Divers Incorporated

Learning to dive is a fun and enjoyable way to relax, meet new friends, and explore our world. Many people have questions about becoming a diver.  Here are some commonly asked questions from New divers. For a Schedule of upcoming classes and times click here!

What is PADI?
PADI stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors and is the largest diver-training agency in the world.  PADI establishes standards for diver training, trains and certifies instructors, and provides support and materials to its members.  Worldwide it is estimated that between 52% and 60% of all divers trained receive a PADI Certification making it literally "the way the world learns to dive." Because PADI has the most complete and widely recognized diver-training programs, you can be confident that you are earning the finest and most respected diver credentials available.

Do I have to be a good swimmer?
Since scuba diving requires you to be in and under the water, being comfortable in the water is very important.  Since swimming underwater requires different techniques and movements than swimming on the surface, it is not necessary to be a great swimmer. Underwater, your equipment does a lot of the work for you. During the PADI Course it is not a prerequisite that you swim underwater for any distance, contrary to popular belief. It is necessary, however, to know how to swim (or snorkel) and how to stay afloat in the water.  These requirements are exit requirements, so you can start without them.

What is there to see in the Great Lakes?
The waters around Michigan are considered to be the Shipwreck Diving Capital of the World. Although the fish aren’t as colorful in most cases, the freshwater preserves artifacts in such a way that they look almost like the day they sank.  You can find ships with paint still on their decks, brass fittings that still gleam, rigging and machinery that still move, and a wide variety of well preserved artifacts.   In the inland lakes, you can see numerous varieties of underwater life. If you are lucky, you may come across a lost anchor or fishing equipment.

Once I am certified to dive, where can I go Diving?
The PADI Certifications you receive from Divers Incorporated is the most recognized certification in the world.  Nearly half of the divers certified each year receive the certifications through PADI.  This means that almost everywhere in the world that there is water, you can find PADI Divers who dive in it.  Around Michigan, there are numerous lakes and rivers to dive including the Great Lakes that are very popular with divers.  Divers Incorporated is staffed by very active divers.  They dive almost every weekend.  You can find upcoming dives on these pages in the Upcoming Activities section.

What about activities for family members who are unable to dive?

Divers Incorporated has adventure activities for the whole family, even those people who are unable to dive.  Non- Diver activities include aquarium and museum visits, nautical shopping excursions, and photographic adventures with a nautical theme that do not require diving.  

Why should I take my scuba lessons from Divers Incorporated?
Divers Incorporated is one of the most complete Dive Centers in southeast Michigan. We customize our programs to fit your needs. Our position as a PADI Five Star Dive center allows us to present the most up to date training materials and techniques to new divers.  Our status as an established Technical Diving facility allows us to be on the cutting edge of diving technology.  Every member of our staff is an active diver allowing us to give you first hand experience of local waters.& With over 35 different courses to choose from, you can continue your advancement at your leisure. During the summer you can take advantage of our special charters to Great Lakes Shipwreck expeditions, and in the winter time, you can take advantage of our travel department for an exotic warm water vacation.  We can’t wait to introduce you to the wonderful world of scuba diving.

Why PADI Open Water from Divers Incorporated?
Divers Incorporated was Michigan's first PADI National Geographic Dive Center and is also a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center. As a PADI Five Star IDC we are committed to only teaching Courses with certified PADI instructors using the most current PADI course materials available.  As a certified PADI Open Water Diver, you have earned the most widely recognized and respected rating in the world, allowing  you the freedom to dive with a buddy independent of a professional anywhere your heart desires.

How old do I have to be to be certified?
Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification. If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Open Water Diver program available.

A PADI Junior Open Water Diver between the ages of 10 and 12 years may only dive with a PADI Professional, a certified parent or certified guardian to a maximum depth of 40 feet.

What will I do during the Oepn Water Diver Course?
Throughout the course, you’ll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques. You earn this rating by completing pool dives and knowledge development sessions and by making two to six open water (ocean or lake) dives (depending on the program you choose to complete.

How long will it take to become certifed to dive?
PADI programs are performance based. You proceed as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work  a pace that is comfortable for you. When you first sign up for the course, your guide will help you design a program that works for you and the way you learn. There are many course options available however, and we are able to fit most needs.

What if I have more questions?
Please call Divers Incorporated at (734) 971 7770 and we will be happy to answer all of your additional questions.