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Frequently Asked Questions:

GENERAL:

Q. Are there sharks on the Great Barrier Reef?
A.Yes, there are sharks in every ocean. A variety of sharks inhabit the Great Barrier Reef. What we most commonly encounter are smaller species which pose no threat to divers or snorkellers. The shark that Australia is infamous for, the Great White shark, prefers cold water of the Southern Ocean and does not exist in Tropical North Queensland.

Q. I have heard about the stinging jellyfish. Can I still go diving?
A. There are 2 main types of dangerous jellyfish in our local waters. The Box Jellyfish is coastal dwelling and is never seen on the reef. They breed in estuaries and live their life on the shoreline, therefore do not pose a threat to divers. The Irukandji jellyfish is also predominantly a coastal dweller but is occasionally found on the reef. Divers are rarely troubled by either species but there is still a risk of being stung. Full body coverage is recommended when jellyfish are prevalent. The jellyfish season in North Queensland is from November to April.

Q. Do I Need Special Insurance when diving?

Some Companies do require you take diving special insurance while with others it is not compulsory. We strongly recommend you have travel insurance which covers you for cancellation of trip due to illness, poor weather, travel delays, lost luggage and legal costs. Travel insurance may not cover diving accidents and treatment/evacuation. We recommend getting separate insurance like that offered by DAN. (Divers Alert Network):

DAN America-Mexico
DAN Europe
DAN Japan
DAN Southern Africa

Q. I Suffer from motion sickness, which trip is best for me?

Generally we would recommend trips on 'Cats' (twin hulls) as these tend to be a little more stable. See ReefQuest, OceanQuest or Big Cat Green Island Day Trips.

Q. What is "Outer Reef"?

All similar yet all very different, most reefs fall into three categories:

1. fringing reefs, which occur around the edges of the continental islands that were once a part of the mainland.
2. ribbon or outer, barrier reefs which grow on the edge of the continental shelf.
3. platform or patch reefs, which support a cay, or island formed by sedimentary debris swept onto the reef.

One of the major reasons the reef holds such a fascination for scientists and tourist alike is its infinite variety. Some reefs are a little more than a few thousand metres in area while others could be spread over 120 square kilometres. Shapes vary from round, oblong, crescent and indescribable. Some of the very outer reefs are up to 25 kilometres long. At low tide some of the reefs expose themselves while others remain fully submerged. An aerial fly over is a must to appreciate the full extent of the reef.

About 2800 species of fish are known to live in the reef region. Of the 500 or so species of reef building corals found throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans, about 350 are known to be on the Barrier Reef. It could be decades before scientists have a complete list of all the plants and animals found on any one reef. Many species are still to be identified and named. This clearly shows a staggering diversity of life.

PRO DIVE CAIRNS:

Q. When I travel with Pro Dive Cairns, where will I be diving?
A. We have 16 exclusive dive sites on 4 spectacular outer reefs. The reefs: Thetford, Pellowe, Milln and Flynn are situated on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, south east from Cairns. These sites are rarely visited by other vessels, so divers and snorkellers get the exclusive opportunity to view magnificent corals and fish life without the crowds. We generally only ever do two dives at any one dive site - weather pending.

Q. What depths will I be diving to?
A. The Great Barrier Reef is generally not a deep dive destination - so more your shallow diving. Our dive sites have an average depth range of 10 - 25 metres (30-80 feet). As coral relies on sunlight for growth, some of the best snorkelling and diving can be done in shallow areas around the reef top.

Q. Do I need my own equipment?
A. No. Pro Dive Cairns include all required equipment you may need for any dive or snorkel package. If you are interested in purchasing gear, you are more then welcome to see our staff at the retail shop the day before your trip.

Q. What if I am travelling alone? Who will I dive with?
A. Before every dive, the dive supervisor conducts a detailed site briefing beforehand. We will arrange a dive buddy for you. We offer an Instructor in the water for the first dive to see if the certified divers are ok in the water and the first night dive will be offered guided.

Q. I have forgotten / lost my certification card / license, can I still dive?
A. Yes, as long as evidence of certification can be provided eg log book, verification letter from your certifying dive company. You can do this by contacting your original certifying organizations. We can provide assistance in this area if you are PADI affiliated.

Q. What accommodation facilities are available onboard ‘Scubapro’ vessels?
A. All three vessels have 14 twin share cabins and 2 doubles available at the same cost. Every two cabins share shower and toilet facilities. For clients travelling alone, we will arrange a twin share cabin with another person of the same sex.

Q. How many people will be on the boat?
A. A maximum of 32 passengers are on the liveaboard vessel. There will be a mix of skill levels on board - snorkellers, certified divers and people completing diving courses such as Open Water, Advanced, Rescue and Divemaster courses.

