Sinking below the surface into blue waters, the world above and all its worries disappearing from sight, can be a wonderful experience and one that you're sure never to forget. Wherever in the world you choose to make your first entrance into the underwater world, it's important that you make the right decisions about how you do it to ensure you have a safe introduction to diving.
For those craving the peaceful yet exciting new world that lies beneath the waters, be it out in the sea or exploring the depths of a lake, the best place to start is with a PADI diving school. Though there are a number of different dive schools you can train with PADI is well known and respected across the globe and their courses have a friendly and enjoyable feel.
First of all you will need to decide where to do your qualification. A lot of people like to do their qualification while on holiday where the water is warm and clear and they can rush through it all in a few days. However, though there are obvious benefits to doing this, not least avoiding plunging into the dark depths of icy cold water, there are drawbacks. If for example you are intending on doing most of your diving in local cold waters, learning to dive in the Caribbean, for example, will not prepare you well enough. You would be better off using a local dive school who will also be able to train you in the use of dry suits. You will still gain all the experience you need to then jet off to warmer waters when you feel like it. Of course if your fortunate to have warm local waters, learning in warm waters abroad may suit you well.
Bear in mind that you will need to be physically fit to be allowed to dive. You will be asked to fill out and sign a medical form to prove that you are fit. If you have had any operations on your ears or problems with your lungs you may not be able to dive. If you have any concerns it may be a good idea to consult your doctor before you sign up for a course.
If you are unsure whether or not you will enjoy diving, most schools offer a Discover Scuba course which allows you to have a go without committing yourself to the full Open Water course. If you decide you don't like it, you won't have wasted the full course fees. If, on the other hand, you can't wait to continue you can take what you've learnt and put it towards your Open Water qualification.
The full Open Water course begins with learning the theory and working through the Open Water Manual. This covers everything you need to know about the physics and physiology of taking your body underwater and the risks it involves. You will also be introduced to the equipment involved, learning how to assemble it and how to use it. You should be able to rent all your equipment from the school. It's expensive stuff so you'd be well advised not to purchase anything until you know whether or not diving is for you. Your theory sessions will be concluded by the sitting of an exam to ensure you have understood everything, but don't panic! It's multiple choice and if you fail you can always try again.
With the theory out of the way it's time to move on to the fun stuff with your confined water sessions. If you're taking the course at a local school your first experience of breathing underwater will take place in a swimming pool. If you've opted to do the course abroad it may take place in the shallows at the beach. Either way it may be the beginning of a life long addiction. At this point you'll practise the basic skills you'll need to complete to pass the course. These include assembling your equipment, buddy checks, proper descents and ascents, clearing your mask, removing and replacing your equipment underwater and various exercises designed to test your buoyancy. You will also need to prove your capability in the water by completing a swim of 200m.
Finally you'll need to complete four dives in the open water and you'll need to complete the skills you learnt in your confined water sessions. You will also be taught the basics of navigation and how to use a compass at the surface and underwater. These dives should also involve some simple exploration of the dive site where you get the opportunity to have some fun and spend some time with the fish.
By the end of your final day you will be qualified to dive as deep as 18m. Different countries have different regulations about who can go diving where and whether or not you need a dive leader or instructor with you. Around the UK there are few regulations and it's possible for Open Water qualified divers to take off whenever they want. However, please be careful. Diving can be very dangerous and it is important never to dive beyond your limits. If you're diving a new site you should always do it with someone who is familiar with it.
That said, once you have your qualification, keep diving. The more practise you get the more competent you will be. How far you take your qualifications is up to you, but I would recommend at least getting your Advanced Open Water as this really helps to fine tune the skills you already have. If you remain responsible and keep practising your skills, soon you'll be gliding along with the fish as much at home beneath the waves as they are, and you will no doubt have begun a life long love affair with the enchanting underwater world.