General

1What if I am ill?
If you fall ill during a course, there are 2 possibilities.
Important: If you are ill, you need a diving doctor's certificate that you are fit to dive again.

1. you wait for the next course and join it (at no extra cost).
2. if you have not missed too much and there is enough time to catch up on what you have missed, we can make up for this in individual appointments (at additional cost).
2Insurance during the course
During the course (during the individual dives) you are insured through me.
3Insurance after the course
After the course, I recommend that you take out insurance with AquaMed or DAN. In Switzerland or abroad, proof that you have such insurance is often required.
4Ricardo, eBay, tutti & Co.
"Don't waste, reuse" is a good approach, but not everywhere and not for everything.

Do not buy second-hand:
  • PADI® eLearning
  • PADI® Books
  • PADI® documentation
  • Any diving equipment if you have little experience


    • Buy used if you have experience:
  • Any diving equipment that you know and know how to use
    • 5I already have PADI® material and would like to use it. How is the course price reduced?
    We can look individually at what you already have and what you still need. The course price will then be slightly reduced. But it is usually only a small part and does not cover the investment made.
    6I'm scared underwater, but I want to try diving. Is that possible?
    Yes. You can book a trial dive with me. I would recommend a private course where you take your first breaths underwater with just me. We will have enough time to try everything out and see if diving becomes your new sport.
    7I found PADI® material / documents on an auction platform. Should I buy it?
    The PADI® material is already included in the price of our courses. It will not be cheaper for you to buy the PADI® material elsewhere. There are several advantages to purchasing PADI® material from us. Firstly, you get the latest version of the materials. Secondly, everything is complete and you have what you need.
    8Are there also women-only courses?
    If you and your colleagues would like a women-only course, I would recommend a group course for you. That way you are among yourselves and no one else can join you. We currently have no women on the staff. Therefore it would currently be a diving instructor who would teach you.
    9Are there also men-only courses?
    If you and your colleagues would like an all-male course, I would recommend a group course for you. That way you are among yourselves and no one else can join you.
    10Why is the "you" form always used instead of "you"?
    In the diving world, we want to meet at eye level. That's why we start on a first-name basis right from the start. No matter whether you are a beginner or a professional and no matter what rank or name you have. It is a sign of camaraderie and solidarity. If you are uncomfortable with the "you" form, please let me know and we will communicate in the "you" form. Whether it's you or her, the politeness and respect naturally remain the same.
    11I have found a cheaper provider of documents abroad. Can I order there?
    In most cases, Swiss VAT is incurred in addition to the costs and this means expense. There are often different versions and designs. Everything is already included in the course price and the costs cannot be reduced.
    12Why is there a minimum number of participants?
    There are two reasons for the minimum number. Firstly, it's more fun with more people and secondly, we can offer the courses as cheaply as we do today.
    13Why is there a maximum number of participants?
    There are 3 reasons for the maximum number of participants.
    Firstly, your safety is important to me. The more people there are, the more difficult it is for everyone to maintain maximum security.
    Secondly, the more students there are, the longer the exercises take.
    Thirdly, there are clear guidelines from Padi® for the ratio of instructors to students.
    14I had corona. When can I dive again?
    The main focus here is on the course of the disease. AquaMed has issued a recommendation here: https://www.aqua-med.eu/fileadmin/documents/medicine/empfehlungen_corona_und_tauchen.pdf If you are unsure, I recommend that you have yourself examined by a diving doctor.
    15Why is no value added tax (VAT) or tax number shown?
    Diving is my hobby, which I do alongside my actual job. The income and expenses for this are officially stated in the taxes and are coordinated with the Baselland tax office.
    16What is the standard equipment?
    In addition to your fins, mask, snorkel and booties, you will also need the following:
  • 1-2 cylinders with air 180-220 bar
  • Diving suit (7mm, semi-dry or dry suit)
  • 2x 1st stage
  • 2x 2nd stage
  • Finimeter, depth gauge, inflator hose


    • optional:
  • Lamp
  • Gloves
  • Hood
  • Knife
  • DSMB
    • 17Error / Dissatisfied
    It can happen that we make mistakes or that you are dissatisfied with us. Please tell us directly so that we can put things right and make things better.

