Whether you are planning a vacation during which you will get the chance to go scuba diving or scuba diving is just something that you have always been interested in learning, becoming certified will make it much easier for you to explore the water safely. Scuba-diving certification classes are available across the country, and if this is something you are planning to do, you are bound to have some questions. Here is a quick look at a few of the most common questions about scuba-diving certification and the answers you will want to know as a prospective student. 

What does becoming certified as a scuba diver actually involve?

When you sign up for scuba-diving classes, you can expect that you will be taught on several levels of the activity. An instructor will likely give instruction in a deep pool indoors that is specifically designed for training, or they may perform classes and instruction in a lake or in the ocean. However, your initial learning may begin in a classroom where you get to watch videos or read and go over material with a skilled instructor. A few things you should expect to learn include:

• choosing the best diving locations
• understanding underwater signals and gestures used in tandem diving for communication
• selecting the proper scuba gear for your body type and different types of dives
• perfecting water-entering and -exiting techniques while wearing scuba gear
• understanding the basics of underwater navigation 

How long will it take to complete certification?

Becoming certified is a flexible process most of the time, and usually there is no direct outline of how long the process will take because all divers will progress and learn at different rates. People who are naturally comfortable beneath the water and are fairly physically fit may progress through the levels of training faster than someone who is a little more apprehensive about staying under the water or has to struggle with the gear. 

Will it matter whether you are a good swimmer?

You don't have to be an excellent swimmer to be able to scuba dive, but you will need to be able to tread water so you can stay afloat in some way in order to become certified. Of course, learning to swim, at least on a basic level, is an important thing to do and will help you through the certification process and go scuba diving on your own.