Frequently Asked Questions
How many days will the certification course take? . . .
Each package says how long each course package will take to complete. Check out the Packages Page for more information.
How expensive is it to become Scuba Certified? . . .
Here is a link to the packages we offer. The prices are based on the required PADI fees, personalized small group settings, scuba equipment required, and the instructors expertises.
Payment Plan can be available if students reach out to Moffitt’s Mermaids during the booking process! Contact Us Here about payment plans.
Do I need any equipment before I start my course? . . .
Yes, you will be required to provide your own scuba mask, snorkel, and scuba appropriate fins. There are lots of options to choose that are affordable. If you have any questions on where or what to buy we are happy to suggest places and equipment.
How old does my child need to become scuba certified? . . .
10 years old is the minimum to become scuba certified and there will be special care given to any of our younger merpeople being certified.
Also something to consider no matter what the age minimum is, it’s up to the parent’s/guardian’s discretion if the child will be ready and attentive to start their scuba adventure.
Can I take pictures during my class? . . .
Unfortunately no, you will not be able to take pictures/videos during your actual course underwater. Feel free to take pictures at the surface when we aren't working on skills, but not during the actual class time per PADI standards and safety guidelines.
Can my friend/significant other that’s scuba certified come along diving when I’m taking my class? . . .
It depends on the class, every class is different. The instructor makes the final call on whether it will be allowed or not for your specific class.
Will I ever need to renew my certification once it’s completed? . . .
No, your certifications never expire! We only recommend that you take a Refresher/Reactivate course if it’s been 3-4 years since scuba diving. Just so you can remember the basic skills to go scuba diving and have a fun comfortable dive!
What if there’s bad weather when we are supposed to go diving? . . .
If the weather/currents/waves/etc. is too bad for us we will try a different location if possible, but if it will not be safe to go diving at all that particular day we will reschedule to a different day when conditions look better for safe diving practices. We will make the final call at the shore or boat on the day of your course. As per our class schedule, we monitor the weather leading up to every class so we can best prepare for any weather that may conflict with your course.
What if I get sick right before/during my class and am not physically able to go diving/complete my course? . . .
We are more than happy to reschedule to a different day for you when you are feeling up for it. Being sick happens, and we never want to push your limits when scuba diving.
I’m island hopping, and I really want to do a scuba certification course with you. Can I still do the course even though I’m flying? . . .
Yes, you can do the course with me as long as you have 24 hours in between the end of your last dive you will do in the course and when your flight is.
How long does the ELearning take? . . .
ELearning can take anywhere from 8-15 hours for the PADI Open Water Course. Please, Please, Please do not leave it to the last minute. Just take a few days to break it up so you can have time to absorb the information and not rush your learning process.
What dive locations will we be going to?. . .
The dive locations will be based on weather conditions and boat availability and as of right now we are located on Oahu, Hawaii doing certifications.
Are there any medical conditions that would prevent me from getting certified? . . .
Please read the medical waiver attached very carefully (LOCATED HERE). If you say YES to any of the medical conditions you will need to get a doctor’s permission BEFORE we can start your course. So make sure you read the medical waiver very carefully
Does the certification have to happen over consecutive days, or can it be spread apart? . . .
We have a set monthly calendar of certification dates you can participate in, or if you need custom dive dates please CONTACT US HERE.
What is the deepest depth I go after my class? . . .
After your PADI Open Water course, you will be able to go to 60ft (20m) with a dive buddy on your own without a dive professional! In the PADI Advanced Open Water, you will be able to go to 100ft (30m) (the deepest limit you can go recreationally is 132 ft (40m)) with a dive buddy on your own without a dive professional!
If I’m claustrophobic/have anxiety of possibly going diving, should I do the certification course? . . .
There is no quick answer for this one. That will ultimately need to be made based on each individual person. We think if you want to try something new and have a dive professional there to help you, we are the perfect place for you to push yourself out of your comfort zone but in a calm, safe, controlled environment. At Moffitt’s Mermaids, we pride ourselves on individual and diver safety first, ALWAYS! So we will work through any of these barriers until you feel comfortable in the water to complete your course. Please message us with your concerns and we would love to chat about what we can do for you!
What if I need to cancel or change the dates of my course, what are your policies? . . .
Please see our Rebooking and Cancellation Policies here.
Does Moffitt’s Mermaids lead guided local dives that aren’t connected to a class?? . . .
At this time, we do not lead guided tours outside of our courses (we might in the future as we are continuing to grow.) We do have service events throughout the year, where we get together to go diving with fellow Mermaids and Mermen to do beach/ocean clean ups that everyone is more than welcome to be a part of! Click here for our most up to date information about our Service Events.
Do you have any discounts for families, military, etc.? . . .
At this time, we do not offer any set discounts. We do have specials throughout different times of the year, so keep a lookout on our Home page and our Instagram @moffittsmermaids for the most up to date information.
What conservation fund does part of our certification course go towards? . . .
The conservation fund is picked 2x a year based on where Moffitt’s Mermaids is located offering diving courses! A small portion of each certification price is donated back to that conservation fund so we can help in the battle of ocean conservation and it’s marine animals. If you would like to see what our current conservation fund is that we are currently donating to or if you would like to donate, Click Here.
Do you hold any special beach clean up events during the year? . . .
Yes! We hold service events throughout the year to help give back to our beaches and oceans we use as our ocean classroom. Click Here or see our Events page to see what events we have planned next and make sure to follow our Instagram @moffittsmermaids for the most up to date information!
Do you have gear I can use? . . .
Yes, the equipment included in your certification course includes: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, scuba tanks, weights, and defog to use throughout your course. You will have to provide your own scuba mask, snorkel, scuba appropriate fins, and a swimsuit.
Do you offer Freediving courses? . . .
No, as of right now we do not offer this course. Stay tuned in the future from our Home page or our Instagram @moffittsmermaids as big bubble news are in the works at our ocean office!
I loved my certification. Do you have any Merchandise I can buy? . . .
Coming soon!
What payment method can I use to pay for my course? . . .
You can use Venmo, Paypal, and Stripe to pay for your courses you wish to take.
Can I donate to the chosen conservation fund even if I am not taking a course with you? . . .
Yes, absolutely! Click Here to donate to our current conservation fund we are helping to promote.
How much of our certification price goes towards conservation? . . .
Every student has a small portion of their certification to go to a chosen conservation fund. So every course you take is helping our ocean and the animals that live there, THANK YOU FOR BEING APART OF THE CHANGE!!
If there’s a class I want to take and you don’t currently offer it, what should I do? . . .
Message Moffitt’s Mermaids on our Contact Page or message us on Instagram @moffittsmermaids to see if it’s available to offer for you! We also have lots in the works in our ocean office, so stay tuned to see all the latest news on our Home page & Instagram!
How long can I take to complete my courses? . . .
You have 1 year to complete your course from when you open and register your ELearning/Continuing Education Materials!
Do you offer transportation to where we will be meeting for my certification? . . .
No, we do not. Transportation to your certification classes/dives will be up to the merperson taking the course.
