FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Get your questions answered right here. If you have any further questions or remarks don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Whatever you need, we are here to help!
I HAVEN'T DIVED FOR A WHILE AND I'M A BIT UNSURE ABOUT GETTING BACK IN! CAN YOU HELP ME?
Yes, that's what we are here for! If you haven't dived for a while then you have several options. The PADI Scuba Review program, conducted by a PADI Professional, takes a few hours. It will allow you to get comfortable again. We highly recommend this if you are a bit rusty or nervous. Another option is to enrol in a continuing education course. You will spend more time with a PADI Instructor, polishing skills you already have and trying out new and interesting underwater activities. There is a huge range of courses available and there is sure to be something to fire your diving passion!
Alternatively, if you are comfortable with your skills but want something easy to get back into the swing of it? Ask one of our staff to recommend a suitable dive site for you to start with. And, let your guide know how you feel before the dive. Our dives are guided in small groups by experienced PADI Professionals. By talking to your guide before the dive, they can tailor the dive plan. This is great for the needs of all the divers, bringing along additional staff if needed.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY PADI LICENCE?
PADI courses are performance-based rather than time-based, so the length of time it takes depends on you. However, the PADI Open Water licence can usually be achieved in 3 full days. The course includes 5 knowledge sections using multimedia (DVD and your own diving book). Also instructor presentations, sessions to practise diving skills. Furthermore, it includes 4 dives in the sea with your instructor to hone skills and have fun.
At Latchi Dive Centre we use a modular approach so that you can mix the knowledge with diving portions. You will be getting in the water on the first day. If you don’t have quite enough time to complete the Open Water course, then you can begin your training and earn the PADI Scuba Diver licence. This includes the first 3 knowledge sections, the first 3 confined sessions and the first 2 dives in the sea. Online learning is also now available for the knowledge sections of your PADI course. You can complete part of your course before arriving and save up to 1 day of training during your visit. For more details about the courses please visit our page New to Diving / START Diving.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON MY COURSE WITH ME?
The ratio of divers to instructors is 8:1 on the Open Water Course and 4:1 on Discover SCUBA diving. There will never be more people than this with you at one time. We do offer private courses, give us a call if you’d like more information +357 26322095
I’D LIKE TO BECOME A DIVER, BUT I’VE NEVER TRIED IT BEFORE AND I DON’T KNOW WHETHER I WILL LIKE IT. IS THERE ANY WAY TO TRY IT FIRST BEFORE I JOIN THE PADI OPEN WATER COURSE?
Yes. We have a program called Discover Scuba Diving just for this purpose. It is a half-day experience where you learn some of the basics. You start with a short classroom session, then use the equipment in shallow water with your instructor. Before you dive in the sea (with your instructor right beside you) to meet the marine life. This experience does not give you a diving licence. However, if you like it, then the pool session and open water dive can be credited towards your PADI Open Water Diver course.
HOW OLD DO CHILDREN HAVE TO BE TO LEARN TO DIVE?
Youngsters can experience scuba diving from as young as 8 years old. Programs for 8 and 9-year-olds include PADI Bubblemaker and PADI Seal Team, which are conducted in shallow water with an Instructor. From 10 years old, youngsters can get out into open water under the close supervision of a PADI Instructor. Youngsters can enjoy various junior programs, including Discover Scuba Diving, Junior PADI Scuba Diver, Junior PADI Open Water Diver, and Junior PADI Adventure Diver. From 12 years old, youngsters can extend their diving skills through the Junior Advanced Open Water Diver and Junior Rescue Diver programs. From 15 years old, they can earn regular (non-junior) licenses. All participants under 18 need to have paperwork signed by a parent or guardian before commencing a PADI program. Depth limits and course options do vary with age, so ask your PADI Instructor for more details.
DO YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO SWIM TO DIVE?
Technically, you do not need to be a swimmer to dive if you are doing the PADI Bubble Maker, Discover Scuba Diving or Scuba Dive Courses; however, having confidence in the water does help. For the PADI Open Water Course you will have to do a 200mt swim (it’s not timed)
MY DIVING CERTIFICATION ISN'T PADI; CAN I STILL DIVE WITH YOU?
As long as you have a certification from a recognized organization, you can fun dive with us. You will need to show evidence of your certificate.
WHAT CAN I SEE WHEN I AM DIVING IN CYPRUS?
We are lucky to be situated in the only National Park in Cyprus. We have a variety of marine life that you may come across whilst you are diving. We have turtles, octopus, moray eels, nudibranch, giant tuna and many other fish species. The topography under the water in the Akamas is stunning; there are many crevices, swim-throughs, caves and islands under the water to explore and find marine life.
IS DIVING DANGEROUS?
You will need to consider a few things whilst diving, as with any sporting activity. Certain aspects can become dangerous if you ignore what your instructor is telling you. You will go through all of those things when you are watching your PADI videos. Your instructor will explain in more detail should you need clarification. As long as you pay attention to SCUBA diving rules and listen to your instructor, it is perfectly safe.
