Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a scuba diving question, we are here to help.

Use the frequently asked questions below to find the answers to common questions:

  1. How is diving with Scubaçao
  2. How is diving in Curaçao
  3. How do I learn to scuba dive?

1. How is diving with Scubaçao

A. Can I dive without any certifications?

Yes, you can. You can start with the Discover Scuba Diving program. This is a half day introduction course where we show you the basics of scuba diving. If you’ve liked the experience, you can continue with us for your PADI Open Water Diver certification!

B. What are your dive times?

All our dive courses and guided dives start at 8:30 am in the morning and at 1:30 pm in the afternoon.

C. Do I need to reserve in advance?

We always recommend to make a reservation upfront, we will make sure that we reserve a spot for you. Contact us by email, phone or WhatsApp

D. Which dive sites you visit?

From all the sites on Curacao we selected the top sites and these you will find on our weekly schedule. Have a look here for some of the sites.

E. How big are your diving groups?

We like small groups. We do not take more than 6 certified divers per group.

F. How many people will be in my Open Water course with me?

You will have a personalized experienced with us. Your learning experience will be with no more than 4 divers with you. So we can really pay attention to your needs.

G. Do you have DIN or INTERNATIONAL tanks?

At Dive Center Scubaçao we have DIN and INT tanks available for rent

H. Do you have NITROX tanks?

At Dive Center Scubaçao we have Nitrox tanks available for rent.

I. Do you have environmental standards?

We are part of Green Fins and we have environmental standards that we expect our guests to follow.

You will see posters all over the shop explaining about marine life, underwater photography and safe practices.

You will also receive a dive or snorkel briefing prior your tour with us.

2. How is diving in Curaçao

A. What temperature are the waters around Curaçao?

The water has an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), which makes it ideal to cool off without getting too chilly!

Wetsuits (short or long) are recommended for comfort. This recommendation is based on experience in order to protect against the elements over the course of multiple dives.

Additionally, booties are highly recommended for shore diving.

B. What is the water visibility like around Curaçao?

The water temperature in Curaçao is normally standard at 29 degrees Celsius. It rarely changes + or – 1 degree

C. Are there any sharks around Curaçao?

When you’re lucky, you get to see a shark. Although incidents with sharks occur, they are very rare and, with respect to diving, primarily involve spear fishing or feeding sharks, both of which trigger feeding behavior. Most of the time, if you see a shark it’s just passing through and a rare sight to enjoy.

3.How do I learn to scuba dive?

Becoming a scuba diver is a wonderful adventure! Scuba certification includes three phases:

A. Knowledge Development

During the first phase of your scuba lessons, you’ll learn the basic principles of scuba diving.

You’ll learn this valuable information by reading it in the PADI Open Water Diver Manual or by using the PADI Open Water Diver eLearning. At the end of each chapter, you’ll answer questions about the material to ensure you understand it. Along the way, let your PADI Instructor know if there is anything you don’t understand. At the end of the course, you’ll take a final exam that ensures you have thorough knowledge of scuba diving basics.

You’ll also watch videos that preview the scuba skills you’ll practice in a swimming pool or pool-like environment. In addition to the video, your instructor will demonstrate each skill for you.

B. Confined Water Dives

This is what it’s all about – diving. You’ll develop basic scuba skills in a pool or in confined water – a body of water with pool-like conditions, such as off a calm beach. The basic scuba skills you learn during your certification course will help you become familiar with your scuba gear and become an underwater explorer.

C. Open Water Dives

After your confined water dives, you’ll head to open water, where you and your instructor will make four dives, usually over two days. On these dives you’ll get to explore the underwater world. You’ll apply the skills you learned in confined water while enjoying what the local environment has to offer.

How long does it take to get certified?

The PADI Open Water Diver course is flexible and performance based, which means we can offer a wide variety of schedules, organized according to how fast you progress. It’s possible to complete your confined and open water dives in three days by completing the knowledge development portion via PADI eLearning.

Your PADI Instructor will focus on helping you become a confident and comfortable diver, not on how long it takes. You earn your certification based on demonstrating you know what you need to know and can do what you need to do. This means that you progress at your own pace – faster or slower depending upon the time you need – to become a competent scuba diver.

What are the requirements for learning to scuba dive?

