Comprehensive Guide to Scuba Diving! Key Knowledge Every Beginner Must Know: From Experience to PADI Certification

Learning scuba diving in Kenting! Heart Ocean Diving Center walk you through everything — from PADI courses, prices, safety tips, to equipment. Whether it’s your physical condition, course options, or diving gear, this complete guide created by our pro diving instructor will help you dive into the ocean world
 

Published: 2025-04-05 Last Updated: 2025-04-06

1. Before You Start: Why is scuba diving so attractive?

“Dive into your heart” — the deep blue is calling

Imagine this: you’re relaxed, floating in a peaceful blue world. Sunlight streams through the water, colorful coral reefs open up in front of you, and fish swim calmly by your side... This is the magic of scuba diving. It’s not just a way to explore the unknown sea — it’s also a personal journey, a way to connect deeply with nature and with yourself. Kenting, the ocean treasure in the south of Taiwan, is waiting for you to discover its underwater beauty.

Read more: Kenting Buoyancy Tips | From Beginner to Neutral Buoyancy Pro – Heart Ocean Diving Center

Answering the big question: “What do I need to know to learn diving?”

Once the idea of “diving into the blue” pops into your head, lots of questions usually follow: “Am I physically okay to learn diving?”, “Is getting a PADI license hard?”, “Is it safe to learn diving in Kenting?”, “How much does it cost?”... No worries — this full guide from Heart Ocean Diving Center in Kenting is here to help. Based on a people-first approach, we’ll answer all your questions clearly. Located right in the heart of Hengchun — between Houbihu and Wanlitong (No. 32-1, Shawei Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County) — we’re all about making your dive learning experience safe, warm, and fun. Our goal? Help you truly “dive into your heart” and take that first confident step into the underwater world.

2. Are You Ready? What to check before learning to dive

Before starting your scuba diving journey, it's important to check if diving is right for you. The good news? Scuba diving is actually more beginner-friendly than most people think!

〈延伸閱讀：學習潛水前必讀聖經：新手 潛水體驗、PADI 證照常見 40+ 問，墾丁心海「一對一」帶你安心潛入你心！〉

More Inclusive Than You Think: Basic Health Check

Scuba diving is suitable for most people in good health. But before joining any diving course in Kenting, it’s super important to honestly check your physical condition. You’ll need to fill out a PADI medical questionnaire. If you have any of the following conditions, make sure to tell the dive shop — you might also need to get checked by a doctor:

• Serious heart or circulation issues (like heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure)

• Respiratory problems (like asthma, history of collapsed lung, or chronic lung disease)

• Acute or chronic ear/sinus issues (can affect ear equalization)

• History of seizures or loss of consciousness

• Diabetes (must be under stable control)

• Pregnancy (diving is not recommended)

• Taking medication that affects judgment or alertness

Friendly Reminder: Many chronic conditions can still be okay for diving — as long as they’re well-managed. At Heart Ocean, our experienced instructors will give you personal guidance and attention through One-on-One support, making sure everything stays safe and comfy. Honesty is your first step to safe diving!

Age Isn’t a Barrier: PADI’s Age Guidelines

• Ages 8 and up: Can join Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) or the Bubblemaker program.

• Ages 10–14: Can get the PADI Junior Open Water Diver license (with depth and adult supervision limits).

• Age 15 and up: Can get the standard PADI Open Water Diver (OW) license.

• Adults & Seniors: There’s no upper age limit — it all depends on your health. Heart Ocean has tons of experience teaching divers of all ages.

〈延伸閱讀：心海潛水體驗：墾丁潛水年齡限制與安全指南：小孩、長者皆可安心體驗〉

“Do I Have to Know How to Swim?” Busting the Swimming Myth (PADI Standards)

This is one of the most common questions from beginners! The answer: You don’t need to be a pro swimmer, but you *do* need basic comfort in the water and the ability to handle yourself. The PADI Open Water Diver course requires students to:

• Swimming Skills: (A) Swim 200 meters continuously without any floatation aids (any stroke, no time limit), OR swim 300 meters using a mask, snorkel, and fins. AND (B) Float or tread water in deep water for 10 minutes.

