C G S B SCUBA CLUB
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) PAGE
This is a new page which will grow as we answer more and more of the questions you ask us . . . .
Q: I haven't really done any diving since I qualified. What can I do ?
A: We think diving is fun, and we hope that you will use your privileges as a qualified diver to enjoy our underwater world. It is a lifelong qualification, and you may come back to it later, but we hope you will make the effort to stay a current diver. The more you do it, the better, safer, and more comfortable a diver you will be. And, we hope, you will have dives where you will discover something amazing that you really enjoy and will want to do again. So pop along to the pool now and again, and join in with dive trips and fun open water dives. We are ready to discuss diving opportunities with you whenever you like.
Q: If I am on holiday and I see a place where I can dive, but I haven't got my PADI card with me, can I still dive ?
A: All PADI schools are linked to PADI's qualified divers' database. They can look you up to establish your diving qualifications. You'll need to give them your name as it appears on your PADI card, and your date of birth. Provided they can find you, you should be allowed to dive.
Q: What if I have the opportunity to dive somewhere, but I haven't got my logbook with me ?
A: Your Logbook is your proof of experience, showing how much of what kind of diving you have done, and how recently you have dived (remember you must have dived within the last six months to stay current). A good Dive Centre will ask to see your logbook. If you dont have it with you, but the Dive Centre has established you are a qualified diver, they should ask you to do a check-dive with them, before they let you dive independently.
Q: If I am on holiday, how do I know if a dive centre is any good ?
A: First of all, look for the PADI logo. PADI conducts quality checks on dive centres, but there are lots of them so you need to do your own checks and to be happy with them too. Have a look around. Does the dive kit they use look in good condition ? Do they seem to be professional in what they do ? Ask some other divers who are leaving after a dive for their opinion on safety and organisation. Are they happy ? Finally, have a chat with the staff. It is important that you like them and get on with them. If you don't feel happy, don't dive. Go somewhere else, or wait for the next opportunity.
Q: I want to join in with dives and come to the pool, but I dont have any transport
A: We can normally arrange lifts from the Medway area to dive sites, just get in touch.
Q: Will you be diving through the winter ?
A: Absolutely, yes. Diving in winter depends upon being comfortable. As long as you are warm enough, you can come along to dive. Quite often, visibility is better in the winter months, as the "floaty bits" die and sink to the bottom.
Q: Now that I am qualified, can I come to the pool whenever I like ?
A: Yes, any time we have a pool sesion. Now that you are qualified, the cost of pool sessions is halved to £10. It would be good if you can let us know you're coming in advance so that we can be sure to bring enough kit for you.
Q: How can I go on a diving trip ?
A: You need to talk it over with your Parents first. If everythings OK, a deposit will secure your place on the trip, and the balance will be due before the trip.
Q: How can I go on a Red Sea Diving trip ?
A: Similarly, you need to talk it over with your Parents first. If everythings OK, a deposit will secure your place on the trip. We'll give you details and the balance will be due in the weeks before the trip. You'll need a full current British passport. We'll ask you to fill in a booking form with your Parents. If you are travelling on your own, we'll also ask your Parents to complete an "In Loco Parentis" form.
Q: How can I go on the Diving with Sharks trip ?
A: As always, you need to talk it over with your Parents first. We need several people to be interested to make it viable. If there is sufficient interest, we will try to find a date that suits the largest number of people. Like other trips, a deposit will secure your place on the trip and the balance will be due before the trip.
If you have a question which is not answered on the FAQs page, please click on the Send us a Question EMail link, below.
We will answer your question privately to you, and may add it to this page, in the style above, for everyone's benefit !
