Bali is universally recognized as a destination for divers, because of the wonderful marine life and spectacular diving . If you plan to start exploring the underwater world, there are some things you should know to avoid bad experiences.
It can be difficult to choose the right dive school that can guarantee security and a fair price. What are some of the most common doubts a potential diver meet before deciding where to take the course?
1. How long beginners course take?
The minimum length for a diving course for beginners (usually called Open Water Diver), including theory, pool sessions and offshore sessions is four days. Each international training organization for diving has set the standard to keep students safe and satisfying learning. There are several important reasons to take the first course correctly. First, extra information in a few hours is completely ineffective for proper learning. Many diving centers on the guarantee of the island you can get certified in three full days or less, even if it is contrary to the official standards. Beware of shortcuts if you take care of your safety. My advice is to plan to have enough time to learn and absorb all the new concepts. If you do not have enough time, you can divide the course, or simply the reporter.
2. Which agency choose?
There are many diving organizations in the world and PADI, SSI and NAUI are probably the most recognized diving associations. They have very slight differences in a beginner class training programs. In general, your instructor will teach you how to assemble the diving equipment, how to move and be neutral buoyancy underwater, security controls and the correct procedures, and how to deal with some emergency situations (such as running short of air underwater).
IMPORTANT: If your instructor cares about your safety and not just interested in getting his commission of education, it will check if you are able to swim. If you are not able to swim, he or she will not allow you to take a diver license. It is not necessary to be a champion swimmer, but you must be comfortable in the water. It may seem very reasonable, but I met a number of divers "advanced" who can not swim, become a danger to themselves and others.
There is no better organization than the other. What makes the difference is the course instructor. He or she is the key to your learning process and should ensure your safety, since you are a beginner. Speak with your instructor before signing up for a course. Ask him about his experience, where he previously worked, and how many students it has certified. Is he / she a professional teacher or just a student taking a break in a tropical paradise before returning to the real world?
And check the license of the instructor! I know for sure that some dive centers have certified instructors who work for them, which allows diving instructors to teach without being certified to do so. And remember that your instructor is responsible for your safety in -. If you spot the night before the course Bintangs drinking too much, consider changing places
3. How much will I pay?
You can find a variety of price in Bali. If it is very low (less than 200 USD), try to find what the trick is. Try to avoid very low prices and even very high prices. A common excuse to charge you more money is because of "the attention to safety." It may be true, but after a few years of experience here, I have to admit that almost all major dive centers is very attentive to this aspect. Normal price should be between 300 USD and 350. You should receive all the equipment (manual and dive slates, or other materials depending on the agency) and include the rental of diving equipment. At the end of the course, you must receive proof of certification (at least a temporary license).
Take a look around, talk to the teacher or the head of the diving center and try to understand how they are organized. Some diving centers offer the same accommodation included in the course fees, which can be a good way to save money.
"HERE IS NOT AN AGENCY better than others. WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IS THE MONITOR THE PROGRESS".
4. Where do I go to learn to dive
diving activities in Bali are concentrated in three areas: the Northeast (TulambenAmed) the Northwest (Pemuteran and Menjangan) and South (Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida).
The Amed-Tulamben area is probably the easiest and offers many exciting dives to suit all levels. The USS Liberty Shipwreck, and many other interesting dive sites, is easily accessible from the shore. The water is warm (about 28-29 degrees centigrade throughout the year), the currents may be present, but are not dangerous, and there are many dive centers.
Pemuteran is an interesting village in the north, far enough away from everything, but offers interesting diving, especially around the island of Menjangan. Because of the "highlevel" tourism in the area, be ready to pay more for your diving license. You will need to take a boat to Menjangan.
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida have the most interesting and colorful coral reefs in the region, but usually dives, it may be more difficult. Water is normally cold (in July and August it can go below 20 ° C) and the current can be very strong and dangerous if you are not properly trained. You will need to take a boat for every single lesson.
5. Other things I need to know?
Being a diving instructor is work, and depending on where a diving instructor plant, it can be treated differently by management. An unfortunate dive instructor or divemaster is an inefficient worker and he / she will try to finish the course as soon as possible, giving you the required minimum standard. So try to feel the general atmosphere of the diving center - is it relaxed or do you feel the pressure? People help each other or is everyone just doing their job? People hang out after hours of work or everybody run home immediately? Maybe you can check if the turnover is high in the center and if employees are truly committed.
Another thing you can think of is the environmental impact of the diving center. Are they using plastic bottles or gallons? Is the food wrapped in plastic bags or other more ecofriendly way? Some dive sites organize their own beach cleanups, which shows the excellent care for the environment and the community.
You have a choice. Diving can really change your life and change it for the better. So have fun, but most importantly, be sure!