FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (faqs)

General Questions

Where are you located on the NSW Central Coast?
We are based Killarney Vale on the beautiful NSW Central Coast, just over an hour north of Sydney. Our dive shop is close to famous sites like The Haven, Terrigal Reef, and the Ex-HMAS Adelaide wreck.

Do I need prior experience to go scuba diving with you?
No! Our Try Scuba Diving experience is perfect for beginners. No certification is required; simply bring your enthusiasm for adventure.

What is the minimum age for scuba diving?
You can start with the Try Scuba program at age 10. Junior Open Water Diver certification is also available for kids 12 and up. Children as young as 10 years old are welcome to participate. However, due to required lower student-to-instructor ratios for younger divers, our standard Open Water courses for participants under 15 years of age are offered at an adjusted, higher rate. A dive medical from a dive doctor is required for all children under 15 years before commencing any in water training

How long does it take to get certified as an Open Water Diver?
Our Open Water Diver Course typically takes 3–4 days, with a mix of online, at home theory, pool sessions, and four ocean dives.

Health & Safety

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. Basic swimming ability (able to swim 200 metres and tread water for 10 minutes) is required for certification courses. For Try Scuba, minimal swimming skills are fine.

Is scuba diving safe?
Absolutely—when proper guidelines are followed scuba diving is extremely safe when conducted under the guidance of qualified instructors and following established safety procedures. We adhere strictly to industry safety standards.

Do I need a medical certificate?
A medical questionnaire is required. If you answer "yes" to any health concerns, a dive medical from a doctor may be needed.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If adverse weather makes diving unsafe, we will either reschedule your dive, offer an alternative dive location, or provide you with a refund or credit, depending on the circumstances.

How deep will I dive?
Try Scuba Diving: up to 12 metres
Open Water certification: up to 18 metres
Advanced Adventure divers: up to 30 metres (including the wreck dive)

What should I bring for my dive day?
Swimwear, towel
Sunscreen, hat
Certification card (if certified)
Warm clothing for after the dive

Do you offer photos or videos of the dive?
No—You are most welcome to bring your own camera- Great for capturing   memories!

How do I book a dive or course?
Bookings can be made:

  • Online via our website booking system.
  • By phone — just give us a call.
  • In-person at our dive centre.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept:

  • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard)
  • EFTPOS
  • Direct Bank Transfers
  • Cash (in-store only)

What is included in the price?

Most beginner experiences and courses include:

  • Equipment hire
  • Professional instruction
  • Boat or shore dives
  • Certification (if applicable)

What Equipment do you provide on the Open Water Course?
All students are provided with the following gear hire for the duration of the course

  • 6.5mm wetsuit one piece with long arms and long legs,
  • Buoyancy vest
  • Regulator with alternate air source
  • Dive computer
  • Scuba cylinders including air fills
  • Weight belt and weights.

Courses & Certification
I have a booking, what must I do before the course starts?

Upon receipt of your confirmation voucher  please action the following:


1.       Via the link Dive Medical on your voucher, please complete and submit the completed dive medical questionnaire.

2.         If you receive an advice that you are required to have a full dive medical, this must be completed at least 7 days prior to course commencement

Please register for your E learning.  

  1. Download the Mydivessi app and register a profile.
  2.  Once you have registered for the open water course theory, the Dive centre receives notification that you have registered and will confirm back to you with access to the online theory.
  3.  When the course downloads complete the theory- to be allowed to start the practical course you must have completed all the theory prior to the start date. You will need to allow 6-7hrs to complete this.  
  4.  If you have not completed the online theory, you will not be able to start the course. $100.00 rebooking fee will apply if you need to change your start date.

What diving courses do you offer?

We offer international recognised courses:

  1. Open Water Diver        
  2. Advanced Adventure Diver
  3.  Stress and Rescue Diver
  4. Over thirty Specialty courses (e.g., Nitrox, Wreck, Dry Suit)
  5. Professional Divemaster training
  6. Extended Range
  7.  Horizon Semi closed rebreather
  8. Freediving

Do scuba diving certifications expire?
No, we strongly recommend a skills update if you haven't dived in 12 months. 

What certification agencies do you offer?
We offer SSI, this is an internationally recognised certification adhering to ISO guidelines.

What’s the difference between training levels?
Open water is 18m
Advanced adventure diver 30m
Deep divers 40m
Extended Range 45m
Technical Normoxic 60m

Can I transfer, upgrade or continue my diving education if my certification is from another agency?
Yes, all recognised agencies have equivalencies

Can I bring my own gear?
Of course. Your gear will be checked by our staff before the dive.

Do you service scuba diving gear?
Our Life support service technicians are qualified to service scuba equipment in our fully stocked service centre. We only use the manufacturers service kits.

