Beginner Basics
Starting scuba diving can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. This page gives you the basic info every new diver should know. When you want the full details, you can dive deeper into each topic by opening the full guide linked at the end of each section.
The Cost of Scuba Diving
- Open Water certification typically costs $450 – $700, plus $250 – $700 for basic gear.
- Renting gear works for beginners or infrequent divers, but owning improves fit, safety, and long-term savings.
- Buying a full kit ranges from about $2,500 – $6,000.
- Local diving runs $10 – $160 per dive; travel diving scales from $800 regional trips to $10,000+ for exotic liveaboards.
- Continuing education adds $150 – $2,000 depending on the course.
- Dive insurance is strongly recommended, especially for travel.
- A realistic annual budget spans $1,700 on the low end to $7,000+ for high-end diving lifestyles.
Read the full guide on scuba diving costs »
Your Open Water Certification Class
- You will study scuba basics either online + classroom or fully classroom-based; both cover the same core material.
- Pool or confined water sessions teach equipment setup, buoyancy, regulator and mask skills, buddy air-sharing, and emergency drills.
- At least four open water dives are required, where you repeat pool skills in real conditions and build confidence.
- Feeling nervous is normal: take it slow, communicate with your instructor, and practice relaxed breathing.
- Focus early on buoyancy and trim; they make every future dive safer and more enjoyable.
- Quality instruction sets the foundation for lifelong diving, but learning continues well beyond certification.
Read the full guide on your Open Water class »
Basic Safety Rules
- Always dive with a buddy as they provide backup for both emergencies and decision-making.
- Use a pre-dive checklist every time; it prevents small mistakes from becoming big problems.
- Do a quick bubble check before descending to catch leaks at the surface.
- Plan your dive and follow the plan. Everyone should know depth, time, gas, and contingencies.
- Carry only the weight you need; a balanced rig improves buoyancy and safety.
- Secure all gear to avoid entanglement, drag, and damage to the environment.
- Monitor your gas supply often and plan your turn pressure carefully.
- Ascend slowly, no faster than your bubbles, and complete a safety stop.
- Get proper training before attempting advanced environments or dives beyond recreational limits.
Read the full guide on basic scuba safety »
Log Your Dives
- Logging dives builds skill, tracks gear setup, and improves future dive planning.
- Many courses and dive operators require proof of logged dives.
- Record essentials: dive number, date, location, depth, time, gas used, pressures, and buddy.
- Add useful details: temperature, weighting, visibility, conditions, equipment notes, and lessons learned.
- Log promptly after each dive while details are fresh.
- Digital logs are easiest, but always keep backups; auto-logs from dive computers often miss key notes.
- Tracking gas use and RMV over time improves gas planning and overall safety.