Frequently asked Questions
General Diving Questions
Basic swimming skills are recommended, but for introductory sessions like Discover Scuba Diving, swimming is not mandatory. For certification courses, you should be able to swim 200m and float for 10 minutes.
Yes. When done with proper training, certified instructors, and safety protocols, scuba diving is very safe. At Orca Dive Club, safety is our top priority.
Children as young as 10 years old can start with the PADI Junior Open Water course. Introductory pool sessions can be done from age 8.
Yes, you can dive with powered masks or contact lenses.
Yes, conditions like asthma, heart issues, or recent surgeries may require a doctor’s clearance. We provide a medical questionnaire before every course/trip.
Pool Training & Courses
Pool training introduces you to dive equipment, breathing underwater, hand signals, buoyancy control, and safety skills in a controlled environment
The PADI Open Water course is broken down into 3 modules. The theory would take 15-20 hours to complete, the pool training/confined water session is completed over a duration of 2 days (one weekend). After that you will do 4 open water dives to gain your certification.Â
Discover Scuba is a one-time experience, not a license. The Open Water course is a lifetime certification allowing you to dive up to 18m worldwide.
Yes, all equipment needed for pool training sessions is included in our packages.
Absolutely. We offer Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Emergency First Response, and Specialty courses like Nitrox, Deep Diving, and more.
Dive Trips (Domestic & International)
We run trips across India (Lakshadweep and Andamans) and international destinations (Maldives, Philippines, Indonesia, Red Sea, Galápagos, Madagascar, and more).
Yes. We curate trips for both newly certified divers and experienced divers. Some advanced sites may require additional certification, which we will guide you on.
Most trips include 10–12 dives, with options to add more at the destination.
Yes. Many of our destinations offer snorkeling, island tours, water sport activities and cultural experiences — perfect for non-diving friends or family.
Yes. For group trips, we always send a traveling instructor to ensure safety, training, and a seamless experience.
Equipment & Logistics
No, all essential gear is available for rent. However, many divers eventually purchase their own mask, fins, or wetsuit for comfort.
Typically: Buoyancy Control Device (BCD), regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, Surface Marker Buoy, tanks, weights, Dive computers and torches can be rented.
Yes, and if you do, you only need to rent what you don’t own.Â
Yes, many destinations offer Enriched Air (Nitrox) for longer bottom times. Specialty certification is required.
All gear is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each use with approved disinfectants for masks, snorkels, and regulators.
Safety, Insurance & Community
Yes, dive insurance is strongly recommended for all divers. Orca Dive Club provides short-term DAN coverage for our trips if you don’t have your own.
We follow PADI standards, limit group sizes, and ensure all instructors are CPR & EFR trained.
Yes! We host conservation initiatives, workshops, meetups, and fun events like World Ocean Day celebrations, and marine education screenings.
Because we’re not just a dive center — we’re a community of ocean lovers. With years of experience, global expeditions, and a focus on personal connections, we ensure every diver feels like part of the Orca family.