Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: Yes, you can definitely scuba dive even if you wear prescription glasses and have poor eyesight. It is a common misconception that people who wear glasses are not allowed to dive. The truth is that you cannot wear your prescription glasses when you dive. You’d have to wear contact lenses. You can get disposable contact lenses just for the dive if you do not wear them regularly. If you are uncomfortable wearing contact lenses, there might be yet another solution for you. Some diving centres also provide prescription scuba masks that can match your power. This way you wouldn’t have to wear contacts and will be able to see underwater. However, not all diving centres have prescription glasses; also the cost of your scuba diving package may go up due to this.

Answer: The advanced rebreather diver program involves a combination of classroom sessions, confined water training, and open water dives. Hence, it may take you around three to five days to complete the course. The length of the course will depend on your learning pace and skill level. It is important to note that rebreather diving requires advanced knowledge and skills, so you must have extensive open-circuit scuba experience before undertaking this training.

Yes, you can take photos or videos during the PADI Shore Diver Course, as long as it does not interfere with your safety or that of others. It is important to always follow the guidelines set by the instructor.

Answer: The cost of diving in Lighthouse may vary depending on what you want from the dive. If you are a novice who, like many others who go to dive in the Andaman Islands, just wants to try out scuba diving, you’d have to shell out around INR 4500 to INR 7000 for a dive. The amount may vary depending on how much time you want to spend underwater. Generally, most dives are for 30 to 60 minutes, although, beginners are usually taken underwater for not more than 45 minutes at a time. If you want to enrol in a scuba course, you may have to pay in the same range or more depending on the number of dives you want to take and the number of days you want to spend training.

Answer: The advanced rebreather diver course is a comprehensive course that covers a wide range of topics that are necessary for you as a rebreathing diver. You’ll be learning about how to set up and maintain a rebreather. You’ll also learn some advanced diving techniques that are specific to rebreather diving. One very important aspect of a rebreather class is learning how to manage the gas inside the apparatus while you are diving. Your trainer will also focus on emergency procedures you may have to take in case you face any problems underwater. Another highlight of the course is training on how to plan and execute decompression dives using rebreathers. At the end of the course, you’ll learn some advanced diving techniques to dive deeper and even extend your time underwater.

Yes, you can bring your scuba diving equipment for the PADI Shore Diver Course, but it is not necessary. The dive center or instructor will provide all the necessary equipment. If you do bring your own equipment, it will need to be inspected by the instructor to ensure that it is safe to use.

Answer: Lighthouse is surrounded by a colourful coral reef on all sides and boasts of a very wide and rich marine life. There are many vibrant nudibranchs in Lighthouse along with Moorish idols and moray eels. Angelfish, puffer fish, eel, unicorn fish and other small reef fishes can be very easily spotted in the Lighthouse dive. If you are lucky, you may also be able to spot some Kuhls and jenkin stingrays. The sting rays would often be found resting on the sand by the reefs. Don’t forget to get a shot if you see one!

Answer: To become certified as a PADI advanced rebreather diver, you must complete all the required coursework and pass the final exam with a minimum score of 80%. You will also need to demonstrate your skills in a series of open water dives and meet the minimum requirements for logged dives on a rebreather.

The PADI Shore Diver Course typically includes two open water dives.

Answer: The Lighthouse scuba diving spot is actually close to both Havelock and Neil Island. Most people travel to Lighthouse from Havelock. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Havelock Island. The way to reach Havelock is by a ferry that runs from the capital to the Island. You can take a flight to the easily accessible international airport at Port Blair. Thereafter, the ferries to Havelock start from the Phoenix jetty. It might take you 2-3 hours to reach Havelock but the view from the ferry promises to be stunning.