Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the courses held?
We have all of our classroom sessions here at Diving Sports, and we use several different pools and dive sites depending on the day and time of year!
Where is the Pool located?
We use a few different pools depending on the course, time of year, and day of the week. Your instructor can give you the address when you come in for your first training day. We also provide transportation to all the diving locations in our company van.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, swimming is a prerequisite for all the diving courses. For the beginner courses you will need to demonstrate the ability to swim 200m non-stop and to tread water for 10min.
Is it too cold to learn to dive here?
Not at all! We dive in Vancouver all year round, and winter has some of the best diving! You just need to learn how to use a drysuit if you want to stay warm in the really cold months.
Do I have to use a drysuit for Scuba Diving?
Not necessarily. Many divers choose to dive in wetsuits in the summer months when the water and weather warms up, however the more dives you do, the colder you get so we always recommend getting drysuit certified for longer dive trips and courses.
Can I use a drysuit if I have not completed the full drysuit certification?
No. At Diving Sports we require every student to be a fully certified Drysuit Diver before using a drysuit for any of our courses or trips.
Is Rental Gear Included in the courses?
Yes, we include all the rental equipment and exposure suits necessary for diving (except mask, snorkel, neoprene gloves, neoprene socks, and undergarments).
Do you rent drysuit undergarments?
No, at this time we do not have a way of properly maintaining a full fleet of rental undergarments, so we don't offer any for rental.
I have not been diving in a while but I want to take my advanced course, do I need to do a refresher?
Yes. We require anyone who has not been diving in over 1 year to participate in a refresher with us or another dive shop prior to any training. We do this for the safety of all our students and our instructors.
I am not a certified diver, can I do a Discover Scuba Dive in the ocean in Vancouver?
No, for safety reasons we only take certified divers, or those becoming certified, to the ocean. You will need to complete the full Open Water Diver Certification to go diving with us in Vancouver.
Is there much to see during my certification course?
Absolutely! Our local sites have lots of life that you can't get in other parts of the world. We often see Giant Pacific Octopus, Harbour Seals, Lingcod, Crabs, Sea cucumbers, nudibranchs and so much more!
What is the Difference Between SDI and PADI?
We teach through both training agencies. Both are recognised worldwide as respected diving agencies. SDI allows our instructors to structure courses based on the individual or group needs, ability level, or diving conditions. This gives us more flexibility to teach divers in the ways that work best for them.
I have never tried diving before, where do I start?
The best place to start if you are unsure if you will like diving is the Discover Scuba Diving experience! Try diving with no stress and see if you enjoy the sensation of breathing underwater.
I heard the best diving is on Vancouver Island, what do I need to know to go diving there?
We recommend anyone going diving on the Island is Drysuit certified and has their SDI Advanced Adventure Diver (or equivalent) certification. The currents on the Island can be quite challenging, but that is what makes the diving so special!
Is it worth taking the Rescue Diver Course?
Absolutely. The Rescue diver training is for anyone who wants to learn to be a better diver and a better dive buddy. You will be able to confidently assist another diver in situations you would have otherwise been unable to.
I finished my Open Water Course, what should I do next?
Go diving! The best way to put your training to use is to go diving. Sign up to complete your Nitrox Diver specialty to extend your bottom times and practice to take your Advanced Adventure training to explore even deeper!
I want to get into Technical Diving, where do I start?
The TDI Intro to Tech is the first step into Technical Diving if you have not done any training before. The Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures training is the goal for every new technical diver and the Intro to Tech will help get you ready for it.
Is Freediving or Scuba Diving better?
Both! Everyone is going to be different and have their own preferences. Both sports are good for their own reasons, and it is up to you to decide when you want to do each one.
I want to become a Divemaster or Instructor, can I do that here?
Yes! We are a complete education center with our own SDI Instructor Trainer. We offer Instructor Development Courses 1-2 times a year depending on the number of candidates we have and Divemaster Internships all year round.
