Bali(Indonesia): Scuba Certification

Yesterday I successfully completed the online PADI scuba diving test, after a full 8-hours of studying, watching instructional videos, and taking quizzes throughout the day.

The PADI E-Learning program is extremely well thought out and fairly easy to follow. With that said, there’s a tremendous amount of information to review, digest and attempt to retain.

Today, I started the actual scuba dive training with a 1/2 day session in a pool, reviewing how the equipment functions, testing my ability to follow underwater signals and instructions (via hand signs), and getting used to the scuba kit and wet suit.

Before I got started, the instructor suggested I shave off my mustache, as this will help to prevent water from seaping into my mask.

After 2 hours and 45 minutes in the morning session we broke for lunch followed by a 1 hour 45 minute afternoon session.

I did pretty well today, felt very comfortable breathing underwater using the air tank and, for the most part, felt good about my effort. I need to improve in a couple of areas, like slowing my breathing down so my oxygen lasts longer.

Today I go into the open water for the first time, with 2 different dives.

Kinda nervous and at the same time excited.

This morning I took my first open water scuba dive lesson. It was about an hour drive from Sanur to Padang Bai. My training partner is a woman who lives in Australia.

We boarded a small boat, loaded our scuba equipment, and took a short time to get to the Blue Lagoon, on the western part of Bali, our first dive site. We dove for 38 minutes, to a depth of 12 meters.

After returning to the boat for a 45 minutes rest, we went to a Jepun bay, a short distance from the Blue Lagoon. The second dive was 40 minutes,

As I’ve said previously, I really enjoy swimming in pools, bays, coves and open oceans, but normally when you really think about it, you don’t actually stay in the water for more than an hour, usually less.

For the second day in a row, I was nervous and excited. I did OK overall, with a few areas that I need to practice to become more confident in my abilities. Also, once again, very tired after today’s open water dives.

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Yesterday’s 4+ hours in the pool, with the scuba diving equipment on my back, was very tiring. I really didn’t fully understand how heavy the equipment is and, while I was aware that physical water activities do tire you out, last night I was beat. Got back to the apartment, fixed dinner (2 styles of mushrooms, bok choy, onions, and asparagus, all sautéed, yummy), although cooking for yourself isn’t nearly as nice as being about to enjoy a meal with family and or friends. I lay down around 8:30 PM. Took a little time to fall asleep, as I was thinking about what I need to improve on, plus maybe I was over tired.

On my last day of scuba diving training, we left Sunar on a 2+ hour drive north to Tulamben, which is on the northwest side of Bali. The specific beach area is called Liberty Wreck. Fifty or so years ago, a huge ship sunk here. The sunken ship has been left here for the express purpose of providing an area for fish to feel safe and for future scuba diving (it’s amazing!). The shoreline is covered in black rocks of all shapes and sizes. It’s a bit challenging walking into the water, as the rocks are slippery, especially with the added scuba gear on your back.

Here we had our last 2 dives. The first one included more review of previously learned skills, diving up to 18 meters deep, for 41 minutes.

We ate lunch, and then proceeded to the second dive, which was totally a free dive, meaning no more lessons or review, just enjoying the art of scuba diving. Once again to 18 meters, down for 38 minutes.

After our second dive, we headed back south, once again a 2 hour drive (I was able to sleep for part of the drive, as I was tuckered out).

I got my official dive log book, in which you record specific details about your dives, including location, day, dive number, satisfaction with the dive, minutes, depth, and you can also note types of fish seen, and any other items of interest. The dive master then signs each page, and uses his own stamp to certify the information. Think of this as a scuba divers passport.

Over the last 4-days, including the PADI E Learning course and final exam, one day in a pool, and plus 2 days of open water, I’ve finalized my scuba diving prep work, and have obtained certification that I can now scuba dive, which includes the scuba diving log book. I will also receive a temporary scuba dive card, which is good for 3-months (the real card gets mailed to you). My instructor was amazing, patient, funny, with great care being taken to ensure I learned what I needed, plus to try to enjoy the whole experience.

Total costs:

PADI E Learning on line course USD $175
2 1/2 day scuba diving training USD $360
Total USD $535. While I think there might be less than expensive options, I felt that overall it was well worth it.

My initial thoughts in the future are to go scuba diving every so often, in different parts of the world.

Bucket list item checked off!!!!