Q. If a friend / partner is a certified diver or non-diver, can they come on the same trip with me whilst I’m on the course?
A. Yes, they will be buddied with another certified diver onboard while you complete your 4 training dives. After that you will have the opportunity to complete 5 pleasure dives together. There is plenty of time throughout the trip to snorkel and socialise with a non-diver if you are travelling with someone who doesn’t dive/snorkel.

Q. Can you pick me up from my accommodation?
A. Yes. Pro Dive Cairns can provide complimentary transfers from Cairns & Northern Beaches, accommodation as far as Palm Cove. We do not pick up from private addresses but will collect passengers from the nearest hotel or pick up point. Please note we do not pick up from the Airport.

Q. What do I bring on the boat?
A. You will need to take along a couple of towels, one for swimming and one for showering. You’ll need swimwear, comfortable clothes for three days, toiletries etc. Luggage needs to be kept to a minimum (small bag) as space is limited on boats. Any excess luggage can be kept safely in storage for you at our retail shop.

Q. Can I bring alcohol on board?
A. Yes, you are allowed to bring alcohol on board, but in moderation as we only have limited space on all of our boats. Please note once any alcohol has been consumed, you are not allowed to go into the water again until the following day. Pro Dive Cairns encourages responsible drinking.

Q. When can I fly next after diving?
A. PADI standards recommend you leave at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying. You can fly, then dive the same day, however not dive then fly. You will complete your last dive around 12 noon on your last day of the liveaboard trip, so flying the next day anytime after noon will be ok. Other activities to avoid are sky diving, hot air ballooning and going to Kuranda.

Q. What do I have to do to complete my Learn to Dive?
A. Minimum age - 12 years of age 10 minute tread water 200m swim or 300m with snorkel and fins Dive Medical according to Australian Standard (AS4005-1) required by law

Q. What happens if I fail my Medical?
A. You have 2 options: you can still go on the liveaboard trip as a snorkeller or you can obtain a full refund (available only up until the end of the first day of class). Some medical conditions that can preclude you from diving include heart disease, asthma, diabetes and epilepsy.

Q. What do I bring to my pool and theory sessions?
A. You will need to bring your swimsuit and a towel. If you have not already completed your dive medical, bring some money to pay direct to the doctor. (AU$55 cash or credit card) You will also need to bring cash on both days for lunch. We do not have an ATM facility at the Training Centre but this facility is available within a five minute walk.

Q. How many people will be in my class?
A. The maximum student/instructor ratio is 10 students to 1 instructor in the pool and 8 students to 1 instructor on the outer reef. The classroom numbers are capped at 20 students.

Q. Why should I do the 5 day Learn to Dive Course as opposed to the 4 day Learn to Dive Course?
A. The 5 day course is the most popular option as it provides a greater overall diving experience and is generally better value for money. For only a little extra, guests have the opportunity to sleep out on the reef in comfort, complete nine dives including the night dive experience, visit a greater variety of dive sights and have all their food and accommodation included for the boat portion of the course.

The 4 day course consists of 2 days pool and theory, followed by 2 x day trips to the outer reef where you complete your 4 training dives. Please be aware that the instructor on the reef trips will not be the same instructor you had for pool/theory. Please note that there are extra costs for the diving portion of the 4 day course payable direct to the operator for taxes and also transfers from your accommodation.

Q. English is not my first language, can I do my course in a different language?
A. Pro Dive Cairns offer courses in German on Tuesday and Friday, and Japanese on Thursday’s. PADI offer a wide variety of languages in the Learn to Dive manuals i.e. Italian, French, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Korean and Chinese. Please make your request at least 2 weeks prior to you starting your course and we will endeavour to obtain the correct manual for you.

DIVERS DEN COURSES & TRIPS:

Q. My partner is a non-diver - can they join me?

A. Yes, on all trips we can offer a discounted rate for those not diving and usually offer unlimited snorkelling.

Q. Are the dives guided by a Divemaster?

A. No, dives are NOT GUIDED by a Divemaster. You may have the option to pay for a Guided Dive or in some cases will be required to pay for a guide if your certification prevents you from diving unsupervised, for example: PADI Scuba Diver, CMAS one star (depending on number of dives).

Q. Can I hire an underwater camera?

A. On nearly all vessels, cameras are for hire and require only very basic knowledge. Video hire is not available due to the expensive hardware. However a photographer will be glad to capture your day underwater and sell you photographs/cd's (Day Trips only, not liveaboard).

Q. Do I need a Dive Medical Certified Divers?

A. All divers are asked to complete a medical questionnaire (click here) on board. As long as the answers to all questions are NO then a medical is not required. If they answer YES to any question, a further medical may be required. You will also be asked to fill out a general disclaimer - differs from company to company.