    PADI® trial diving

    1Can I dive without a wetsuit?
    Yes, you can. The water is usually warm enough. However, if you freeze quickly, I still recommend wearing a wetsuit as it will keep you warm.
    2Can I leave out some diving equipment to make the course cheaper?
    No, omitting it does not make the price cheaper.
    3I already have a snorkel, fins and mask. Can I take these with me?
    Yes, with pleasure. You can bring everything you have. It is important that the mask is suitable for diving (e.g. the nose is inside the mask) and the fins are not too small.
    4Can I take a shower after the trial dive?
    Yes, it is possible to take a shower after diving.

    PADI® Open Water Diver - OWD

    1What if I realize that diving doesn't suit me?
    You've already started eLearning, been in the pool with me for the first time and used the rental equipment for the first time. I can no longer refund these costs. I will, of course, refund the rest if it is possible. A refund is only provided if the conditions in the General Terms and Conditions (right to cancel, terminate and amend by the customer) are met. If the conditions are met, the remaining amount will be as follows:
    After the 1st pool dive: Costs of CHF 250 were incurred. The rest can be refunded. After the 2nd pool dive: it is 370 CHF. After the 3rd pool dive or after the open water dives there are no refunds.
    2What illnesses or problems am I allowed to dive with?
    It is important that a diving doctor is consulted to confirm your fitness to dive if you have any physical ailments or are taking medication.

    If it is a psychological issue (without medication), discuss this with your doctor first. If you feel comfortable, get in touch with me and we'll take a look together.
    3What if I don't have enough time?
    Here it is up to you whether you postpone the course to the next course, change the course from a group course to a private course or take the reduced "PADI® Scuba Diver Course". If we haven't progressed far in the course, see "What if I realize that diving doesn't suit me?".
    4Do I really need to buy a mask, snorkel, booties and fins?
    Mask, snorkel, booties and fins are not included in the rental equipment for your PADI® Open Water Diver course and cannot be rented from the ShipShop. If you find a way to rent them anyway, it's up to you. My recommendation is: Invest a little money here and you will enjoy it for a long time.
    5Can I shower after the pool dives?
    Yes, you can take a shower after the pool dives.
    6What if I don't meet the requirements for the PADI® Open Water Diver?
    If the requirements are too high, there is still the option of completing the PADI® Scuba Diver. It is the first part of the PADI® Open Water Divers.

    PADI® Advanced Open Water Diver - AOWD

    1Why should I do the PADI® Advanced Open Water Diver - AOWD course?
    The PADI® Advanced Open Water Diver - AOWD course gives you 4 benefits.
    Firstly, you can then officially dive to a depth of 30m or, as a junior, to a depth of 21m.
    Secondly, you will learn further skills in using the compass and navigating underwater, which will make you feel more confident.
    Thirdly, after your PADI® Open Water Diver - OWD course you have another 5 dives where you can gain experience.
    And fourthly, you can take a look at 5 specialty courses without obligation and then decide which one doesn't suit you and which one you want to continue with right away.
    2Why can't I choose any specialty course for the PADI® Advanced Open Water Diver - AOWD course?
    Not every course is suitable for the PADI® Advanced Open Water Diver - AOWD course. The reasons for this are:
  • A minimum number of dives is required for this
  • It takes a lot of diving experience
  • The specialty course does not include dives
    • 3Are the 3 selectable adventure dives full specialty courses?
    No, the 3 optional adventure dives plus the 2 compulsory adventure dives are the first dives of each specialty course. These 1st dives can be credited towards the specialty course within 12 months.
    4Is the equipment included in the price?
    No, only the PADI® OWD course assumes that you have nothing. From the PADI® OWD qualification onwards, you must rent or buy your own equipment. Course-related material is usually provided by me (e.g. lamp, lifting bag etc.).

