PADI Discover Scuba Diving
Discover Scuba Diving (also called DSD, or Resort Diving) is an application of recreational diving in which an uncertified diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater under the direct supervision of a qualified instructor. It is an experience program only, for which no certification is issued. Discover scuba diving experiences are intended to introduce people to the sport of diving, but also increase the potential client base of dive shops to include people who do not have the time or inclination to complete an entry level certification program.
Activities
The participant learns the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive under the direct supervision of a diving professional. If an open water dive is included, a few more basic skills will be practiced in confined water. The course includes:
- Introduction to the scuba equipment used to dive and how to move around underwater using the equipment.
- Breathing underwater on open circuit scuba and how to avoid barotrauma.
- Learning some of the key skills that are used during every scuba dive.
- Swimming around and exploring within the limits of the program and the local environment.
- Information on how to enroll in a training course to become a certified entry level recreational scuba diver through the providing agency.
Constraints
Medical fitness
The participant must be medically fit to dive, and willing to assume a certain amount of risk. They will be required to make a statement that they are not suffering from any of a list of medical conditions or using medications which would make the risk unacceptable.
Altitude and flying after diving
People can go directly from high altitude in an airplane or mountain summit to scuba diving (down and down), but may not scuba dive then go up in altitude (up and up) without allowing an interval of up to 24 hours to avoid risk of decompression sickness.
Repetitive diving
The PADI Discover Scuba Diving course allows for repetitive diving experiences within a time limit at the discretion of the dive instructor and dive shop. This is a common request for people who try diving, then want to repeat the activity (often at a different location).