Q. Do I need a Dive Medical OPEN WATER COURSE?

A. Generally most students pass the Medical Examination without any difficulty.
There are however, some CONTRA -INDICATIONS for scuba diving. If you have ever suffered from any of the following conditions, you are unlikely to pass the medical examination here:

PNEUMOTHORAX
EPILEPSY
HEART SURGERY
DIABETES REQUIRING INSULIN
ASTHMA
Or if you are currently PREGNANT

This medical examination must be conducted along the guidelines of Australian Standard AS4005.1 If you or your doctor requires a copy of this standard, please click here.

Q. Do I need to bring my C-Card and Log Book?

A. At a minimum you will need your C-Card. Dive Supervisors do like to see log books so then can more efficiently assess your experience. If you have lost your card please contact the issuing agency.

Q. How deep do we go?

A. You will be limited by your certification and experience.

- Open Water - 18 metres
- Advanced Open Water - 30 metres
- All certified divers - 40 metres

Some of the best dives on the Great Barrier Reef are in less then 18 metres of water.
This tends to be where the reef is at its most colourful and full of life.

Q. I am travelling alone, how do I organise a dive buddy?

A. This will happen on board the dive vessel.
Whenever possible the Dive Supervisor will buddy you with someone of equal experience.

Dive Courses :

Q. Do I need to be able to swim?

A. Yes, you will be required to do a swim test - 200m without stopping. There is no time limit and you may swim in any style. You will also be required to tread water for 10 minutes without touching the side or bottom. These skills are usually done in the swimming pool on the second day of your course.

Q. How deep do we go?

A. As Open Water Divers you will be allowed to dive to 18 metres (60ft). Whenever possible the dive operators will try to take you to 18m during the course. The majority of you training will be in 10m (33ft) or less.

Q. How long does it take to learn to dive?

A. Most operators offer a minimum 4 day course. There are 5 pool sessions, 5 theory sessions and 4 training dives. The training dives must be over a minimum 2 days.

Q. How many people in a course?

A. PADI sets maximum numbers for courses, however courses do not necessarily run at full capacity all year round. The maximum numbers are:
During pool sessions, 10 students:1 Instructor
During Open Water Training, 8 students:1 Instructor

Q. I have never dived before, where do I start?

A. If you want to learn to scuba dive, the first step is to take a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water Diver course, the most widely recognised and respected diving certification in the world. Within a few days, you can be enjoying the underwater world.

Not sure if a full-blown course is for you? Why not try an Introductory Dive and experience what you're missing.

Q. I wear glasses/contact lenses - what are my options?

A. You may wear gas permeable contact lenses or buy/hire a prescription mask. Lenses are available in strengths -1.5 to -8 in 0.5 steps. It is not possible to wear your own glasses and a mask.

Q. Is there an age limit for learn to dive courses?

A. The minimum age in Queensland is 12 years old. However many doctors will not pass children under the age of 14. Please contact us if you have children under 14 wishing to participate in learn to dive courses.

Q. My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool; is this going to be a problem?

A. Believe it or not, pain in your ears when you dive to the bottom of a swimming pool is quite normal. However it is due to the fact that you have not been trained how to avoid this problem. During your dive course you will learn simple techniques of how to equalise the pressure in your ears. This will prevent any pain! (The same applies if you suffer discomfort in airplanes.)

Q. What happens if I dont finish the course?

A. It depends on the reason, but you may be able to finish your course at a later date - (if you got sick for example) - this is known as a referral.

Q. What happens if i dont like it?

A. We will get you into the pool/confined water on day one. You will know on the first day as to whether you will like scuba diving. If you decide not to continue you will normally have to pay for that first day and may be entitled to a refund for the rest of the course.

Cancellation policies vary between booking agents, please ask when booking about individual operators cancellation policies.

Q. What happens if I fail my medical?

A. Most companies offer a full refund for failed medicals, please check at the time of booking. If you are unlucky enough to fail your medical you may still be able to go snorkelling instead!!

Q. What is a referral?

A. Referral Courses can be done if you have completed your pool and theory dive training at home at your local dive shop. Once you come to Australia you can then finish your training dives aboard Liveaboard dive vessels or day dive vessels. This is a great option if you don't want to spend two days of your holiday with pool and classroom training.

Q. What will be involved in the dive medical?

A. Generally most students pass the Medical Examination without any difficulty.
There are however, some CONTRA -INDICATIONS for scuba diving. If you have ever suffered from any of the following conditions, you are unlikely to pass the medical examination here:

PNEUMOTHORAX
EPILEPSY
HEART SURGERY
DIABETES REQUIRING INSULIN
ASTHMA
Or if you are currently PREGNANT

This medical examination must be conducted along the guidelines of Australian Standard AS4005.1 If you or your doctor requires a copy of this standard, please click here.

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