    PADI® Divemaster - DM

    1Can I shorten the time for the PADI® Divemaster?
    Yes and no. It depends on you. As with all PADI® courses, the PADI® Divemaster course has its performance requirements. If these are fulfilled, nothing stands in your way. For example, if the performance requirement "Demonstrate all snorkeling and scuba diving skills, with at least 3 points in each skill, a total of at least 82 points and 5 points in at least one underwater skill" is not achieved, this performance must be repeated. It is therefore impossible to say whether you will finish faster or slower. My goal is to make you a good Divemaster and to make you proud of yourself.
    2What am I allowed to do as a Divemaster?
    This list is not exhaustive and you can add to it yourself:
  • Demonstrate diving skills under the supervision of an instructor
  • Support the instructor during training
  • Support with scenarios in the PADI® courses
  • Conduct the PADI® ReActivation Program yourself
  • Supervision in the Skin Diver program
  • Discover Local Diving Program Execute
    • 3Are there other courses after the PADI® Divemaster course?
    There are many. But let's start with the most obvious.
  • PADI® DSD Leader (trial dive instructor)
  • PADI® EFR Instructor
  • PADI® Assistant Instructor
  • PADI® Open Water Diver Instructor

    • Dive site

    1Why do we only go to certain places?
    We always go to the dive site that is best suited for the training and which (usually) has the best conditions.
    There may be other sites that could also be suitable. But often they are further to travel to or I don't know them well enough. If you have a special request, please feel free to add it.
    2What do I need to bring to the dive site?
    Secure the equipment you need for the dive and everything mentioned in the course (e.g. money, equipment, books, slats etc.).
    In addition, everything you need or might need for the dive. This could include:
  • Something to eat
  • Something to drink
  • Swimwear/swim trunks and towel
  • Sun cream, sun hat and sunglasses
  • Money for parking, restaurant etc.
  • Contact lenses and hair ties
  • Toiletries, a change of clothes and fresh underwear
    • 3Can we form driving groups?
    You are very welcome to form driving groups.
    There are also 1-2 seats available in my car (see cost sharing). With the driving group, make sure that you take turns or share the costs (also for the extra work of picking up and loading the car).
    4Are there sanitary facilities on site?
    If this means a toilet cubicle or a public toilet, it usually does. Showers are usually not available.
    5Underwater conditions
    Most of the time it is beautiful and the conditions are good to very good. However, we have little influence on the underwater conditions (currents, temperature, rain, rivers, etc.). If the conditions are bad, we can move to another lake if they have enough time or if we know about it beforehand.
    6What are not good underwater conditions?
    Depending on the course, "not good" is defined differently. But roughly summarized, this could be understood as follows: - Underwater visibility can be poor - The water can be cold/cooler underwater - The underwater environment can be dark/cloudy Depending on the course, we will then look for a solution or learn how to deal with this fact (e.g. warm tea in between, more isolation, lamps, diving deeper or shallower or going to another dive site)

    PADI®

    1What is eLearning?
    PADI® offers a wide range of eLearning on its platform. In an eLearning you learn everything you would learn in a book and video from PADI®.
    2Why is only eLearning offered?
    eLearning has several advantages.

  • First of all, you can study however you like, regardless of time and place.
  • Secondly, you don't have to carry books and videos around with you if you want to study. Your eLearning is always available wherever you have a cell phone, tablet or PC.
  • Thirdly, you will receive regular updates from PADI® on your eLearning. If something changes, you will receive the changes free of charge.
  • The fourth factor is that you are also protecting the environment.
    • 3How can I create a PADI® Login / Account / eLearning Login?
    To get access to PADI® you can create an account here.
    4Where do I register for PADI® eLearning?
    You can register at in the top right corner or via eLearning.
    If you want to use the app on your cell phone or tablet, download the PADI® Training App first and then register.
    5Can I change the language in eLearning?
    At the beginning you choose a language. You must retain this language until the end of the course. If you change the language, your progress will be reset and you will have to start again.
    6eLearning Code
    If we can't find you or you are too sure, we will send you the eLearning code. You can enter this after you have logged in to the PADI eLearning portal under "Would you like to receive another access code?" and select Apply code. After reloading the website, the eLearning is listed at the top under "Product name".
    7eLearning is not available in the app
    If you have activated a new eLearning, you must log out and log back in to the eLearning app once. You will then see the eLearning. If you still don't see it, check the website or another device to see if it's listed there. If you still have problems, please feel free to contact me.