This page is designed to answer many of the questions that individuals may have if they are thinking about learning to scuba dive. It is written with diving in Irish waters in mind with Athlone Sub Aqua Club in particular.

1. Can anyone learn to dive?
2. Do you have to be a good swimmer to become a diver?
3. Is it difficult to learn how to dive?
4. How long does it take to qualify?
5. What is it like diving in Irish waters?
6. Is the water cold?
7. Is diving dangerous?
8. Is diving expensive?
9. Are there any options to reduce costs?
10. How deep do divers go and how long does a dive last?
11. How many dives can a diver carry out in a day?

Q: Can anyone learn to dive?

A: Almost everyone. You must be over 14 years of age and be reasonably fit and in good health. To ensure this, every diver must complete regular medical examinations. Health problems such as asthma and heart conditions may mean that you cannot dive. This unfortunately is the case for a small number of people.

Q: Do you have to be a good swimmer to become a diver?

A: All that is required is that you can swim 200m freestyle and 50m backstroke without stopping. This, together with an ability to hold your breath for 30 seconds underwater is an entry requirement for taking up the sport of scuba diving.

Q: Is it difficult to learn how to dive?

A: Diving is relatively easy to learn and once the basic skills have been mastered they are easily maintained by diving regularly.

Q: How long does it take to qualify?

A:. Many individuals progress from trainee diver to a qualified CMAS Two Star Diver within a 12 month period. However Athlone Sub Aqua Club’s Training Programme allows sufficient flexibility for trainee divers to proceed at their own pace. Trainee divers can spread their training out over a longer period if they wish.

Q: What is diving like in Irish Waters?

A: Ireland is one of the best diving locations in the world. The North, West and South coasts have superb diving featuring spectacular underwater scenery and a wide variety of marine life.

Q: Is the water cold?

A: Irish waters are cold! Summer water temperatures rarely rise above 15 degrees. However with the right equipment divers don’t notice the water temperature and are quite comfortable in the water.

Q: Is diving dangerous?

A: Diving is a very safe sport. Accidents are very rare. This can be attributed to the excellent standards of training and dive safety promoted by CFT and Irish diving clubs.

Q: Is diving expensive?

A: Scuba Diving is not prohibitively expensive. It is probably comparable with sports such as golf in terms of expense. Annual membership fees have to be paid to the club. Divers can expect to spend in the region of €1,500 on the purchase of scuba diving equipment.

Q: Are there any options to reduce costs?

A:. The extensive range of diving equipment available and the variety of prices involved often daunt newcomers to the sport of diving. The following should be taken into consideration when initially purchasing dive equipment:

• A basic version of most diving equipment is sufficient for the needs of trainee divers. As divers expand their experience they always have the option to upgrade their equipment to suit their own particular needs and preferences
• Significant savings can be achieved through the purchase of second hand diving equipment.
• It is not necessary to buy all items of diving equipment from the outset. Athlone Sub Aqua Club provides new trainee divers with the use of diving equipment while they are undergoing training
• Always seek the advice of club diving instructors and experienced members before buying new or second-hand diving equipment.

Q: How deep do divers go and how long does a dive last?

A: Most dives range from 10 to 40 metres. Initially trainee divers will be limited in the depths that they can dive. Most dives last between 30 and 40 minutes.

Q: How many dives can a diver carry out in a day?

A: It is possible to dive several times a day. Subject to safety considerations most divers will do 2 to 3 dives a day on a diving trip.