• Heart Ocean Guarantee: Even if you’re not confident in your swimming, don’t worry. Heart Ocean’s instructors will support you with patience and professionalism, guiding you in a safe, controlled environment to help build your water confidence — one step at a time.

Mental Readiness: How Heart Ocean Helps You Beat the Nerves

Feeling nervous about being underwater or using scuba gear? Totally normal! At Heart Ocean, we completely understand and specialize in helping you work through it. Our instructors use a step-by-step approach, starting in calm, shallow water with clear demos and lots of hands-on practice. With One-on-One guidance, you get to learn at your own pace — no pressure, no rush. We focus on keeping it safe, warm, and fun!

Pro Tip: At home, try practicing mouth-breathing with a snorkel in front of a mirror, or gently put your face in water (like a sink or tub) and breathe through your mouth. These small steps can help you feel more comfortable when it’s time to dive for real.

Choosing Your Diving Path: DSD vs. PADI Certification

Curious about diving and wondering how to get started?

Related Read: Everything Beginners Need to Know: From PADI Courses to First-Time Dive Tips – by Heart Ocean

Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): A Safe First Taste of the Ocean

If you’re just looking to test the waters, feel what it’s like to breathe underwater, or if your schedule is tight, the PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) program is a great way to try it out.

• No license needed, easy to start: You'll be guided by a professional instructor in shallow, calm waters.

• Heart Ocean's One-on-One Promise: We always assign one instructor to one student for DSD. That means total focus on you — the safest and best way to dive for the first time.

• What You’ll Experience: Weightless floating, breathing underwater, and up-close views of coral reefs and tropical fish.

PADI Open Water (OW): Your Key to the World of Diving

Already hooked on diving and ready to go all in? If you want the freedom to dive with a buddy and explore dive spots around the world, getting your PADI Open Water Diver license is your must-do first step.

• Globally Recognized: PADI is the world’s largest and most trusted scuba certification system. The OW license is your official entry into diving, valid worldwide.

• Complete Training: You’ll learn diving theory, how to use the gear, underwater skills, and safety procedures — everything you need to dive confidently.

• Empowers You: After certification, you’ll be able to plan and carry out dives (up to 18 meters) with a buddy in open water. It’s the start of a whole new journey of exploration and discovery!

Related Read: What Can You Do After Getting Your PADI Certification? Dive Limits & Kenting Dive Spots for New Divers – Heart Ocean

All About the PADI Certification: What You’ll Learn & Time Commitment

PADI Certification Ladder: Step-by-Step Progression

PADI offers a clear and structured path to advance your diving skills:

• Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): Non-certification intro dive for first-timers.

• Open Water Diver (OW): Entry-level certification (up to 18 meters).

• Advanced Open Water Diver (AOW): Try specialty dives like deep diving (up to 30 meters), night dives, or underwater navigation.

• Rescue Diver: Learn how to prevent and respond to dive emergencies. Boost your safety awareness.

• Divemaster: The start of the professional path — assist with classes, lead dives.

• Higher Levels: Instructor and beyond!

• Theory Learning: Learn about dive physics, body effects, gear, environment, and dive planning. You can study online, use books, or learn from your instructor.

• Confined Water Training (Pool/Shallow Water): In a safe area, practice over 20 basic skills like setting up gear, mask clearing, regulator recovery, and buoyancy control.

• Open Water Training (Ocean Dives): Usually 4 dives in the sea. Use what you’ve learned and enjoy real diving experiences.

〈延伸閱讀：墾丁體驗潛水裝備全攻略：心海潛水專業提供，新手安心探索海底世界〉

Heart Ocean's Promise: Quality Rental Gear You Can Trust

No need to worry about gear if you're just starting out. Heart Ocean Diving Center offers full sets of high-quality, well-maintained gear for your course. We take your safety and comfort seriously — reliable gear makes all the difference.

