F.A.Q.

Can I Scuba Dive in Kentucky?
Yes we have several local dive sites to spend a day or weekend at. Islanders Dive Center also schedules dive trips to ocean destinations, which of course is where diving is the best.

Is learning to dive hard?
No, if you are already comfortable in the water, learning to dive is probably easier than you think. The entry-level course, Open Water Certification, consists of home study and classroom work, diving in the pool and open water dives.

How long does it take to get certified?
Everyone learns at a different pace. Students will begin at home, by reading the PADI or SDI Open Water Course book, watching the accompanying DVD/Video and completing the homework. Afterward you will spend (on average) 6 hours devoted to classroom work and then 6 hours at one of the pools we use with one of our PADI or SDI Instructors. Then you need 4 open water dives at one of our local dive sites or on one of our trips to finish.

Why get certified here why not on vacation?
The previous question showed how long it takes to get certified, so why use up your vacation taking classes when you could already be certified and spend your time scuba diving instead?

How much equipment do I need?
There is nothing like owning your own gear, however for your course we supply everything you need to become certified, and you keep the mask, fins, snorkel, boots and dive bag.

How old do I need to be?
Age 10 and older. Ages 10-14 for the Junior Open Water Diver course. Ages 14 and up for the Open Water Diver program.

What if I’m not sure I want to commit yet, but want to learn more about scuba diving?
Then you can sign up for our Discover Scuba Diving program which lets you experience the thrill of diving under the supervision of an instructor in the pool. During your adventure, you’ll master some basic concepts and scuba skills.

Do I need to be an excellent swimmer?
No. You need to be a reasonably competent swimmer and comfortable in the water. As part of your training you must swim 200 yards nonstop, without a time limit, or 400 yards with mask, fins and snorkel. You’ll also need to perform a 10-minute float or tread.

Do I have to be in great physical shape?
Generally you need to be in good average health to participate in Scuba. You will, however, complete a medical questionnaire and if anything on the questionnaire indicates a reason to be overcautious about diving, you’ll need check with a physician to make sure you can dive.