Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I learn more about the club and the sport of scuba diving?

A. The club has a pool training session (and a pint!) every week on Thursday evenings at 9:45p.m. at the Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre (PSLC).  This is an ideal time to meet us and learn a little more about the club and the sport of scuba diving.  Please click here for directions to the centre.  If you can’t make it on Thursday night, you can contact a member of the club Committee for further information.  Please click here to contact a member of the Committee.

Q. Is it possible to try a dive?

A. Yes.  You can do a ‘try dive’ in the pool with one of our instructors.  This will give you an opportunity to experience scuba diving in controlled conditions.  The cost of a ‘try dive’ is €20 which will be deducted from your club fees should you join the club.  We will supply all equipment. 

Q. How much is annual membership?

A. The annual membership fee is €460.  The club year runs from September 1st to the following August 31st. 

Q. What does the membership fee include?

A. The membership fee includes:

• membership of the Irish Underwater Council (Comhairle Fó-Thoinn or CFT) – the coordinating body for underwater diving clubs in Ireland;
• dive insurance;
• instructor-led training programme for those new to scuba diving;
• weekly pool training session;
• use of club dive boats and compressors for all diving activity.

All club fees are invested directly in the club to defray expenses such as equipment purchase and servicing.

Q. Will I incur any other expenses when diving with the club?

A. There is a small charge when undertaking a boat dive with the club.  This is to defray boat fuel costs and the fuel costs incurred by those who transport boats during club weekends away.  The charge for a boat dive is normally between €5 and €10.

Q. Can I join the club at any time?

A. The club’s training programme for new members who haven’t dived previously begins in September / October each year.  Normally members who join at this time are ready to commence open water diving the following March.

Q. I have a dive qualification from another dive organisation.  Will this be recognised by the club?

A. Absolutely.  Dive qualifications from other dive organisations such as PADI and BSAC are recognised by the Irish Underwater Council (CFT).  Please refer to the Recommended Links section for further information regarding crossing over to CFT from other dive organisations.  Normally those with a dive qualification can commence diving with the club at any time.

Q. What equipment do I need to commence training?

A. You will need a pair of pool fins, a scuba mask and a snorkel. 

Q. Do I need to have my own scuba equipment once I begin diving?

A. Yes. You will be required to purchase your own set of scuba equipment once you commence diving.  Familiarity with your own equipment and the comfort of having made-to-measure items, such as a wet suit, will enhance your diving experience.

Q. Is scuba diving equipment expensive?

A. A new set of entry-level scuba equipment will cost approximately €1,200.  Purchasing second-hand equipment is also an option.  Club members trading-up from entry-level equipment often have items of equipment available for sale.  Check out the Buy & Sell section of the web site to see if any second-hand items are available.

Q. Do I have to be a strong swimmer to take up scuba diving?

A. No. You should be able to swim and be comfortable in open water but it is not necessary to be a particularly strong swimmer to enjoy scuba diving.  The club holds a pool training session every Thursday evening and this will afford you an opportunity to enhance your ability and fitness.

Q. What is the duration of an average dive?

A. On average, a dive will last up to approximately 40minutes.

Q. What depth can I dive to?

A. New divers will normally dive to a maximum depth of approximately 20m (66feet).  Most dives for experienced divers will be to a maximum depth of approximately 40m (132feet).

Q. How many dives can I undertake in a day?

A. Normally divers will undertake two or three dives a day while on a dive trip.

Q. I’ve dived abroad.  Is diving in Irish waters significantly different to diving in tropical waters.

A. Average water temperatures during a typical dive season will be in the range of 10°C - 15°C (50°F - 59°F). This is significantly cooler than the 30°C (86°F) that you can experience in the tropics!  However with an appropriate wet / dry suit, water temperature will not be an issue for most divers.  The visibility in Irish waters will also differ from that enjoyed in tropical locations.  However these factors provide a more challenging and ultimately more rewarding dive experience.

Q. What opportunities exist for diving once I’ve completed my training?

A. The club’s dive season runs from March to October. Diving normally takes place mid-week (evenings) and each weekend on Saturdays and/or Sundays.  Occasionally one-day dive trips further a field are organised.  Apart from diving in Dublin, the club organises trips for each holiday weekend as well as a ‘Club Week’ during the Summer.  In short, there will be ample opportunity to fine-tune your dive skills once your training is completed.