Buying Your Own Gear: A Smart Investment

Once you fall in love with diving, you might want to get your own gear. Here's our suggested order and what to think about:

1. Mask & Snorkel: Closest to your face, affects vision and comfort — top priority!

2. Diving Computer: Key to your safety. More features = higher price. Choose based on your needs.

3. Wetsuit: Fit and warmth matter a lot. Comfort underwater depends on it.

4. Fins: Affects how easy you move and how tired your legs get.

5. BCD & Regulator: Bigger investment. Best to buy after gaining some dive experience.

Gear Tip: Don’t go cheap on unknown brands or low-quality gear — especially regulators and BCDs, which are life-support. Always ask for expert advice. We’re happy to help you choose wisely!

Buying Your Own Gear: A Smart Investment

Once you fall in love with diving, you might want to get your own gear. Here's our suggested order and what to think about:

1. Mask & Snorkel: Closest to your face, affects vision and comfort — top priority!

2. Diving Computer: Key to your safety. More features = higher price. Choose based on your needs.

3. Wetsuit: Fit and warmth matter a lot. Comfort underwater depends on it.

4. Fins: Affects how easy you move and how tired your legs get.

5. BCD & Regulator: Bigger investment. Best to buy after gaining some dive experience.

Gear Tip: Don’t go cheap on unknown brands or low-quality gear — especially regulators and BCDs, which are life-support. Always ask for expert advice. We’re happy to help you choose wisely!

Heart Ocean Teaching

Under the guidance of professional instructors, we carefully observe and help you find the most comfortable balance to ensure a smooth and painless descent.

Decompression Theory Basics: Dive Deeper, But Know Safety

In the high-pressure underwater environment, your body absorbs more nitrogen than usual. If you ascend too quickly, the dissolved nitrogen forms bubbles, which could lead to decompression sickness (DCS), a potentially life-threatening condition. Prevention is key:

• Monitor No-Decompression Limit (NDL): Your diving computer will show how long you can stay at your current depth without needing mandatory decompression. Never exceed this!

• Control Ascent Speed: Never exceed the maximum ascent speed indicated by your dive computer, usually recommended to stay under 9-10 meters per minute (PADI standard is 18 meters per minute, but the slower, the better).

• Perform a Safety Stop: Before finishing your ascent, stop at 5 meters for at least 3 minutes to help your body naturally release excess nitrogen.

• After Diving, Avoid: Intense exercise, hot showers, massages, flying immediately, or going to high-altitude areas (see flight advice below).

Common Diving Emergencies and How to Handle Them: Be Prepared

While rare, knowing how to react can greatly increase your sense of security:

• Out of Air: Learn to use your spare air source (your own or your buddy’s) and perform a controlled emergency ascent.

• Mask Flooded/Loose: Easily handled by practicing mask clearing or breathing briefly without the mask.

• Cramping: Learn to self-relieve cramps underwater or seek help from your buddy.

• Lost Your Buddy: Follow standard procedures (search for one minute, then ascend safely to the surface to reunite).

Heart Ocean Advantage: With One-on-One instruction during the Discover Scuba Diving experience, you will have plenty of time and a safe environment to repeatedly practice these emergency techniques under the coach’s close supervision until you master them.

Safety Reminder: Avoid alcohol 24 hours before diving, ensure you get enough sleep, and stay hydrated.

Heart Ocean Teaching Features: Why Choose "One-on-One" Professional Guidance?

Heart Ocean insists on "One-on-One" teaching for the Discover Scuba Diving experience. Among all the diving certification courses in Kenting, we offer a customizable option to add "One-on-One" or "Up to Two People" instructor-led teaching models. This is our highest commitment to learning quality and safety.

〈延伸閱讀：潛入心海：潛水體驗教練與學員的比例是多少？墾丁新手體驗潛水一對一守護！〉

Beyond the Standard Personalized Attention: The Unique Advantages of Customized One-on-One Instruction

Compared to the common small group teaching available on the market, Heart Ocean’s PADI certification course offers a customized "One-on-One" experience, bringing irreplaceable advantages:

• Truly Personalized Pace: The teaching pace is completely adjusted to your learning speed and absorption ability, with no need to match others' progress.

• Immediate Feedback and Correction: The instructor can focus 100% on you, quickly identifying and correcting technical details.

• Maximum Safety Assurance: The instructor is always in control of your situation, providing the most timely assistance and responses.

• Effectively Reduces Learning Anxiety: Without the pressure of comparisons, the learning process becomes more relaxed, focused, and enjoyable.

