Frequently Asked Questions
How do I replace my certification card if it was lost or stolen?
Contact your local PADI Dive Shop or Resort directly or you may replace your card online
How do I obtain a letter saying that I am certified?
PADI can provide you with a letter of certification via FAX or email. There is a $10US fee. Please contact the PADI Customer Service Department to request this service.
How much is the Master Scuba Diver Application?
$44US.
How can I get college credit for my certification?
View PADI courses for college credit information.
How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver?
PADI courses are performance-based, which means that you earn your certification when you demonstrate that you’ve mastered the required skills and knowledge. Because some learn faster than others, course duration varies. Typically, the PADI Open Water Diver course is split into five or six sessions over as little as three days or as long as six weeks.
How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?
PADI offers junior scuba certifications. You must be at least ten years old (this may vary in some countries) to receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification.
Ten and eleven-year-old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional and are eligible to dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet.
Twelve to fourteen-year-olds must dive with a certified adult. At age fifteen, the diver may upgrade to a regular PADI Open Water Diver certification without further training.
Scuba diving sounds exciting, but I’m not sure if it’s for me. Can I try it without signing up for a course?
Absolutely. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience allows you to make a shallow scuba dive in a pool or shallow open water site supervised by a PADI Professional.
I’m a certified diver through another training organization. How can I become a PADI Diver?
Start by visiting an authorized PADI Dive Shop or Resort and present your certification card. After an assessment of dive skills and knowledge, a PADI Instructor will guide you to the appropriate course. You must take a PADI course to obtain a PADI certification. Here are some general course prerequisites:
- For the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course and most PADI Specialty courses – an entry level scuba certification and documentation of at least four open water scuba training dives as part of the certification course completed.
- For the PADI Rescue Diver course – certification beyond entry level and documentation of at least 20 open water scuba dives that include experience in deep diving and navigation
- For the PADI Divemaster course – certification from a recognized training organization specific to scuba rescue and documentation of at least 20 logged open water scuba dives that include experience in deep diving, night diving, and underwater navigation. Additionally, you’ll need a CPR and first aid certification within the past 24 months and need to be at least 18 years old.
I’m a scuba instructor certified through another training organization. How can I become a PADI Instructor?
Contact an authorized PADI Dive Shop or Resort or PADI Course Director to determine where your instructor rating fits in the PADI System of diver education. You’ll complete initial training based on your current qualifications, followed by the PADI Instructor Examination (IE). The IE is a two-day evaluation of teaching ability, dive theory knowledge, water skill level, understanding of the PADI System, attitude and professionalism. Success at the IE qualifies you as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
PADI Open Water Course
Do I need to know how to swim before starting the PADI Open Water Diver Course?
Before starting the dive course, you should be a confident swimmer who is comfortable in the water. Remember that you will do a small swim test, and be required to swim underwater when diving.
Where will I do the PADI Open Water Course?
You can choose to do your course at our dive centre on Al Wasl Rd, at the Jebel Ali, Dubai Golf Resort and Spa, or at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah. You can also opt to complete the theory at home with PADI eLearning.
How long does it take to complete the PADI Open Water Course?
The course usually takes 4 days to complete. The scheduling of the classes is completely up to you however and you can come in to complete sections of the course when you have time. You have one year from the date of signing up to complete the course.
Are there any classroom sessions in the PADI Advanced Open Water Course?
There are no classroom sessions in the PADI Advanced Open Water Course. You need only read five chapters, each related to one of the five adventure dives that you will complete. You are required to do the deep and navigation dives, but the other three are your choice. Opt for underwater photography, peak performance buoyancy, wreck or even Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo shark dive for Fish Identification!
General Diving Queries
What time does the bus to Al Aqah leave Dubai?
There is a full schedule for our bus transfer service in the Transport section.
Do we need to pay entrance fees at any of the hotels?
If you are diving with us from the Jebel Ali, Dubai Golf Resort and Spa; Golden Tulip Beach Resort in Dibba, or from Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, then you do not need to pay any entrance fees. If however you wish to use the pool and beach facilities after the day’s diving, or if your friends and family want to use the hotel facilities while you are diving, then some beach access fees may be applicable.
Is a visa required to enter Dibba Oman?
A visa is not required to cross the border of Oman at Dibba. You do however need to show your passport or UAE National ID.
What if the dive is cancelled?
In the unlikely event that the UAE Coast Guard declares a storm warning, and our dive boats are not allowed out of the harbour, then you will be refunded for any dives not completed.
What is the cancellation policy?
We require payment in full 24 hours before departure to confirm your booking, and this is non-refundable in case of no show or cancellation.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Dives
How long is the dive in the Dubai Aquarium?
Actual bottom time will be around 35 minutes, the maximum depth is 11m and the water temperature is 23 deg C. An informative dive briefing about the Dubai Aquarium and the marine animals in it, as well as how to interact with the animals is given and takes 30 minutes. Additional time is allowed for kit up and certificate presentation. Set aside 2 hours total time for the experience.
Can I take my camera into the Dubai Aquarium?
If you are doing the Discover Scuba Diving experience, or the Certified Diver Shark Dive then you will not be able to take your camera with you, as it is important that you are focused and aware of your surroundings. If you are doing the Dubai Aquarium Specialty Course, then you will be able to take your camera with you on dives 2 and 3.