Is Scuba Diving Dangerous?
Like most sports, Scuba diving has some inherent risks. These risks are all but eliminated by getting proper sanctioned training from a PADI Instructor (or other diving agency) and then by only diving within your training level and personal limits. Anyone over the age of 8 years old can learn to dive once you are in good medical health and are comfortable in the water.

Do I need to be very fit and able to swim?
You do need to have a decent level of fitness to dive. If you are overweight and unagile then you may get into trouble if you need to swim against a current or lift yourself into a dive boat. You do not need to be an olympic swimmer to learn to dive but you do need to be able to show us that you can swim  a few lengths of the pool and are comfortable in the water both above and below.

Is Scuba Diving in Ireland Cold?
Do you think we would love diving so much if we were always cold and there was nothing to see in Irish Waters? No we would not! We wear the proper exposure suits for whatever conditions we are diving in so there is no need to ever get cold. Ireland also offers some of the best diving in the world, what we lack in coral reefs and larger fish life we gain in wrecks, dropoffs and underwater topology.

What do I need to do to start diving?
We will need you to sign a diving medical form and also prove that you are comfortable in the water by completing a short swim. We provide all the equipment and training from then on. 

Is learning to dive difficult?
No, it's probably easier than you imagine - especially if you're already comfortable in the water. PADI entry-level courses consist of pool diving, knowledge development and open water dives. The courses are performance based, meaning that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill. 

Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver?
No. You need to be a reasonably proficient swimmer and comfortable in the water. You must swim 200 metres nonstop, without a time or specific stroke requirement or a 300 meter swim with mask, fins and snorkel. You'll also have to perform a 10 minute tread/float. 

How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?
You must be at least ten years old to receive a Junior Open Water Diver Certification. 10 and 11 year old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet. 12 to 14 year olds must dive with a certified adult.  

I already dive is there a club I can join in Arklow? 
Absolutely. A bunch of like minded local divers have set up a dive club and plan dives regularly, in the local area, nationally and abroad. In the last few years we have visited Malta, the Red Sea, Scapa Flow and Finland. We dive locally at Hook Head, Wicklow Head and Kilmore Quay most weekends and we also plan weekend dives to Kilkee, Antrim, Killary, Donegal, Sligo and Baltimore during the year. All non-members are welcome to join us on our dives.