Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to learn to dive?

Our Open Water Course price is $449, however make sure you check with the shop in case there are any specials!

2. Do I have to have my own gear?

No, we provide all the equipment you need to use during your Open Water course. However, many people like to have their own mask and snorkel and we have a vast range available in the shop. Feel free to come in and try some on before you buy. We have a 'try before you buy' policy in the shop. We'd rather you try different styles of fins, bcds, regulators, etc before you buy. It'd be like buying a car without test driving it first! We stock many options for you in the shop, and our friendly and experienced staff will always help you find the best equipment for you - not just the most expensive!

3. I have asthma - can I learn to dive?

It will depend on your severity of your asthma. Speak to your GP before doing your medical. We find that unless your asthma is severe, is brought on my exertion, or you require a puffer frequently, you should be fine.

4. How long does it take to learn to scuba dive?

Our Open Water course takes 3 days, plus a few hours at home doing your theory prior to your course. 

5. I want to learn to dive - where do I go from here?

We have our course dates on our menu under Start Diving. Or just click here. Once you have a course in mind, you can either email or call the shop to book in. You will need to pay a deposit of $100, at which stage we will give you a CD with your theory on it, and a copy of your medical form. The Medical form can also be downloaded from our website under Start Diving. Or click here. The CD will take you through the theory you need to know before you begin scuba diving. As you go through the CD, it will give you some knowledge reviews to answer. Fill these in and print them out.

6. What happens on my Open Water Course?

On day 1 of your course, we start at 8:30 at the dive shop. Bring swimmers, towel, knowledge reviews and medical form from your doctor. We will go overthe theory you have learnt in case there is something you aren't quite sure about yet. You will then complete a short exam (to get you in the right mindset). Once this is finished, we'll get you sized up for gear, and you'll be off to the pool to learn the basic skills you will need to know before going in the Open Water. Day 2 & 3 will involve 2 Open Water dives each day to complete the skills you need to scuba dive. Once these skills are complete, we will certify you to dive anywhere in the world to a maximum of 18m. If you haven't picked up all the skills yet, we will keep going until you are comfortable and happy. We pride ourselves on not just teaching you the course, but teaching you to dive confidently without an instructor.

7. I already know how to dive. What can Shiprock Dive offer me?

On the surface (pardon the pun) we have a very social and active dive club. It costs nothing to join one of our shore dives, all you need is your equipment and you can hire anything you need from us as well. Click here to check out our Dive Roster. We also have a large variety of equipment for you to purchase, with the added advantage of Smart Pay - a take home lay-by system that allows you to start diving in your own gear straight away!

We offer courses from Open Water all the way to Instructor, so you can continue your scuba education here, even if it didn't start with us.

We fill tanks, with air and nitrox. And when we say fill - we mean 232 bar (or whatever your tank is rated to!)

We can also organise servicing of scuba equipment & hydrotesting of tanks.

We're always available for a chat, for advice, for a coffee! We love diving, and that's what makes us a great shop.

We're open Sat & Sun 8am til 4pm, Monday 12pm til 4pm, closed Tuesdays, Wednesday - Friday 10am til 5pm. However, if you need to stop by on your way home from work, we can usually hang around a little longer if you ask.

8. Do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes, we can even take payment over the phone and email you the gift voucher. Gift Vouchers can be for something specific, or a dollar value if you can't pick.