• Especially Suitable For: Students who learn at a slower pace, have a fear of water, have special physical conditions, or want to engage in in-depth learning.

Heart Ocean Professional Instructor Team: Local Experience and Passion for Teaching

Heart Ocean Diving is located in the center of Kenting, Hengchun Township, Houbihu, and Wanlitong (No. 32-1, Shawei Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County), with convenient transportation. Our instructor team:

• Experienced PADI Professional Certifications: Qualified and experienced in teaching and diving.

• Local Experts in Kenting: Familiar with the characteristics, currents, tides, and ecology of local dive sites.

• Patience and Empathy: Adhering to a "people-first" philosophy, skilled in guiding and communicating, truly "eliminating your anxiety."

• Safety First: Equipped with first aid and rescue professional training.

〈延伸閱讀：墾丁潛水體驗有專業教練嗎？心海潛水教練資質與經驗新手指南〉

Tailored for You: Customized Learning Plans

We understand that every learner is unique. Heart Ocean provides highly customized learning:

• Flexible Scheduling: We strive to accommodate your schedule.

• Weakness Strengthening: Extra practice time for techniques you find more challenging.

• Interest Integration: If you are interested in underwater photography, fish identification, or other topics, these can be incorporated into the lessons.

• Fear Overcoming: We design progressive plans to help you overcome fear of water or confined spaces.

Heart Ocean Exclusive: Post-Course Underwater Skills Assessment Report

This is Heart Ocean’s embodiment of "excellent service"! After completing the course, you will receive a personalized underwater skills assessment report written by your instructor, analyzing your strengths and areas for improvement, along with specific suggestions to help your diving skills continue to grow.

Kenting Diving Environment Introduction: Ocean Treasures at the Southern Border

Why Choose Kenting for Diving?

Kenting is one of Taiwan’s most popular diving destinations for good reason:

• Comfortable Water Temperature: Ideal for diving year-round, with winter water temperatures around 22-25°C and summer between 27-30°C.

• Great Visibility: Most of the time, there is excellent underwater visibility.

• Rich Ecology: A healthy coral reef ecosystem, home to a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and tiny organisms.

• Diverse Dive Sites: From calm bays suitable for beginners to shipwrecks and independent reefs favored by advanced divers, the choices are abundant.

• Convenient Transportation: With excellent facilities, a variety of dive shops, and relatively easy access.

Year-Round: Kenting's Seasonal Ocean Conditions and Ecology

Heart Ocean Expertise: With rich local experience, our instructors assess the wind, wave conditions, and current daily, selecting the safest and most suitable dive site for your learning on each day.

Recommended Beginner-Friendly Dive Sites (Heart Ocean's Expert Choices)

Heart Ocean frequently chooses the following dive sites for Open Water (OW) training:

• Houbi Lake Marine Protected Area (Fish Feeding Area/Water Outflow): Slow depth changes, calm waters, diverse marine life, ideal for skill practice and first-time ocean experiences.

• Wanglitong: Beautiful coral reef landscape, moderate depth, perfect for enhancing diving enjoyment.

〈延伸閱讀：免減壓時間是什麼？如何計算？潛水員必知的免減壓時間完整攻略！〉

Common Questions and Solutions for Beginners: Making Learning Smoother

It’s normal to face challenges during the learning process; the key is how to overcome them:

Common Technical Challenges and Solutions

• Difficulty Controlling Buoyancy: This is a core skill. Practice adjusting the BCD’s air inflow and outflow, use your lungs to fine-tune buoyancy, and practice floating frequently.

• Fast Air Consumption: Usually caused by nervousness or excessive movement. Slow down your breathing, stay relaxed, and minimize unnecessary arm and leg movements.

• Difficulty Moving with Fins: Ensure you're kicking properly (using your thighs and keeping your ankles relaxed), avoid using your knees like riding a bicycle.

• Difficulty Draining the Mask/Regulator: Practice more! This is a key step in building underwater confidence.

Heart Ocean Advantage: One-on-one teaching allows the instructor ample time to observe your issues, provide targeted guidance, and offer plenty of practice opportunities.