The minimum age is 10 years old (in most areas). Student divers who are younger than 15 earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, which they may upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. Children under the age of 13 require parent or guardian permission to register for PADI eLearning.

All student divers complete a brief scuba medical questionnaire that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while diving. If none of these apply, sign the form and you’re ready to start. If any of these apply to you, your doctor must, as a safety precaution, assess the condition as it relates to diving and sign a medical form that confirms you’re fit to dive. In some areas, local laws require all scuba students to consult with a physician before entering the course. Download the scuba medical questionnaire.

Do I have to be a good swimmer to scuba dive?

Some swimming ability is required. You need to have basic swim skills and be able to comfortably maintain yourself in the water.

Any individual who can meet the performance requirements of the course qualifies for certification. There are many adaptive techniques that allow individuals with physical challenges to meet these requirements. People with paraplegia, amputations and other challenges commonly earn the PADI Open Water Diver certification. Even individuals with more significant physical challenges participate in diving.

My ears hurt when I go to the bottom of a swimming pool or when I dive down snorkeling. Will that prevent me from becoming a scuba diver?

No, assuming you have no irregularities in your ears and sinuses. The discomfort is the normal effect of water pressure pressing in on your ear drums. Fortunately, our bodies are designed to adjust for pressure changes in our ears – you just need to learn how. If you have no difficulties adjusting to air pressure during flying, you’ll probably experience no problem learning to adjust to water pressure while diving.

Will a history of ear troubles, diabetes, asthma, allergies or smoking preclude someone from diving?

Not necessarily. Any condition that affects the ears, sinuses, respiratory or heart function, or may alter consciousness is a concern, but only a doctor can assess a person’s individual risk. Doctors can consult with the Divers Alert Network (DAN) as necessary when assessing fitness to dive. Download the medical statement to take to your doctor.

What are the most common injuries or sicknesses associated with diving?

Sunburn, seasickness and dehydration, all of which are preventable, are the most common problems divers face. Injuries caused by marine life, such as scrapes and stings, do occur, but these can be avoided by wearing an exposure suit, staying off the bottom and watching where you put your hands and feet.

Do women have any special concerns regarding diving?

Aside from pregnancy, no. Because physiologists know little about the effects of diving on the fetus, the recommendation is that women avoid diving while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Menstruation is not normally a concern.

How deep do you go?

With the necessary training and experience, the limit for recreational scuba diving is 40 metres/130 feet. Beginning scuba divers stay shallower than about 18 metres/60 feet. Although these are the limits, some of the most popular diving is shallower than 12 metres/40 feet, where the water’s warmer and the colors are brighter.

What happens if I use up all my air?

Your dive kit includes a gauge that displays how much air you have. You’ll learn to check it regularly, so it’s unlikely you’ll run out of air while scuba diving. However, if you run out of air, your buddy has an extra regulator (mouthpiece) that allows you to share a single air supply while swimming to the surface. There are also other options you’ll learn in your scuba diving training.

What if I feel claustrophobic?

People find the “weightlessness” of scuba diving to be quite freeing. Modern scuba masks are available in translucent models, which you may prefer if a mask makes you feel closed in. During your scuba diving training, your instructor gives you plenty of time and coaching to become comfortable with each stage of learning. Your scuba instructor works with you at your own pace to ensure you master each skill necessary to become a capable scuba diver who dives regularly.

I’m already a certified diver, how do I become a PADI Diver?

Scuba diving certifications from other diver training organizations can often be used to meet a prerequisite for the next level PADI course. For example, if you have an open water diver or entry-level certification from another diver training organization, you may qualify to enroll in the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, which is the next level. There is no simple “equivalency” or “crossover.” The best option is to take the next step and continue your education. If you would like to continue your dive training and receive a PADI certification, contact your local PADI Dive Center or Resort to ask about the options you have for obtaining a PADI certification.

I have a professional-level certification with another agency, how do I become a PADI Divemaster or Instructor?

If you hold a professional rating from another diver training organization and wish to become a PADI Divemaster or Instructor, please contact a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center or Career Development Center (CDC).

