Advice requested: first dive in Turks and Caicos

[Palmeirense]

Hello to all,

This is my first post in this forum - hopefully the first of many.

I just completed my PADI E-learning and I'll be in Turks and Caicos in two weeks to spend my one week vacation there.

From what I have been able to gather, it seems I will be able to get my certification in 3 days (one for pool lessons and two for the required 4 open water dives).

My questions are the following:

- Does one become certified immediately after the 4 open water dives? If I want to start diving the day after my 4th dive, can I?

- Assuming I become certified on the 3rd day, I will still have 4 days to dive. Would it be wise/ambitious/prudent to book further dives for the other 4 days? I've done snorkeling many times and love it! This is the single most relaxing activity I do in my life. That said, should I wait and see if I like diving before I book further dives or it's pretty certain I'll get hooked up straight away?

- Do spots on the diving boats sell out in advance this time of the year or it's always easy to find a last minute spot? Does one become "bored" by diving with a single operator and if so, should I book dives with different operators?

I would be grateful to hear your advice!

 

[boulderjohn]

From what I have been able to gather, it seems I will be able to get my certification in 3 days (one for pool lessons and two for the required 4 open water dives).

I am sorry to say that this is true. That's how I did it myself. I believe you should have more time in the pool, unless you are pretty much by yourself and going at it all day. In my case, I had only a couple of hours, which was not enough to do all the required skills.

My questions are the following:

- Does one become certified immediately after the 4 open water dives? If I want to start diving the day after my 4th dive, can I?

Yes. As soon as your log book is completed and signed, you are a certified diver.

- Assuming I become certified on the 3rd day, I will still have 4 days to dive. Would it be wise/ambitious/prudent to book further dives for the other 4 days?

Why not? As long as you are down there, you might as well take advantage.

Do spots on the diving boats sell out in advance this time of the year or it's always easy to find a last minute spot?

I don't know that area, but there really should not be a problem. If you scroll down the ScubaBoard site, you will find a section for regional travel, and you can drill down to Turks and Caicos. You can search that site and ask questions like this to get answers from people who know the area well.

Does one become "bored" by diving with a single operator and if so, should I book dives with different operators.

If it is a good operator, you will never be bored by the operator. I do suggest that you get good suggestions at the appropriate ScubaBoard site mentioned above.

 

[Palmeirense]

Thanks a lot, you pretty much nailed my questions!

 

[RJP]

- Do spots on the diving boats sell out in advance this time of the year or it's always easy to find a last minute spot? Does one become "bored" by diving with a single operator and if so, should I book dives with different operators?

I would be grateful to hear your advice!

Assuming they are a "good shop" in the first place, whichever op you are training with would most likely be a good choice for subsequent dives, for a few reasons:

• They will have specific knowledge of your skill level, comfort level, things to work on, etc, coming out of OW dives...which SHOULD help ensure they take you to sites/dives that are within the range of your skills and training
• You'll be familiar/comfortable with their gear, since it's what you trained in
• You may be able to get a discount on gear rental and subsequent dives if you sign up for everything at once
• They will already have all your information (certification/forms/waivers/etc) filled out and on file
• I'm assuming whichever shop you are doing your training with is logistically convenient to wherever you're staying while you're there

Ultimately, all the operators dive the same DIVE SITES so there shouldn't be any boredeom-factor associated with the op itself, and T&C has more than enough sites to keep you from getting bored for a few days!

Enjoy - Ray

 

[mikerault]

There is Provo, Grand Turk, or one of the Caicos, where will you be at?

 

[Palmeirense]

I'll be in Provo - from what I read, the operators take the boats to West Caicos, French Cay and Northwest Point mostly.

 

[TeriLeonard]

Although some folks do need more time in the pool etc., most people do great as soon as they get their certification! Of course, it is similar to getting your driver's license, doesn't mean you are the greatest driver, or diver. I recommend that you continue your diving education, improving your bouyancy and navigation skills, as well as developing confidence.
Having said that, I highly recommend that you book as much diving as you are comfortable with as soon as possible after your certification. The more you dive, the better diver you become. Plus, you get to DIVE

 

[marine9]

I dove the T & C two years ago and it was great!

Enjoy your time down there, and enjoy your new "C" card
and all that goes with it.

But keep learning, and keep diving.

The best.

 

[Palmeirense]

Just another question:

When people do their open water certification dives in a nice dive spot, do they spend all the time under water doing the exercises described in the e-learning or there is opportunity to swim around and enjoy the sea life as well?

 

[CapeUW]

Just a thought, but you might consider doing the pool training locally before you go, if that's feasible. It will give you an extra day of diving on the vacation, and probably will leave you better prepared to do your open water dives. Having the time to progress in the pool at a reasonable pace will make you a more solid, more well-rounded diver from the start, and you will be able to enjoy your vacation diving to a greater degree.