10 Questions to Ask Before You Start Your Diving Course

10 Questions to Ask Before You Start Your Diving Course

By: Manny Lagos | Date: 2025-07-25T13:22:20.699Z

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Learning to SCUBA dive opens up a whole new world beneath the waves, one filled with incredible coral reefs, beautiful creatures, and unforgettable moments. But before you strap on a dive mask and fins, it’s smart to make sure the dive center you’re choosing is right for you.

And how do you do that? By asking the right dive questions.

Why asking dive centers question before diving is important

You might wonder why asking dive centers certain questions is such a big deal. The truth is, there are various kinds of dive centers around the world. Some offer top-tier training with experienced instructors, while others might just cut corners. That’s why asking the right questions upfront is important. It helps you get the most out of your diving experience and makes sure you have fun along the way.

Here are the top 10 questions for a dive center:

1. Is the Instructor Certified and Experienced?

This should always be the first question on your list. You want to be taught by someone who’s not only certified but also has real-world experience. A PADI-certified instructor is a good start, but don’t stop there. Ask the instructor how long they have been teaching, how many students they have helped, and if they specialize in training beginners or more advanced divers.

An experienced instructor knows how to break down complex skills into simple steps and keep the learning process safe and fun for all their students. 

At UDC, all our instructors are at least Master SCUBA Diver Trainers (MSDTs). That means they’ve gone beyond the basic instructor level. To earn this rating, an instructor must have certified a number of students across multiple PADI specialties and logged a significant amount of time working with real divers. In other words, they’ve spent plenty of time in the water AND in the classroom.

So, when you train with us, rest assured, you’re learning from the best! 

2. What Language(s) Is the Course Taught In?

It might sound obvious, but communication is everything when you’re learning how to dive, especially when safety is involved. Make sure the course you’re signing up for is taught in a language you’re truly comfortable with.

Many dive centers have multilingual instructors, particularly in popular training destinations. So, don’t hesitate to ask which languages are available at the center you’ve chosen. It’s also important to check if the course materials (like videos and textbooks) are offered in your preferred language or not.

At Utila Dive Center, we offer courses in English and Spanish as standard but we can provide instruction in other languages too, depending on instructor availability and demand.

3. What Is the Course Schedule and Duration?

Not all courses follow the same schedule and duration. Some are full-time, intensive 3-day programs, while others may be spread out over a week or more. Many diving centers offer flexible timetables or private sessions.

Understanding the course structure helps you plan your travel and downtime properly. It also gives you a clear idea of how much time you’ll spend in the classroom, pool, and open water. To get the most out of your experience, ask how many hours are dedicated to each section, and find out if the theory portion can be completed online in advance. 

This is a great dive question to ask if you want to customize your learning experience.

4. How Many Dives Are Included in the Course?

Different diving courses include different numbers of dives. It typically depends on the certification level you’re aiming for. Entry-level courses usually include both confined water sessions and open water dives, whereas, advanced or specialty courses tend to focus more on specific skills and environments, like– technical diving, deep diving, or night dives.

It’s important to ask beforehand how many confined and open water dives are part of your course and if there’s room to add extra practice sessions in case you need more time in the water. 

Remember: The more time you spend underwater, the more confident you’ll feel, and that’s what great training is all about.

5. What Are the Safety Protocols in Place?

Safety always comes first, especially when you’re learning how to dive. So, one of the most important questions for any dive center is: What safety protocols do you follow?

Ask about instructor-to-student ratios, emergency procedures, and the level of rescue and first aid training their staff has. It’s also wise to check if they have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), oxygen kits on site, and access to a nearby hyperbaric chamber. 

As a student, you want peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, your dive team is fully prepared to handle it.

So, don’t be afraid to include all your safety concerns in your list of dive questions.

6. Is a Medical Clearance Required?

Diving is generally safe, but it’s still a physically demanding activity. Depending on your location, age, and health history, you might need to complete a medical questionnaire or get clearance from a doctor before moving forward.

Ask if any forms need to be filled out before arrival, so you’re not caught off guard or delayed from starting your dive certification. It’s always best to sort this out before you even pack your bags!

7. What Equipment Will Be Provided?

Most beginner diving programs include full gear rental, but it’s always worth double-checking. Make sure essentials like fins, mask, wetsuit, regulator, and BCD are already included in your course fee.

If your dive center provides rental equipment, ask about the condition and the brands they use. Modern, well-maintained equipment makes a huge difference to your safety and comfort, no matter what course you’re going for. 

At Utila Dive Center, we want your diving experience to be as smooth as possible. That’s why our premium all-inclusive dive packages cover everything from accommodations to top-quality dive gear. Sounds amazing, right?

8. What Is the Dive Center's Cancellation and Refund Policy?

Life happens– weather changes, flights get delayed, and sometimes plans just shift. Make sure you understand the dive center’s cancellation and refund policy in case something prevents you from completing the program.

Some centers may offer partial refunds, rescheduling options, or course credits, while others may have stricter terms. Getting clarity upfront will save you a lot of stress later on.

9. Are There Any Additional Costs?

Nobody likes surprise fees. Thoroughly check the fee structure and see if the course price includes everything, from basic fees and learning materials to rental gear and boat dives. Some dive centers may list a low upfront price but charge extra for gear or certification cards. 

A great dive center will always be transparent about its pricing and inclusions. Asking this question for dive centers helps you plan your budget more accurately and avoid any unpleasant surprises once you’re there.

10. Is scuba diving safe?

This is a totally fair question for dive centers, especially if you’re a bit nervous (which is completely normal). The short answer is yes, SCUBA diving is safe when done right. That’s why proper training, well-maintained gear, and responsible dive practices matter so much. 

The vast majority of dives go smoothly when you’re under the guidance of trained professionals. If you choose a reputable dive center and pay attention during your training, diving will feel like second nature before you know it, even if you’re just starting out. 

Which is the best Dive center in the USA?

Now that you know the right questions for dive centers, here’s a fun twist: you don’t have to learn to dive in the U.S. Many aspiring divers head to the Caribbean to combine epic underwater training with the warm, tropical waters. And when it comes to choosing the best dive center in the Caribbean, Utila Dive Center stands out for all the right reasons. 

As the Caribbean’s premier PADI Career Development Center, UDC has been setting the gold standard for dive training for over 20 years.

It doesn’t matter if you want to become a PADI-certified SCUBA diver or a Divemaster or Instructor, our experienced instructors are here to help you every step of the way.

We also offer several specialty courses like GOTEC- Technical Diving and the GOMEDIA program. At UDC you’re not just learning to dive, you’re becoming a part of something much bigger.

So, what are you waiting for?

Get in touch with our experts today!

References:

[1] – Blog.padi.com - Questions to ask when choosing a dive centre

[2] – Scubadiverlife.com - The top 10 questions you need to ask before diving

[3] – Social-diving.com - Tips for finding the right dive instructor

[4] – Master-divers.com - 10 things I wish I knew before starting my PADI Open Water course