Discover SCUBA on Holiday.

[Chris W]

Just wanted to post this in here to help people who are thinking of starting out in diving and might be doing it on holiday.

I signed up for a Discover SCUBA with a dive centre which visited the hotel whilst I was on Holiday - a lot of people start out diving this way ( I did).

The outfit claimed they were members of PADI.........

I didn't have a clue who I was trusting my safety to and the picture on my desk confirms this....

1. No Octopus on my Regs.
2. Wetsuit torn and falling off me.
3. Mask way too small.

Apart from this the dive never exceeded three meters and only lasted a few minutes. There was a second dive which I didn't go on - but I heard from a chap on my first dive that there was an accident......... also I never received my Discover Scuba card and letter from PADI.

The year after I was very lucky to find a professional well managed and safe Dive Centre (which I returned to this year to do my certs.) where the diving totally blew me away and the realisation hit me that my life had actually been in danger the year before.

Looking back I now realise that original outfit were not members of PADI, were using old, poorly maintained gear and were putting my life in danger.

If I had to do this again this is what I would do ( A hard one really as you don't know what you don't know...) : -

1. Look for a decent dive Centre before you go and get recommendations.
2. Find a little bit out about diving especially equipment safety and basic drills. Don't be afraid to ask for advice.
3. If it is unplanned ask to see the centre and the equipment you will be using (they will bring the good stuff to the pool). Don't be afraid to ask to see certifications and memberships.
4. If in any doubt walk away.

Oh and I can recommend an excellent centre in Protaras in Cyprus if you are heading that way.