers improve their techniques. Upon completion of the course, divers earn the prestigious PADI Master Scuba Diver certification, the highest non-professional level in the PADI system.

Yes, scuba diving is safe for kids when they are properly trained and supervised. The PADI Seal Team and PADI Bubblemaker programs are designed to teach kids the basics of scuba diving in a safe and fun environment.