FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is under
construction. If you have a question you would like answered and posted
here, please contact us at cb@scubamadness.com.
I wanted to find out when you are offering Open Water Certification classes in the Florence area. I also wanted to know what the requirements are for getting certified. What does the swim test involve? Also, is it true that you are now able to do the swim test with snorkel equipment? I would love to learn how to dive (I've done resort courses before on vacation and loved it) but am terrified of failing the swim test. I am not a strong swimmer.
1)
I'm concerned with getting eaten by a shark.
Taken from Discovery.com. Written by Kim Fernandez
Who could forget the bloody attack scene from the movie Jaws? The image has been around so long that it's what most of us think when we hear about a shark attack--bloody stumps where arms and legs used to be, water frothed red from the struggle of man against beast, and a monstrous Great White lashing out for more flesh. Lauded as one of the greatest film scenes of all time, it quickly became the attack against which all others are judged.
Luckily, it's fiction. Shark attacks are extraordinarily rare--only 58 worldwide in 1999--and while terrifying and bloody for those involved, they seldom have anything to do with the animal's dinner choice. In fact, the vast majority of people attacked by sharks arrive at hospitals with little more than flesh wounds.
"We always remember the fatal ones," says Dr. George Burgess, director of the International Shark Attack File at the University of Florida's Museum of Natural History. "We're a little jaded in that respect."
Most shark attacks do not result in fatalities; of 1999's 58 attacks, only 4 victims died.
It depends on where you go but for the most part, no. A normal dive off SC coast to the maximum recreational depth limit of 130' there is plenty of light. On some dives we have visibility of 100' with the average being 20'-40'. The closer you are to shore, the less visibility you will have.
3) How often are beginning courses (Open Water Diver) offered?
The Open Water Diver Course is offered once a month with the exception of December. During the warmer months, we offer this course twice a month. A course starts the second Monday of every month.
4) What forms do I need to sign for PADI courses?
Visit our Forms and Flyers page to view and print all three forms needed for every PADI course.
The cost of the course is $225. You will need to provide mask, fins, snorkel and booties. If you purchase these new, plan on spending between 90$ - $250 on all four items. You will need "Scuba Quality" equipment. As a student, you will receive a 15% discount off anything in our store.
You will also be responsible for your "weekend getaway". If your certification dives are in Florida, you will pay Scuba Madness $129. This will cover hotel room (double occupancy), scuba park entrance fees, air fills and taxes. All that's left is getting down there and your meals.
6) What's the best wetsuit for me?
Unfortunately, its not that easy. There are many factors when picking out a wetsuit.
Time of year
Temp of Water
Activity underwater
Depth
Divers Tolerance
When picking out a suit, ask yourself these questions.....
Are you hot natured, cold natured or neither?
Are you diving deep? Wetsuits compress at depth making them less warm.
Where will you be diving? Caribbean once a year or locally every weekend? Which one will you make more of?
A thicker wet suit is warmer but more constrictive. So you need to find the happy median.
You can contact us at Scuba Madness and we will be glad to help you with your wetsuit purchase.
7) I wanted to find out when you are offering Open Water Certification classes in the Florence area. I also wanted to know what the requirements are for getting certified. What does the swim test involve? Also, is it true that you are now able to do the swim test with snorkel equipment? I would love to learn how to dive (I've done resort courses before on vacation and loved it) but am terrified of failing the swim test. I am not a strong swimmer.
We offer Open Water Certification Course (beginning course) monthly. Sometimes twice a month during the warmer months. They start the second monday of each month and they last two weeks. They are three nights a week, a total of six nights. Typically, the nights are Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday nights. (The only exception to this is if one of those nights fall on a holiday). Four nights are pool nights and two nights are classroom nights. The weekend of the second week, we go diving! Once you do all this, you are certified.
The swimming requirement for certification is an easy - 200 yard nonstop swim (with no time or specific stroke requirement) or a 300 yard snorkel with mask, fins and snorkel followed by a 10 minute tread/float.
8) What is my homework for the Open Water Diver Course?
You need to read the first
three chapters of the book and complete the Knowledge Reviews at the end of
each chapter. This needs to be completed before the first Monday of class.
Also, watch the DVD/Video sections that corresponds with these chapters.
The last two chapters need to be read and Knowledge Reviews completed before
the second Monday of class. Again, watch the DVD/Video sections that
corresponds to these chapters. There is also a little supplement book that
re-enforces Chapters IV & V. Make sure you read this too.
It is very important that the Knowledge Reviews are completed and the
DVD/Video is watched before you come to class!
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