A
Scuba Experience with a Difference,
Diving in Malta.
Frequently
Asked Questions.
Questions
about Courses.
I've
always wanted to learn to scuba dive (or snorkel). How do
I get started?
Simple. At Dawn Dives in Malta, we offer a range of scuba
diving courses to suit your needs and time constraints. We
just need to know when you want to start your course and we
can work out the best package for you. Before you know it
you will be scuba diving.
Is learning to scuba dive difficult?
No, it's probably easier than you imagine. Our PADI entry-level
scuba diver course consists of sheltered (confined) water
diving, some theory and open water dives. The diving course
is performance based, meaning that you progress as you learn
and demonstrate knowledge and skill. We regularly teach all
ages and abilities and we progress at your pace. The secret
is to relax and enjoy the scuba diving experience!
How long does it take to become a certified scuba
diver?
PADI scuba diving courses are performance based, which means
that you earn your certification when you demonstrate that
you've mastered the required skills and knowledge. Because
some learn faster than others, course duration varies. For
example, the PADI Open Water Diver course can be split into
five or six sessions over as little as three days.
How old do I have to be to become a certified scuba
diver?
In Malta you must be at least ten years old to receive a PADI
Junior Open Water Diver Certification. Ten and 11 year old
Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent,
guardian or PADI Diving Professional to a maximum depth of
12 metres/40 feet. 12 to 14 year olds must dive with a certified
adult. At age 15, the Junior certification upgrades to a regular
Open Water Diver certification. The final decision on whether
an individual is old enough to dive will be at the discretion
of the Instructor or as stipulated by the training agency
for those undertaking a diving qualification. Written parental
/ guardian consent will be required for all divers under age
18.
Are there any special qualifications or considerations
to participate in a scuba diving class in Malta?
So long as you are in good average health and at least 10
years old you can participate. You will, however, complete
a medical questionnaire. If anything on the questionnaire
indicates a reason to be cautious about diving, we will arrange
a local diving medicine doctor to see you to make sure you
are fit to scuba dive.
Do I have to be a good swimmer?
You need only to be able to swim 200 metres with no time limit
or most people prefer a 300 metre/yard swim with mask, fins
and snorkel. You'll also perform a 10 minute tread/float.
Is learning to scuba dive in Malta expensive?
No.
At Dawn Dives, the cost of the diving courses includes all
equipment. Because most dive centers and resorts rent equipment,
once you are qualified you can invest in equipment over time,
renting what you don't have. There's probably good diving
not far from where you live, so travel costs can be flexible
enough to accommodate even the tightest budget. Most people
find the costs of scuba diving similar to the cost associated
with snow skiing or mountain biking.
What equipment do I need before I take scuba diving
lessons?
Because our courses up to Dive Master level include full scuba
diving equipment, you only need to bring your swimming costume
and a smile!
Is scuba diving dangerous?
No, but there are potential hazards, which is why at Dawn
Dives we offer proper training and certification.
Scuba diving sounds exciting, but I'm not sure if
it's for me. Can I try it without signing up for a course?
Absolutely. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience allows
you to make a shallow scuba dive supervised by an instructor.
This usually takes a few hours and takes place in the warm
clear waters.
Questions from Certified divers
What is the water temperature whilst diving in Malta?
The temperature underwater varies throughout the year from
14 degrees Celsius in February to 28 degrees in August and
September. With temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius from
April to December. So a 3mm wet suit is good for the summer
months and a thick wetsuit (7mm) or dry suit is needed for
January to March.
What type of boat does the dive centre use?
We are lucky in Malta in that most diving is from the shore.
We have depths of anything up to 100metres plus (obviously
only very skilled technical dives can dive anywhere near these
depths) but it means that most of the best dive sites don’t
involve a long and expensive boat ride. We do however organize
boat dives to Comino and some of the offshore wrecks. For
these we use a Luzzu – a traditional Maltese boat which
has been specially converted for diving in Malta.
If it is mostly shore diving, is it just reefs?
Not at all. Diving in Malta is varied and interesting. We
have wrecks, reefs, walls, caves, caverns and swim throughs.
Sea life is abundant here in these rich, southern Mediterranean
waters with octopus, squid, barracuda, sea horse, swordfish
and dolphins putting in appearances throughout the year.
Do I need my own kit to dive in Malta?
We have a full range of scuba diving equipment to rent at
Dawn Dives. We offer scuba diving packages for divers with
or without equipment.
Most
rental equipment is old or worn out, is yours?
We pride ourselves on professionalism and the standard of
our equipment is excellent. It is all under 2 years old and
serviced annually or more often.
I see your dive centre is a PADI school, I am trained by another
organization, can I dive with you?
Of course. We recognize all of the major training agencies
worldwide, including CMAS, BSAC, SSI and NAUI to name but
a few.
When is the best time to dive in Malta?
Diving is possible in the clear, warm waters of Malta all
year round. Of course with the slight changes in temperature,
we get different sea life, so if it is the large pelagic species
you like, then the cooler months of October to April will
suit you. If you like colourful fish, turtles, spanish dancers
and nudibranch, then the warmer summer months are great for
these. Visibility is good year round.
Other
questions
Do you offer accommodation as well?
We can arrange accommodation in self catering apartments in
St Pauls Bay at very good rates or we can help you make arrangements
to stay in the 4* Ramla Bay Resort. We also arrange airport
transfers and can even arrange car hire.
Do I need a medical to dive in Malta?
In 2004, Malta introduced the self certification system. There
is a short medical questionnaire to complete and so long as
you are in reasonably good health, there will be no need to
see a doctor before you begin to enjoy diving in Malta.
For
more details and bookings please
contact
us about Diving in
Malta
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