Dive Trips & Local Sites

What are the best dive sites on the Central Coast?
We are fortunate to offer easy access to exceptional dive sites, including:

  • Ex-HMAS Adelaide Wreck – Australia’s premier artificial reef dive.
  • Terrigal Haven Reef – Ideal for beginners and macro photography.
  • Terrigal Haven – Great for training and shore dives.
  • 3 Mile Reef – Known for its vibrant marine life.
  • Swansea Bridge (Night Dives) – Perfect for exciting night diving.

·       We also run trips to South West Rocks, Forster, and the Solitary Islands.

Do you offer guided dive trips?
Yes. We conduct regular shore and boat dive trips led by experienced, professional guides who ensure you get the most out of your underwater experience.

What are the water temperatures and visibility like?
Water temperatures typically range from 17°C in winter to 23°C in summer. Visibility varies depending on conditions but usually ranges from 5 metres to 20 metres.

Are tanks and weights included in the dive price?
Yes. For all guided dives and courses, tanks and weights are included in the price.

What marine life can I expect to see?
Expect to see; blue gropers, giant cuttlefish, wobbegong sharks, and sometimes dolphins or rays, maybe even the elusive Grey Nurse shark!!

Can non-divers join the trip?
Yes—some trips allow snorkelers or boat passengers. Contact us for availability.

Travel & Booking Info


Is transport provided to dive sites?
Transport to local sites is not included for courses or guided dives.
For day trips outside Terrigal, or international travel- airport/ boat transfer arrangements are arranged as part of the package where specified.

Is accommodation available?
We partner with local hotels and holiday rentals. Ask us about packages!

What happens in bad weather?
We may reschedule or offer alternative sites or refund. Always remember- Safety is our priority. See our cancellation policy for details.

Environmental Responsibility

How do Central Coast protect marine life?
We follow “Look but Don’t Touch” rules, limit group sizes, and run ocean clean-up dives. Divers are educated on protecting reefs and wildlife. Divers are not allowed to cut up marine life to feed other marine life.

Can I join conservation dives or courses?
Yes! Ask us about our Blue Oceans or AWARE conservation dives and eco-initiatives.

Special Offers & Packages

Do you offer special deals or group rates?
Yes—seasonal offers, multi-course discounts, and group rates are available. Check our website or contact us for current deals.

Is there a loyalty or referral program?

  • Yes—refer a friend and both of you receive dive credits or discounts!
  • Rent scuba gear and get free rental offers
  • Bulk Air and Nitrox refills cards
  • Club member shore dives
  • Club nights
  • Dive club member have many special offers

Other Common Questions

Can I dive wearing glasses or contact lenses?
Yes. Soft contact lenses are fine, and we can also arrange prescription masks.

Is scuba diving suitable during pregnancy?
No, diving is not recommended while pregnant.

What languages do your instructors speak?
English primarily; some staff also speak other languages—contact us for details. 
Online theory is available in 53 different languages

Can I dive after flying? Or fly after diving?

You must wait 12–24 hours after diving before flying to avoid decompression sickness risks

What is the water temperature and visibility?

  • Summer: 20–24°C (3mm–5mm wetsuit) 
  • Winter: 15–18°C (5mm–7mm wetsuit or drysuit) 
  • Visibility ranges from 10 to 25 metres, depending on conditions.

What’s the difference between boat diving and shore diving?
Boat dives offer access to deeper sites like the Ex-HMAS Adelaide.
Shore dives (like The Haven) are easier and ideal for beginners.

Are there package deals or discounts?

Yes—seasonal specials, group rates, and multi-course discounts are available.
Ask our staff or check our website.

How do I book?
Book online via our website, call us directly, or visit our dive shop in Killarney Vale.

Weather & Cancellations


What happens if the weather is bad?
Should weather cause delays, cancellations or other concerns, we will reschedule to an alternate date. Please see our refund/ cancellation policy

Can dives be rescheduled?
Yes, provided adequate time is given, please see our transfer policy

Advanced / Technical Diving

Do you offer technical diving or rebreather courses?

  • Try SCR Diving
    XR Advanced Wreck
  • XR Foundations 
  • XR Nitrox
  • Decompression diving
  • Extended range diver
  • Gas Blender
  • Technical Extended range

Can I do a Nitrox course with you?
Nitrox courses are held every month, see website for booking dates

Can I buy scuba equipment from you?
Yes! Our retail shop stocks a wide range of scuba diving equipment and accessories from trusted brands such as Mares, Cressi, Scubapro, TUSA, Aqualung, and more. We also offer servicing and repairs.

Do you offer dive travel or trips outside the Central Coast?
Yes, we frequently organise trips to other Australian destinations such as Jervis Bay seal and whale dives- South West Rocks, Fish Rock cave- Forster, Seals Rock and the Solitary Islands around North west island and Anenome Bay.

International dive travel
Overseas Travel is offered at least twice each year to international destinations like, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Indonesia, Philippines and other south pacific tropivcal nations

Is parking available at your dive centre?
Yes. Free on-site customer parking is available directly outside our dive centre for your convenience.