20 Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Open Water Diver Course in Phuket
Diving courses, snorkeling

20 Essential Questions Before Booking Your Open Water Diver Course in Phuket

20 Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Open Water Diver Course in Phuket

Planning to dive into the crystal-clear waters of Thailand and earn your scuba certification? Whether you are looking at flexible schedules, pricing packages, or safety requirements, getting clear answers beforehand ensures a smooth and stress-free adventure. Below is a comprehensive guide featuring the 20 most important questions customers ask before booking an Open Water Diver Course in Phuket.

Course Structure & Packages

  1. How long does the Open Water Diver course take?

    • It is available as a flexible 2-day or 3-day program, depending on the training schedule and package option you choose (totaling around 15 to 24 hours of instruction).

  2. What are the different course and pricing packages available?

    • Options range from all-beach training courses (3 days, pool + 4 beach dives) starting at 9,900 THB, up to combined beach and boat options ranging from 11,500 THB to 13,000 THB depending on the number of boat trips and dive locations.

  3. What does a typical daily schedule look like for the 3-day beach option?

    • Days generally start at 8:30 AM at the Kata Beach dive center, beginning with pool training or shallow open-water practice sessions right near the coast.

  4. Can I complete the course in 2 days if I am short on holiday time?

    • Yes as long as we can access Kata Beach, this 2-day intensive training option includes half a day of pool training on Day 1 and 1 afternoon dive at Kata Beach, followed by 3 boat dives at Racha Yai or Racha Noi on Day 2.

  5. What is the maximum student-to-instructor ratio?

    • The maximum ratio is 4 students per instructor, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

Certification & Prerequisites

  1. What certification will I receive, and where is it recognized?

    • You will receive a globally recognized SSI Open Water Diver certification (equivalent to PADI), allowing you to dive up to 18 meters worldwide.

  2. What are the age requirements to take the course?

    • Students must be at least 10 years old to register for the Open Water Diver program.

  3. Do I need to be an expert swimmer to learn how to scuba dive?

    • You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but you must be comfortable in the water. You will need to complete a 200m swim test (any style) or 300m with mask, snorkel, and fins, and float in deep water unassisted for 10 minutes.

  4. Are there any medical requirements before booking?

    • Yes, you must read and sign a Medical Statement & Questionnaire confirming no adverse health conditions. If you declare a condition, you will need signed medical clearance from a doctor.

Study & eLearning

  1. How does the online e-learning work?

    • You get free online digital learning via MySSI to study the theory chapters at your own pace from any device before starting your pool sessions.

  2. When must the online learning be completed?

    • Students should pre-study and ideally complete all online chapters of the eLearning knowledge reviews before stepping into the pool session on Day 1.

Inclusions & Equipment

  1. Is scuba diving equipment included in the course price?

    • Yes, the cost includes a full set of personalized, fitted diving equipment for the entire duration of the course.

  2. What else is included in the package price?

    • It includes digital course manuals, a digital logbook, a digital certification card, and food, drinks, snacks, and meals on all boat diving days.

  3. Are there any hidden extra fees for boat trips?

    • Standard boat trips include meals, but if you choose a course option visiting Phi Phi Island/Shark Point, a 600 THB national marine park fee applies, payable in cash on the boat.

Logistics & Location

  1. Where is the dive center located, and why is it beneficial?

    • The primary dive center and resort are located at Kata Beach, featuring an exclusive private training pool right on-site to eliminate travel time and traffic delays.

  2. Are hotel transfers included, and which areas are covered?

    • Free boat-day transfers are provided from Kata, Karon, Rawai, Nai Harn, Chalong Bay, and Patong. Remote areas like Bang Tao, Surin, Mai Khao, Cape Panwa, and Phuket Town incur extra private car transfer fees.

Safety & Special Options

  1. How long do I have to wait to fly after scuba diving?

    • You must wait a minimum of 18 to 24 hours after your last scuba dive before boarding a flight.

  2. Can I upgrade or bundle my certification?

    • Yes, you can bundle the Open Water course with the Advanced Adventurer course for 21,000 THB to get certified to 30 meters, or add the Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Course for 3,900 THB.

  3. Is private instruction available if I want more individualized attention?

    • Yes, optional private instruction can be added for 2,000 THB per day per person, or you can extend your course by a day for extra practice in the pool.

  4. What is the cancellation or refund policy if I feel uncomfortable continuing?

    • Phuket Dive Tours offers partial refunds if customers feel they do not want to continue with the course.