What does SCUBA stand for?
How old do I have to be to become certified?
What is involved with becoming a SCUBA Diver?
How long does it take?
What does it cost?
How long does my certification last?
How do I get started?
What equipment will I need?
Do you have to be a good swimmer to SCUBA dive?
Where can I make my certification dives?
Is SCUBA diving dangerous?
Can I wear contact lenses while diving?
What about Sharks?
I get pain in my ears when I go to the bottom of the pool, can I dive?
What next?

What does SCUBA stand for?
Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

How old do I have to be to become certified?
The minimum age for a Junior Open Water Diver is 10 years old. Children ages 10-11 years must dive with a parent/guardian or PADI professional and are limited to a maximum depth of 40ft. 12-14 Years must dive with a certified diver over 18 years of age. At 15 Jr. Divers upgrade to Open Water Divers with no additional requirements.

What is involved with becoming a SCUBA Diver?
There are three parts to the certification process. Home study, followed by classroom sessions cover the theory portion. Students are introduced to using the equipment in the pool. During the course you move from kneeling in the shallow end to swimming in the deep end, learning skills such as mask clearing and buoyancy control along the way. Progress is performance based, so students are able to move at a pace they are comfortable with, gaining confidence as well as improving technique until you are ready to progress to open water. The final part of certification is the four open water certification dives.

How long does it take?
Our most popular “condensed” class covers the classroom and pool training over one weekend. We also offer a three week evening classes during the summer months. Certification dives are made on a weekend closely following the pool training.

What does it cost?
The class is $300. This includes all your tuition, your diver manual/workbook, dive log, dive tables, the use of BC jackets, regulators with alternate air source and gauges, tanks and weights during the class, and your certification card processing fees.

How long does my certification last?
Your certification will never expire. However, we strongly recommend taking a refresher or Scuba Review after a period of inactivity from diving.

How do I get started?
Just drop by the store, we would love to meet you and show you around. You can pick up the book that you will need to read prior to class, and we can fill out a couple of forms and enroll you in a class that suits your schedule. Or, you can call 803-788-9166 to enroll by phone.

What equipment will I need?
Each student will need their own; Mask, Snorkel, Fins and Wetsuit Boots prior to the first pool session. We stock a range of quality, affordable dive equipment and our staff will be happy to assist you in selecting suitable gear with the correct fit. Students using borrowed items or equipment purchased elsewhere need to bring it to a class for the instructor to ensure fit and suitability for SCUBA Diving (please note snorkeling fins are not suitable for diving). Although not required equipment we highly recommend the following items for your convenience and enjoyment of the class: mesh gear bag, mask defog, neoprene mask strap, wetsuit (this will make pool classes more comfortable as the water is kept cool for swimmers).

Do you have to be a good swimmer to SCUBA dive?
You do not have to be an excellent swimmer, just reasonably proficient and comfortable in the water. You will be required to swim 200 yards (any stroke, untimed) and complete a 10 minute float/ tread.

Where can I make my certification dives?
There are a couple of options for completing your certification dives. During the warmer months we are able to offer dives at a local lake in South Carolina. During cooler months, after each class, we run a trip to the Florida Springs. Most students opt for this trip as it enables them to complete their certification with the friends they have made in the class and with their instructor. Additional fees apply for hotel, entrance fees, air fills etc. You will be given an information sheet and itinerary with all the details prior to the trip. For more information on the dive sites visit www.Devilsden.com and www.divebluegrotto.com.

An alternative to the Springs trip is a resort referral. For people who would like to complete their certifications dives at a dive resort, this is no problem. We can fill out all the necessary paperwork verifying you have completed your classroom and pool training. We'll even help you find a PADI instructor from the world wide network in that resort who will be able to complete your certification dives.

Is SCUBA diving dangerous?
No, not really. There are some potential risks, that is why you need to take the class to become a certified diver. We stress safety in our courses. We take training seriously and work hard to give you the skills necessary to be a safe diver. If you follow the rules and use common sense, this is a fun and safe activity for the whole family.

Can I wear contact lenses while diving?
You can wear contacts while diving, we suggest bringing an extra pair. If you require corrective lenses (including reading glasses) you may be surprised at how inexpensive having these fitted in your diving mask can be.

What about Sharks?
It is quite unusual to see a shark on a dive, and divers consider themselves lucky if they do. As a diver you will become educated about these incredible fish and realize that they are more afraid of you, than you are of them. If you are lucky enough to encounter a shark on a reef it is most likely to be a Nurse Shark which are usually quite docile.

I get pain in my ears when I go to the bottom of the pool, can I dive?
With diving you have an air source and can go down slowly, unlike swimming, During the class you will learn how to clear your ears (equalization) to relieve pressure and alleviate discomfort before it begins.

WHAT NEXT ??
At Columbia Scuba we want to be your diving home. We offer a range of accompanied trips and dive activities, especially catering to the new diver. Our staff will be on hand to help out, answer questions and give tips to ensure your first few adventures are safe, fun and relaxing. Looking for more excitement? Then join us for advanced and specialty classes to maximize your enjoyment of this awesome sport.