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Q: In your scuba diving article in Cozumel you said to choose the dive operators carefully. How do we do that for our safety?Helen egg@mitec.net
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Choosing a Scuba Diving Instructor
There are two major SCUBA training associations. PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) and SSI (SCUBA Schools International). Both of these have international presences, and any instructor or dive master you choose to go with should be able to show you their instructor certification card. You want it to be from one of these organizations, where there is control of standards and quality.ALWAYS ask to see credentials. Don't accept advice or instruction from anyone who "doesn't have them with me" or who "has been diving so long I don't need them." Other good questions to ask of your instructor and the resort are: are diving accidents covered by the resort's insurance? (probably not, but it's good to know in advance) Is the instructor an independent contractor? Who does he work with? Is he recognized by PADI or SSI? What's the dive plan? Is there a secondary site/plan if conditions aren't good at the first? What kind of emergency/medical supplies are there on the boat? And where is the nearest chamber, if you should need it? And how will you get to it? If the answers to these questions are vague, don't go.
Trust your instincts. If it doesn't feel right, it's not. Don't be talked into "trying it this once" if your internal voice is screaming "there's something wrong here!"
The best approach is to do your homework. Before you go, visit PADI.com and look for PADI dive centers. They're all over the world, and you'll be able to find an instructor, dive master or charter through this site. Contact them directly and set up your dives ahead of time. You can also contact PADI and check on a dive operation/instructor if you have specifics. They're a great resource - use them!
Q.
Hello, my name is Sarah. I have a science question to answer and I need help! (I have no knowledge on scuba dining). The question I recieved was why is it important to ascend slowly. If you have any light to shed on this, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Sarah
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Can you recomend me good scuba divers guides in Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum? I´m going to those places on April and want to have a safe dive. Thank you
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Do you have to be a certified PADI diver to be alowed to dive in mexico? or do they judge you from ability?I have been to depths of 15m but have not done the course. Will most places let me dive to that depth still? Or will I need to do a course out there?If so , where would you recommend a good , resonable company to do one through?I don`t want to only be able to do ``beginners` dives of 3-4metres.
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When is the best time to see Whale Sharks in Roatan Island? We are both strong snorkelers and would also like to know if there are trips for us to see these magnificent creatures? Thanks Joe and Marcella Bilicska
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