HOW TO BECOME A SCUBA DIVER
SINGAPORE PADI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
Find out how you can learn scuba diving and what are the things to look out for when you are selecting a dive school for the first time. Many new scuba divers have used cost as a benchmark for selecting their first experience, and this is the most common mistake that have been made by divers.
How Do You Become a Scuba Diver
Basic Scuba Diving Course
So you found this page because you are keen to become a scuba diver. There are millions of internet pages if not thousands of websites talking about scuba diving courses. But how do you know what scuba diving courses are the best for you?
Searching for a scuba dive course can be a daunting experience. You rely on either friend’s recommendations (which may not necessarily be right for you), “forced and fake” reviews on social media platforms or last but not least, Google’s recommendation.
And there are different scuba diving agencies which are all following the recommendations of WRSTC (World Recreational Scuba Training Council) such as PADI, SSI, SDI, NAUI, CEMAS, BSAC, GUE and the list goes on and on.
We decided to tweak our website and educate the mass public on what a basic or entry level scuba diving course should be and how you should go along selecting a dive centre for your most important fundamental class – The Open Water Diver Course.
PADI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE PRE-REQUISITES
- To enroll in a PADI Open Water Diver course (15 years old) or Junior Open Water Diver course (minimum 10 years old).
- You need adequate swimming skills (200m swim / 300m snorkel / float for 10 mins) and need to be in good physical health.
- No prior experience with scuba diving is required.
THE OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
HOW SHOULD THE COURSE BE CONDUCTED
3 SIMPLE STEPS IN BECOMING A SCUBA DIVER
All scuba diving agencies that are registered and adhere to WRSTC (World Recreational Scuba Training Council), follow a 3 simple step or modules for their entry-level scuba diver course. Whether you enroll in a PADI Scuba Dive Course or a basic scuba diver course from SSI or SDI, they should follow a similar format.
Theory Development - classroom or elearning
skills development in confined water
required ocean dives in open sea environment
Finding a Dive Centre for your Basic scuba diving Course
Now that we understand what the basic entry course is all about, how do you select a dive centre, especially where the price differences of a basic entry course defer from a low-end of SGD$ 399.00 to almost SGD$ 1500.00 in fees.
There are few important factors that we personally think that divers should consider and we have prepared a check-list. A prudent and responsible dive centre should be able to answer your questions without hessitations.
THE RIGHT LICENSE
RENTAL GEAR
INSTRUCTOR TO SUDENT RATIO
proper business
THE LAST DECISION FACTOR
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR SCUBA DIVING DESTINATION
type of accomodation used
Most resorts in Pulau Tioman are mostly wooden rustic chalets with creaking floors. Rooms in Pulau Tioman are often very basic, with little or no amenities. For those with a faint heart, it is recommended you bring along your own sleeping bag and a pillow case, or better still, your own personal sleeping pillow.
type of accomodation used
Rooms – Most packages offered are based on Quad Sharing. Be sure to ask if the beds are bunk beds or two queen size beds. Sharing a queen size bed with a stranger is an awkward feeling. Should you upgrade to twin sharing, be sure to ask for photos how the rooms look like
type of accomodation used
Toilets – Most Pulau Tioman resorts have upgraded their rooms to ensuite bathroom. However, do not expect clean toilets in most resorts. Do check with them if your room has hot-shower. If you have opted for quad sharing, be reminded the long waiting time to use the bathroom.
type of transportation used
By Bus – This is usually a forty (40) seater bus, especially for dive centres who are sharing spaces with other bigger dive shops. Do not expect a comfortable bus ride. Time taken from Singapore to Mersing is approximately 5 to 6 hours. There will be a dinner break in between.
type of transportation used
By Van – This is the least desired mode of transfer. Most vans provided by local dive shops are cramped and uncomfortable. Do factor if you are tall, you will be sitting in cramped position for 5 to 6 hours. Plus the vans are often driving at 160kmph in winding roads.
type of transportation used
By MPV or Car – We love dive shops offering this service or you can always request to pay more for this service. Clearing both Singapore and Malaysia immigration departments with this mode of transfer do not require you disembark and carry on your wet diving gear in the long snake queues.