A dive professional in good standing with another diver training organization may meet the prerequisites for the next level PADI certification. For example, a divemaster with another diver training organization may qualify to enroll in a PADI Assistant Instructor course or Instructor Development Course (IDC). You could not receive a PADI Divemaster certification unless you completed the PADI Divemaster course. There is no simple “equivalency” or “crossover.”

An instructor in good standing from another diver training organization may be eligible to enroll in an Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. This program is shorter than a complete IDC and focuses building upon your teaching skills by introducing you to the PADI System. You must also successfully complete a PADI Instructor Exam (IE) to become a PADI Instructor.

We always recommend to make a reservation upfront, we will make sure that we reserve a spot for you. Contact us by email, phone or WhatsApp

D. Which dive sites you visit?

From all the sites on Curacao we selected the top sites and these you will find on our weekly schedule. Have a look here for some of the sites.

E. How big are your diving groups?

We like small groups. We do not take more than 6 certified divers per group.

F. How many people will be in my Open Water course with me?

You will have a personalized experienced with us. Your learning experience will be with no more than 4 divers with you. So we can really pay attention to your needs.

G. Do you have DIN or INTERNATIONAL tanks?

At Dive Center Scubaçao we have DIN and INT tanks available for rent

H. Do you have NITROX tanks?

At Dive Center Scubaçao we have Nitrox tanks available for rent.

2. How is diving in Curaçao

A. What temperature are the waters around Curaçao?

The water has an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), which makes it ideal to cool off without getting too chilly!

Wetsuits (short or long) are recommended for comfort. This recommendation is based on experience in order to protect against the elements over the course of multiple dives.

Additionally, booties are highly recommended for shore diving.

B. What is the water visibility like around Curaçao?

The water temperature in Curaçao is normally standard at 29 degrees Celsius. It rarely changes + or – 1 degree

C. Are there any sharks around Curaçao?

When you’re lucky, you get to see a shark. Although incidents with sharks occur, they are very rare and, with respect to diving, primarily involve spear fishing or feeding sharks, both of which trigger feeding behavior. Most of the time, if you see a shark it’s just passing through and a rare sight to enjoy.

3.How do I learn to scuba dive?

Becoming a scuba diver is a wonderful adventure! Scuba certification includes three phases:

A. Knowledge Development

During the first phase of your scuba lessons, you’ll learn the basic principles of scuba diving.

You’ll learn this valuable information by reading it in the PADI Open Water Diver Manual or by using the PADI Open Water Diver eLearning. At the end of each chapter, you’ll answer questions about the material to ensure you understand it. Along the way, let your PADI Instructor know if there is anything you don’t understand. At the end of the course, you’ll take a final exam that ensures you have thorough knowledge of scuba diving basics.

You’ll also watch videos that preview the scuba skills you’ll practice in a swimming pool or pool-like environment. In addition to the video, your instructor will demonstrate each skill for you.

B. Confined Water Dives

This is what it’s all about – diving. You’ll develop basic scuba skills in a pool or in confined water – a body of water with pool-like conditions, such as off a calm beach. The basic scuba skills you learn during your certification course will help you become familiar with your scuba gear and become an underwater explorer.

C. Open Water Dives

After your confined water dives, you’ll head to open water, where you and your instructor will make four dives, usually over two days. On these dives you’ll get to explore the underwater world. You’ll apply the skills you learned in confined water while enjoying what the local environment has to offer.

How long does it take to get certified?

The PADI Open Water Diver course is flexible and performance based, which means we can offer a wide variety of schedules, organized according to how fast you progress. It’s possible to complete your confined and open water dives in three days by completing the knowledge development portion via PADI eLearning.

Your PADI Instructor will focus on helping you become a confident and comfortable diver, not on how long it takes. You earn your certification based on demonstrating you know what you need to know and can do what you need to do. This means that you progress at your own pace – faster or slower depending upon the time you need – to become a competent scuba diver.

What are the requirements for learning to scuba dive?

The minimum age is 10 years old (in most areas). Student divers who are younger than 15 earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, which they may upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. Children under the age of 13 require parent or guardian permission to register for PADI eLearning.

All student divers complete a brief scuba medical questionnaire that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while diving. If none of these apply, sign the form and you’re ready to start. If any of these apply to you, your doctor must, as a safety precaution, assess the condition as it relates to diving and sign a medical form that confirms you’re fit to dive. In some areas, local laws require all scuba students to consult with a physician before entering the course. Download the scuba medical questionnaire.

