If your question is not adressed in the FAQ section or covered on our webpage, please do not hesitate to contact us directly for further information.
PADI programs & courses/ concerns with diving activities:
Why should I choose your Dive school/ Dive resort?
Because our first priority is safety followed by customer service. As we focus on quality over quantity, we offer tailor-made and customized service. We adapt wishes from our guests and integrate them into our diving activities.
That is why e.g. we do not have standard starting times but we first ask our students and certified divers when they desire to start their diving journey. We only operate with a maximum ratio of two students per instructor and will adjust ratios if guests may request a group of max. four persons.
Furthermore, we are a transparent and fair PADI Dive Resort; our prices do not hide any additional fees. Transportation, full standard diving gear -after PADI Standards-, snacks & water, lunch, daily fresh towels, diving instructor for guiding/ teaching, beach taxes are included. Extra fees -see price list- will only arise if diving by boat or hiring additional equipment such as torches, computers, nitrox tanks.
What does it feel like to be underwater and breathe compressed air?
It is a completely new world and because of that, you obviously need some time for adaptation as in any other new activity you may start. All individuals are different and some feel like “fishes” underwater and other may need a bit more of time. You will see how easy is to disconnect from our real world since once you submerge yourself you will suddenly hear new sounds like the ones of your breathing.
In other words, a “sound” arises when you breathe in and as well, you will hear even the bubbles when breathing out. On the other hand, no traffic sounds, phones, people talking, etc. A lovely feeling of calmness and peace. Especially in the clear waters of Bali, the underwater world is full of light, color and life. The tropical underwater landscape is covered fully by corals and a huge variety of coral reef fishes.
Give yourself some time and you will not regret it! It is definitely an amazing experience and you will enjoy it a lot.
Am I medically fit to dive?
When participating in any PADI courses/ programs we will provide you some administrative forms. One of them is the so-called “Medical Statement”. Be welcome to ask us directly for sending you this form per E-mail.
When answering “YES” to any of the questions you will need then to attend a physician and take the questionnaire to him/ her. The doctor will verify if you are fit for diving. Please keep in mind that before any in-water activities, all listed questions need to be answered with a “NO”
What is the minimum age limit for trying scuba diving or for getting PADI certified?
As an active PADI Dive Resort member, we use guidelines and standards laid out by PADI. Consequently, for Bubblemaker Program the minimum age is 8 years whereas to obtain a PADI entry-level certification (Junior) the minimum age to enroll a PADI Scuba Diver or PADI Open Water Course is 10 years.
I never dived before and I would like to begin during the vacation. What do I have to do?
For entry-level/ beginners we provide the following programs and courses:
- PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program: takes ½ day and it is an introduction diving journey with two dives included
- PADI Scuba Diver Course: takes 2 days and you become officially PADI Certified (12 metres/ always accompanied by a PADI Professional)
- PADI Open Water Diver Course: takes three and half days if accomplishing the theory here in Amed. If you request us to send you a PADI E-Learning Code you can finish the course in just two days (please contact us directly if you would like to request a PADI Code to access Online Material and work already on the theory from home). With this course, you become PADI certified and are allowed to dive independently to 18 meters, always accompanied with a diving “buddy”.
Is it dangerous?
No, it isn’t. Scuba diving reputation is significantly safe. Of course, it is mandatory to follow guidelines and safety rules explained by your diving instructor. Later on, you will become familiar with them as they follow basic common sense.
Scuba diving is actually an awesome activity and hobby. A “buddy” sport, which allows fun to be shared with friends, relatives or family.
Are there any dangerous aquatic life animals i.e. sharks?
There are actually no dangerous sharks in the world. Moreover, shark species that may or tend to be more territory protective are not present in Bali.
Aquatic life injuries do not happen because the animal is attacking the diver but because of the animal trying to defend/ protect himself from a hazardous situation.
Can I run out of air?
The idea of learning diving is to provide you with proper tools and skills for preventing such very unlikely situations. You will learn fast how easy is to check our Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG) and do it frequent and in a proactive way. It is like reading the petrol gauge on the motorbike or car, do you really run out-of-petrol? Like in other technology devices such as phones, tablets or laptops, when the battery reaches a certain level, the device notifies the user when entering the reserve level. Same with scuba diving!
What means equalization and will my ears hurt?
Remember when you are in the plane and before landing. We tend to feel discomfort due to pressure reasons. Usually individuals equalize air spaces to avoid an uncomfortable feeling. Same will happen underwater, because of the increasing pressure we need to adjust our air spaces such as the mask or ears.
When participating in a PADI entry-level diving program or course, the first step is briefing students on equalization techniques to prevent discomfort. You will see how easy and straightforward it is!
Can rain affect my diving activities?
Once you become PADI certified you understand much better how lucky we scuba divers are. Once you are underwater you will not feel the rain at all, actually you are already wet. Only if it really rains a lot –like for days- it may affect the visibility as the rivers bring mud into the ocean.
How long are my dives going to be?
La Bila Dive Resort does not apply any restriction on bottom times. On the contrary, we stimulate our guests and try to extend as much as possible their bottom time -when of course safety is not jeopardized-. We believe in quality over quantity and every minute you spend underwater is additional time for you to continue expanding and consolidating new knowledge.
You will learn during your scuba diving experience that bottom times vary depending on several factors such as air consumption, fitness, status of mind & body, water conditions –cold/ warm, current/no-current, etc.-
Our guests tend to be on average around 50 minutes on their first diving experience.
