Despite initial challenges, including fears and physical exertion, mastering skills and exploring marine life brought immense rewards. Oman’s pristine marine ecosystems make it an ideal diving destination
As a non-diver, the idea of exploring the underwater world has always intrigued me. Initially, I had reservations about taking the plunge into scuba diving. However, I decided to challenge myself and enrolled in an open water diving certification course that somehow helped me overcome all my fears of the sea.
Diving is not merely an activity; it’s an immersive experience, offering a glimpse into a world teeming with life and beauty beneath the waves. Oman, with its pristine beaches and rich marine biodiversity, emerged as the perfect playground for my diving aspirations.
In Oman, the Musandam Peninsula beckons with its breathtaking fjords and vibrant coral reefs, while the Daymaniyat Islands boast protected marine reserves and diverse marine species, including whale sharks and dolphins. Al Fahal Island, near Muscat, and Bandar Khayran offer equally enchanting dive sites, showcasing the wonders of the underwater realm.
Choosing the company to enroll in a diving course is quite a task, too. Thankfully, since Oman offers a range of diving experiences for divers of all levels, from beginner to advanced, we have quite a lot of diving companies here to choose from.
SELECTING A DIVE COMPANY
When selecting a dive company, there are several key factors to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the company’s reputation by looking into reviews and testimonials from other divers. This can give you insight into the quality of their services and customer satisfaction.
Safety should be a paramount concern, so ensure the company has a solid safety record and adheres to industry standards. Additionally, assess the company’s experience and expertise in diving, as well as the certifications held by both the company and its instructors.
High-quality, well-maintained equipment is essential for a safe and enjoyable diving experience, so verify the equipment standards of the company. Cost is also a factor; compare prices among different companies while considering the value for money they offer.
Lastly, consider the location of the company and whether it operates in areas with suitable diving conditions for your skill level and preferences. Taking these factors into account can help you make an informed decision when choosing a dive company for your next underwater adventure.
Ultimately, it’s important to choose a diving company that you feel comfortable and confident with, and that meets your specific needs and expectations.
It took me a while to find the right company, but after several searches and phone calls looking for the best diving company to get the scuba open water diving course, that’s when I stumbled on Pearl Dimaniyat.
Pearl Dimaniyat is one of those tourism and diving companies that offers all the above factors just within Muscat. Owned and managed by Mohammed Arif, the diving company offers guided tours, snorkeling, and diving courses in the pristine Daymaniyat Islands, a 20-minute boat ride away from Seeb Marina Port. Not only do they offer one-on-one diving training, but they also have the best reasonable price for the Open Water Diving Course, which covers everything from the course, equipment, certification, diving permit, and even the wetsuit, mask, and fins with onboard snacks and refreshments.
CHOOSING BETWEEN
PADI AND NAUI
For scuba diving, they offer both PADI and NAUI diving licenses. NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) are two of the largest and most well-known scuba diving certification agencies in the world.
NAUI stands out for its personalized, hands-on teaching approach, offering instructors greater flexibility to cater to individual student needs. In contrast, PADI is renowned for its standardized teaching methods, ensuring a more uniform course structure. Both organizations provide a range of certification levels, from beginner to professional, although slight variations in requirements exist.
Safety remains a top priority for both NAUI and PADI, with NAUI often perceived as placing a slightly stronger emphasis on skill development and dive theory comprehension. While both foster large and active dive communities, some divers perceive NAUI’s community as more tight-knit and supportive, whereas PADI boasts a broader and more diverse network.
Environmental awareness and conservation efforts are central to both organizations’ missions, with NAUI often recognized for its deeper commitment to environmental education. While both NAUI and PADI certifications enjoy global recognition, PADI tends to be more widely accepted by dive shops and resorts worldwide.
It was eye-opening to know that such certifications can actually be found in Oman.
THE BEGINNER’S PROGRAMME
As a beginner, I decided to take an open water diving course with NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) since NAUI is widely known for its personalized, hands-on approach to teaching diving and is often seen as placing a slightly stronger emphasis on safety, with a focus on developing strong diving skills and a thorough understanding of dive theory. With these factors, NAUI not only taught me the skills to dive safely but my instructor Mohammed Arif himself helped me develop a deeper appreciation for the ocean and all under it. Also, NAUI courses are cheaper than PADI!
