| SCUBA stands for | | | | Red Sea and the Caribbean. Both destinations offer |
| Self-Contained-Underwater-Breathing-Apparatus and | | | | clear and relaxed conditions and have hundreds of |
| has become popular the last few years because it's | | | | dive centers to choose from. |
| exciting, a sport for everyone and because the | | | | You can find diving courses on Diving Answers, we |
| technology has made it easier and easier. | | | | collect diving courses from all over the world and put |
| You probably remember Jacques Cousteau who has | | | | them on one page... simple! It is an easy way to find |
| done very well for the SCUBA industry with his | | | | your first diving course and we would be more than |
| wonderful underwater videos. Since his videos and | | | | happy to give you any advice in our forum or per |
| underwater explorations, SCUBA diving has become | | | | email. Independent advice, because we do not sell |
| more and more popular. At the moment of writing | | | | holidays or courses our selves. |
| (06/2006), PADI, the world's largest diving | | | | What to look for? |
| organisation has more than 130,000 dive professionals | | | | Don't only look at the price, look at the contact and |
| and around 5300 PADI Dive Centers and Resorts | | | | response you get from the dive center as well, talk |
| operating in 180 countries and territories. | | | | with your future instructor and staff, and ask many |
| Where do I find a dive center? | | | | questions regarding the course, accommodation, |
| The best place for you to find a dive center is | | | | study materials, exams, performance requirements |
| probably on the website of PADI ( You can find | | | | etc. Diving instructors should have more than plenty |
| PADI dive centers in more than 180 countries. This | | | | of patience and most instructors are really friendly |
| means that you will probably locate one close to your | | | | people who would love to help you out. |
| home. You can contact the dive center with your | | | | Don't be afraid because they train people everyday. |
| requests and they will be more than happy to | | | | Look for quality and not quantity. It is not important |
| provide you with any information you need. | | | | how long an instructor has been training or how |
| On holiday or rather at home? | | | | many students he or she has trained so far. It is |
| That totally depends on what you want to do. You | | | | about how much effort, devotion and love he or she |
| can even combine it! It is possible to do the theory | | | | puts in their work. Do you rather certify with a diving |
| and swimming pool lessons at your dive center at | | | | instructor that makes sure that you know what you |
| home, and to do your open water dives during your | | | | are doing or are you just looking for a certification? |
| favourite diving holiday. It is called a referral, just ask | | | | Remember: you pay for the course, not for a |
| your dive center to arrange it for you; most of the | | | | certification. |
| time they have special deals for you. Referrals are | | | | I promise you a fun and unforgettable adventure |
| usually valid for 12 months so you can take your time | | | | while breathing for the first time underwater. Have |
| for it. | | | | fun! |
| Some popular destinations for SCUBA diving are the | | | | |