How safe is a one day training course and same-day dive for a newbie?

Question

I'm sure some of it depends on how good of an instructor I have and if they go with me, but I still wonder if the lack of experience in a given situation would be dangerous.

Answer 1

Although I have never personally used a resort course to learn to dive, the answer is complicated. First and foremost is the level of skill and safety record of the resort instructor. It is a great introduction to diving for anyone interested in taking up the sport. You can quickly find out if it is for you or not. And if you stay in relatively shallow water, a person should do well with careful attention from the instructor(s). As with any underwater adventure, plan your dive and dive your plan.

Answer 2

My opinion is, it is not safe and has a good chance of scarring you away from giving scuba a real chance. PADI, SSI etc. it does not matter, learn the right way and at a pace you are comfortable with. It does not matter if it takes a  week or a few months, it matters that you are trained right, you are comfortable, and you are safe.

Answer 3

I think one of the most important things you are taught (at least in PADI courses) to remember is to always dive within your limits.  While I myself have always taken PADI courses, I have seen courses offered in resort areas that advertise that you can do your pool training in the morning and be out in the open water in the afternoon.  Knowing what I know about the training I went through, I'm not sure I would have been ready to open water dive after just a morning of pool work.  This is where the knowing your limits comes in.  Some people may take to the pool work very quickly and feel comfortable proceeding to an open water environment in the afternoon after only a morning of pool work.  I guess it also depends on the conditions of the open water environment you are diving in after the training.  If it's a calm, shallow dive with good visibility, I probably would have felt comfortable in the afternoon, especially if it was with the same instructor as my dive buddy.  If the conditions were extremely choppy with a swift current and minimal visibility, there is no way I would have been ready to dive after only a morning of pool work.  You just have to be smart and realize when you are out of your comfort zone.

Answer 4

Scuba diving is a thrill.  I love it!  It is an activity that I enjoy with my wife.  It is yet another way for us to get out and see the world, and to see part of the world most people never see.  That said it is not for everyone.  Some struggle with clearing ears, some struggle with claustrophobia, some can’t handle the skills, some struggle with general anxiety.  I purchased most of my dive equipment used from people to “knew” they would love it, purchased all the gear and then gave up after the pool session, open water session, or after their one and only trip.

A single day course will not certify you.  A single day course will not make you a diver.  But it will get you wet.  You’ll know if you should sign up for the next PADI course and start buying equipment, or if you should stick with snorkeling.

If you’re trying the one day course, make sure the divemaster will be with you on your open water excursion.  Make sure you are confident in your own limited skills and in the professional skills of the divemaster.

Answer 5

Depends on the Instructor or Dive master. You can not get PADI certified in one day. Padi requires the the Open water skills have to be done over a 2 day period. You can be taught Padi Discover Scuba in one day and dive upto 40 feet accompanied by the Divemaster. I am a Divemaster and teach a lot of Discover Scuba, its a free, non certifing course that is a good introduction to diving.

Answer 6

Not keen on the idea. To me most of the training is about what to do when the unexpected happens, e.g. an emergency of some type. Practicing multiple possibilities before they really happens is a good idea. Can't gain that in a 1-day class. I would not do it nor allow my family to do it that way.