Overcoming Psychological Barriers

• Fear of Depth/Enclosed Spaces: Honestly communicate with your instructor. Start in very shallow water and gradually increase depth/challenge level to build trust.

• Lack of Trust in Equipment/Discomfort Breathing: Understand your equipment thoroughly, practice repeatedly in calm waters, and get accustomed to your breathing rhythm underwater.

• Underwater Panic: Learn to recognize the early signs of panic and practice the "Stop-Breathe-Think-Act" response technique.

Heart Ocean Care: We empathize with you to overcome psychological barriers, never forcing anything. Feeling safe is a prerequisite for learning.

Breaking Through Learning Plateaus

If you feel progress has stalled:

• Return to Basics: Practice core skills again, such as neutral buoyancy.

• Increase Diving Experience: Dive more within your comfort zone to get used to the water.

• Set Small Goals: Focus on improving one small detail with each dive.

• Learn by Observing: Watch how experienced divers move and handle themselves underwater.

Heart Ocean Suggestion: The instructor will offer tailored practice recommendations to help you break through plateaus based on your individual situation.

〈延伸閱讀：【潛水新手必讀】墾丁水肺潛水安全全攻略：預防潛水夫病｜心海潛水〉

Advanced Learning Paths and Ocean Conservation Responsibility

OW certification is just the beginning!

PADI Specialty Course Recommendations: Improve Your Diving Skills

• Peak Performance Buoyancy (PPB): Highly recommended! This is the foundation for almost all advanced techniques.

• Underwater Navigation (U/W Navigator): Enhance your sense of direction and independence.

• Boat Diver: Learn different entry techniques and boat operations.

• Deep Diver: Explore knowledge and techniques for depths of 18-30 meters (AOW) or up to 40 meters (specialty required).

• Enriched Air Nitrox: The most popular! Extend no-decompression time and reduce surface interval rest.

• Night Diver: Experience a different underwater landscape.

Heart Ocean Plan: We can recommend the most suitable advanced learning path based on your interests and goals.

Be a Responsible Diver: Our Ocean, "Nurtured" Together

When diving into the ocean, we are guests. Please make sure to adhere to the following:

• No Touching Principle: Do not touch, stand on, or disturb any coral or marine life.

• Proper Buoyancy: Avoid stirring up sediment or kicking coral.

• No Feeding or Collecting: Avoid altering the behavior of marine life or disrupting the ecological balance.

• No Trash in the Ocean: Bring all your waste back to shore.

Heart Ocean’s Vision: Practicing "Corporate Social Responsibility" and "Environmental Sustainability"

Heart Ocean Diving firmly believes that diving education is the best way to promote ocean conservation. We integrate "Corporate Social Responsibility" and "Environmental Sustainability" into our daily operations and teaching. Through our courses, we spread ocean knowledge and regularly organize beach and ocean cleanup activities. We hope to explore, discover, and protect the ocean together with all divers, achieving the ideal of "coexistence" between humans and the sea.

〈Extended Reading: Scuba Diving Certification Safety Guide: Nitrogen Narcosis and Oxygen Toxicity Prevention | Heart Ocean Diving Center〉

Diving Costs and Time Planning: A Worthwhile Investment

Diving Course Fee Breakdown (Transparent Costs at Heart Ocean)

Learning to dive requires an investment of both time and money. The cost of a PADI certification course in Kenting typically includes:

• Tuition: Professional coaching fees.
• Study Materials: PADI online or physical materials.
• Equipment Rental: Full set of diving gear for the course period (free for OW courses).
• Cylinder Fee: Tank rental for training sessions.
• Certification Fee: Processing fee for PADI international certification.
• Includes: Insurance, meals.

Heart Ocean Commitment: We provide a transparent fee structure, clearly explaining what is included, with no hidden costs. Feel free to inquire about the latest course options and pricing.

Estimated Time Investment

Heart Ocean Flexibility: One-on-one coaching helps make the best use of time, ensuring you get solid learning results even within a limited timeframe.

Long-Term Diving Plan: Skills, Health, and Social Rewards

Diving is an activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime, with substantial long-term rewards:

• Priceless Experiences: Explore 70% of the Earth's surface, with new discoveries every time you dive.