type of sea transfers used
Overnight in Mersing Option – Some dive shops will opt for an overnight stay in Mersing prior to heading to Pulau Tioman. For dive shops offering this service, to check with them the hotel you will be residing. Many dive operators using this option will loosely classify their package as a 2D/2N Tioman package.
type of sea transfers used
Overnight Boat Transfer (Slow Boat) – Most cheap scuba diving courses (between SGD$ 400 – SGD$ 600) uses a slow dive boat for transfer. Do expect 4 to 5 hours wasted traveling to Tioman. This is one of the most dreadful options in our own opinion.
type of sea transfers used
Overnight Boat Transfer (Bluewater Ferry)Â –Â For those who are using Blue Water Ferry, the traveling time is between 3 to 4 hours. The downside is the waiting time. Bluewater is known to have a very erratic schedule for their transfers. So do expect to waste a few hours waiting for your ferry service.
THIS IS TIOMAN
PERHAPS THIS IS WHY WE HAVE STOPPED OPERATING IN TIOMAN
But we do understand some scuba divers are able to overlook at this less desirable conditions and still insist that they want to experience Pulau Tioman. Hence we have teamed up with a local (Singapore) PADI 5 Star IDC who conducts regular Tioman trips. We will provide the theory and pool development and we will arrange your 4 required ocean dives with them.
WE PREFER OTHER OPTIONS
MORE EXCLUSIVE DESTINATIONS AND OPTIONS FOR NEW SCUBA DIVERS
PADI Junior Open Water Diver Course Bali Package
This package is designed for children between the age of 10 – 15. Orpheus Dive uses only child size diving equipment for your children. One dedicated instructor will take your children from theory classes right through the 4 required ocean dives.
Bali packages depart Singapore on a Thursday to Sunday.
PADI Open Water Diver Course Bali Packages
For divers who prefer a more relaxing way of getting your basic entry scuba diving certification, the Bali PADI Open Water Diver Course is your solution. Held in small classes of 1 PADI Instructor to a maximum of 4 student divers, this is the most ideal package.
Bali packages depart Singapore on a Thursday to Sunday.
PADI Enhanced Open Water Diver Course Bali Package
If you prefer a more economical way of getting both your PADI Open Water Diver Course and PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course, then the NEW PADI ENHANCED OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE would be highly recommended for you and your friends.
Bali packages depart Singapore on a Thursday to Monday.
PADI Open Water Diver Course Budget Tioman Package
So if you are on a really tight budget and you do not mind the rough itinerary and lower quality accommodation, and longer traveling time, we can help you in organizing a Tioman package. Your initial training (theory and pool development) will be conducted by us and your four required ocean dives will be conducted by our partner who conducts frequent Tioman trip.
PADI Open Water Diver Course Local Packages
For non-fussy new divers who simply cannot travel and do not mind diving in limited visibility (no more than 2 metres), local diving can be considered as an option. However, please note that we do not operate the local diving boat to Pulau Hantu and your schedule of diving will be dependent on the boat operator. Diving is generally done on Saturday mornings. This is usually done over two Saturdays.
PADI Open Water Diver Course Referral Package
If you are planning to have a family vacation in a destination with diving and wishes to complete only your theory and pool right here in Singapore, this program is designed for this purpose. You can either opt for the standard hardcopy manual and attend a class with us or if you are too busy to attend class, you can also opt for the PADI Open Water Touch and complete the pool training with us.
WHY PADI
Find out why millions of scuba divers all over the world have chosen PADI. And why Orpheus Dive has preferences for PADI as a scuba diving training agency.
WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE AFTER MY BASIC TRAINING
PADI Enriched Air Diving. Increase your dive time.
PADI Enriched Air is our highest requested course. Learn how to prolong your total dive time while ensuring your air is the cleanest and least possibility of contamination.
PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
PADI Enriched Air is our highest requested course. Learn how to prolong your total dive time while ensuring your air is the cleanest and least possibility of contamination.
ZERO TO HERO INTERNSHIP. A NEW CAREER
Perhaps you are thinking to pick up scuba diving and experience diving to see if you can make a career out of scuba diving. Find out how you can become a dive professional today