The open water diving is a 3-day course. Normally, it should have 1 day of classroom sessions to learn about dive theory, equipment, and safety procedures, 1 day of training in a deep pool, and 1 day for open water diving. However, I began mine with my instructor providing me with an e-learning module. Due to work and other personal commitments, I preferred e-learning so I could read and study all about diving in my free time and at my own pace. My instructor emphasized the importance of planning our dives and understanding the effects of pressure on our bodies. After several exchanges of notes and chats, we decided on the day to finally start my practical training.
We were supposed to start in the deep pool to practice essential skills like buoyancy control, mask clearing, and regulator recovery. But since I had my training in free diving a few months ago, Mohammed Arif took me straight to the open, shallow water part of the sea to practice. At first, I was hesitant, but thankfully, my instructor, who gave me a thorough 1-on-1 training, was so helpful and mindful of me that I gained confidence in my abilities easily.
We started doing open water fun dives. We traveled to a beautiful dive site, and I was amazed by the diversity of marine life. Swimming alongside colorful fish and exploring coral reefs was an experience I’ll never forget. Thankfully, my instructor was patient and supportive, ensuring that I felt safe and comfortable. It took us two days to finish all the necessary skills training. There were some challenges and some skills that took me a while to learn but all in all, I am glad I was able to surpass and learn all the skills required for me to gain my certification.
Initially, my concerns centered around my ability to adapt to the underwater environment, the safety aspects of diving, and the physical demands of the sport. The fear of the unknown loomed large, and I had to confront my anxieties head-on.
A DIFFERENT WORLD
The challenges I faced during the course were multifaceted. Firstly, learning to breathe underwater and mastering buoyancy control was daunting. The pressure of the water and the vastness of the ocean were overwhelming at first. Additionally, the technical aspects of dive equipment and understanding dive tables required concentration and practice. Moreover, the physical exertion required for prolonged periods underwater was a significant challenge. I remember I vomited twice every time I reached the surface! But my instructor told me it was normal plus the rough sea on our second day of diving gave me quite a hard time because it gave me bad sea sickness.
Despite the initial concerns and challenges, there were numerous triumphs throughout the course. Overcoming the fear of the unknown and adapting to the underwater environment was a significant milestone. As I progressed through the training, I gained confidence in my skills and became more comfortable in the water. Achieving buoyancy control and mastering the use of dive equipment were pivotal moments. Furthermore, completing the required open-water dives, exploring the underwater world, and witnessing the beauty of marine life were unforgettable triumphs.
My journey from a non-diver to a certified Open Water Diver was filled with concerns, challenges, and eventual triumphs. Overcoming my fears and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone was immensely rewarding. The certification not only opened up a new world of exploration but also instilled a deep sense of accomplishment. As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the experience and look forward to further adventures in the underwater realm.
Oman stands out as an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts due to a combination of factors. Its untouched marine ecosystems offer a haven for diverse marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to unique species of fish and other sea creatures. Moreover, the country boasts a wide variety of dive sites suitable for all levels of experience, ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep-sea wrecks and caves. The clear visibility in Oman’s waters, often exceeding 20 meters (65 feet) or more, enhances the diving experience, allowing for a full appreciation of the underwater landscapes and marine biodiversity.
With consistently warm water temperatures throughout much of the year, diving in Oman remains comfortable and enjoyable, even during cooler months. Exploring Oman’s underwater landscapes is a treat for divers, with opportunities to encounter everything from colorful soft corals to majestic pelagic species like whale sharks and manta rays.
Accessibility to top dive sites from major cities and tourist hubs makes it convenient for travelers to incorporate diving into their itineraries. Beyond its natural beauty, Oman offers a rich cultural experience, allowing divers to immerse themselves in Omani culture, cuisine, and hospitality both above and below the water. Together, these attributes make Oman a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and exploration beneath the waves.
Being in a country where all possible natural adventures are accessible, discovering the underwater world is definitely something I would highly recommend. As divers delve into the depths, they encounter a mesmerizing array of marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to majestic marine mammals, shipwrecks, and captivating underwater landscapes. It’s a different world down there and it’s truly sad if you don’t get to see it.
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