Do I have to be a good swimmer to scuba dive?

Some swimming ability is required. You need to have basic swim skills and be able to comfortably maintain yourself in the water.

Any individual who can meet the performance requirements of the course qualifies for certification. There are many adaptive techniques that allow individuals with physical challenges to meet these requirements. People with paraplegia, amputations and other challenges commonly earn the PADI Open Water Diver certification. Even individuals with more significant physical challenges participate in diving.

My ears hurt when I go to the bottom of a swimming pool or when I dive down snorkeling. Will that prevent me from becoming a scuba diver?

No, assuming you have no irregularities in your ears and sinuses. The discomfort is the normal effect of water pressure pressing in on your ear drums. Fortunately, our bodies are designed to adjust for pressure changes in our ears – you just need to learn how. If you have no difficulties adjusting to air pressure during flying, you’ll probably experience no problem learning to adjust to water pressure while diving.

Will a history of ear troubles, diabetes, asthma, allergies or smoking preclude someone from diving?

Not necessarily. Any condition that affects the ears, sinuses, respiratory or heart function, or may alter consciousness is a concern, but only a doctor can assess a person’s individual risk. Doctors can consult with the Divers Alert Network (DAN) as necessary when assessing fitness to dive. Download the medical statement to take to your doctor.

What are the most common injuries or sicknesses associated with diving?

Sunburn, seasickness and dehydration, all of which are preventable, are the most common problems divers face. Injuries caused by marine life, such as scrapes and stings, do occur, but these can be avoided by wearing an exposure suit, staying off the bottom and watching where you put your hands and feet.

Do women have any special concerns regarding diving?

Aside from pregnancy, no. Because physiologists know little about the effects of diving on the fetus, the recommendation is that women avoid diving while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Menstruation is not normally a concern.

How deep do you go?

With the necessary training and experience, the limit for recreational scuba diving is 40 metres/130 feet. Beginning scuba divers stay shallower than about 18 metres/60 feet. Although these are the limits, some of the most popular diving is shallower than 12 metres/40 feet, where the water’s warmer and the colors are brighter.

What happens if I use up all my air?

Your dive kit includes a gauge that displays how much air you have. You’ll learn to check it regularly, so it’s unlikely you’ll run out of air while scuba diving. However, if you run out of air, your buddy has an extra regulator (mouthpiece) that allows you to share a single air supply while swimming to the surface. There are also other options you’ll learn in your scuba diving training.

What if I feel claustrophobic?

People find the “weightlessness” of scuba diving to be quite freeing. Modern scuba masks are available in translucent models, which you may prefer if a mask makes you feel closed in. During your scuba diving training, your instructor gives you plenty of time and coaching to become comfortable with each stage of learning. Your scuba instructor works with you at your own pace to ensure you master each skill necessary to become a capable scuba diver who dives regularly.

I’m already a certified diver, how do I become a PADI Diver?

Scuba diving certifications from other diver training organizations can often be used to meet a prerequisite for the next level PADI course. For example, if you have an open water diver or entry-level certification from another diver training organization, you may qualify to enroll in the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, which is the next level. There is no simple “equivalency” or “crossover.” The best option is to take the next step and continue your education. If you would like to continue your dive training and receive a PADI certification, contact your local PADI Dive Center or Resort to ask about the options you have for obtaining a PADI certification.

I have a professional-level certification with another agency, how do I become a PADI Divemaster or Instructor?

If you hold a professional rating from another diver training organization and wish to become a PADI Divemaster or Instructor, please contact a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center or Career Development Center (CDC).

A dive professional in good standing with another diver training organization may meet the prerequisites for the next level PADI certification. For example, a divemaster with another diver training organization may qualify to enroll in a PADI Assistant Instructor course or Instructor Development Course (IDC). You could not receive a PADI Divemaster certification unless you completed the PADI Divemaster course. There is no simple “equivalency” or “crossover.”

An instructor in good standing from another diver training organization may be eligible to enroll in an Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. This program is shorter than a complete IDC and focuses building upon your teaching skills by introducing you to the PADI System. You must also successfully complete a PADI Instructor Exam (IE) to become a PADI Instructor.

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