• Physical and Mental Health: Relaxation and stress relief, improving cardiovascular function.

• Skill Development: Ongoing learning brings a sense of achievement and boosts confidence.

• Social Networking: Meet like-minded divers from all over the world.

〈延伸閱讀：PADI潛水證照全球通用嗎？3分鐘看完PADI證照相關問答！〉

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I can't swim at all, can I still learn to dive?

You need to meet PADI's basic water skills requirements (either 200m/300m swim or 10 minutes of floating). But don't worry, Heart Ocean's one-on-one teaching will offer extra support to help you build confidence in the water.

Q: Is there an age limit for diving?

The minimum age for PADI Junior OW is 10, and for standard OW, it's 15. There is no upper age limit for adults, but health status is key.

〈Further Reading: Snorkeling Age Limit Guide: Can Children and Seniors Safely Enjoy Snorkeling? Common Q&A〉

Q: What should I do if I am nearsighted?

You can wear disposable soft contact lenses or choose/borrow prescription dive masks. Heart Ocean provides a variety of prescription masks.

Q: Will one-on-one lessons be much more expensive?

Heart Ocean’s one-on-one lessons reflect the value of personalized attention, safety, and learning efficiency. The cost may be slightly higher than group lessons, but it’s definitely worth it. Feel free to inquire about the latest offerings.

Q: How is accommodation arranged for courses?

Kenting offers various accommodation options. Heart Ocean can provide recommendations, and some of our partners offer discounts for students.

Q: What if the weather is bad?

Safety comes first! If sea conditions are unfavorable, Heart Ocean will flexibly adjust the course, potentially focusing more on theory or confined water training or switching to backup dive sites. We never push for diving in unsafe conditions.

Q: Do I need to bring my own equipment?

No need to bring your own for the basic OW course. Heart Ocean provides high-quality equipment for you. We recommend bringing swimwear and a towel.

Q: Can women dive during their period?

Yes, as long as you manage personal hygiene. If you have any concerns, feel free to consult with your instructor.

Q: How long should I wait to fly after diving?

It’s recommended to follow these guidelines: at least 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive, at least 18 hours after multiple no-decompression dives, and at least 24 hours after dives requiring decompression stops.

〈Further Reading: Can I Hike or Fly After Diving? Heart Ocean Experts Explain DCS Risks and DAN Safety Guidelines〉

Q: Does the certification expire? What should I do if I haven’t dived for a long time?

PADI certifications are valid for life. If you haven’t dived for six months to a year, we strongly recommend taking a Scuba Review course to refresh your knowledge and skills.

Q: Where else is good for diving in Taiwan?

Green Island, Orchid Island, Little Liuqiu, Longdong in Northeast Taiwan, and the Penghu Islands are all great dive sites.

Q: How should I plan an overseas diving trip?

You need to research the destination, season, dive site difficulty, visa, insurance, and more. Heart Ocean can provide recommendations, and occasionally, we organize dive tours.

〈Further Reading: PADI Advanced Diving Certification Guide: Explore the Deep Blue Ocean with Heart Ocean in Kenting〉

Heart Ocean Reservation and Contact Information: Start Your Journey Now

Reservation Process

1. Initial Consultation: Feel free to contact us via phone, LINE, or social media (FB/IG).

2. Needs Communication: Our instructor will discuss your background, goals, health status, and schedule.

3. Course Recommendation: We will offer a customized course plan and quote that suits you best.

4. Reservation Confirmation: Choose a date, pay the deposit, and finalize your reservation.

5. Pre-Departure Notification: We’ll provide detailed meeting information and a preparation checklist.

Contact Information

• Dive Shop Name: Heart Ocean Diving

• Address: No. 32-1, Shawei Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County (located at the center of Kenting, Hengchun, Houbihu, and Wanlitong)

• Phone: 08-8866110

Ready for Heart Ocean to "dive into your heart" and take you on a safe, warm, and fun journey to explore the blue underwater world of Kenting? Contact us now to start your diving adventure! Heart Ocean looks forward to exploring the mysteries of the ocean with you—“Dive into your heart, Explore the Deep Sea!”