Good question !

We think teaching diving is an important responsibility and it should be done properly.

We also think that you, the customer, should know right at the outset what you are paying for and
what's included in the price you have paid. Also, you need to know how we do things and what to
look out for if you are comparing us with other dive centres.

See our "What You Get" page for details of what you get for your money.

Just as importantly, you will want to compare how our courses are set up and run and how we do things in comparison with elsewhere. We're happy to be compared, because we think we offer the best value and quality package around.

Here's just a few thoughts to bear in mind when comparing Dive Centres and their prices.

We are living today in a world of shortcuts, where everything has to be easier, faster, cheaper but still better than before. As we have learnt, there is no shortcut to quality training whatever activity you might choose. Don't choose the cheapest or fastest course - choose the best course, taught by enthusiastic and experienced professionals who care about you and your future diving safety and enjoyment.

Some of those offering training want volume and are more business orientated, some prefer to stay more modest and design their courses with more requirements, making courses more thorough and complete. Your instructor is far more important that your certification card and you should be more aware of the experience and background of your trainer than all the advantages and freebies you may get by taking any specific course.

Any instructor can teach a diving course badly, but only an educator will take the time and effort to train you thoroughly and to a safe level of knowledge. We emphasise this because we have seen so many badly run courses - please take your time in choosing your Dive Centre and instructor.

Remember, that if price is your only concern, you will get what you pay for. This usually means large classes, distracted instructors, fast throughput of students - possibly the worst way to begin diving.

As for us, we are diving nuts. We have marvelled at the explosions of vibrant colour and activity under the sea; we've felt the exhilaration of swimming with dolphins; we've seen the satisfied expressions on people's faces when they master new skills. It's pretty good stuff.

Quite simply, we're passionate about diving and about teaching diving - and we want to share our passion, experience and knowledge with you and take you to places others can only dream about.

We believe the experience is something everybody should be able to try. From complete beginner to scuba nut, from family tuition sessions to group business incentives - our rigorous professional standards ensure that we can bring your underwater experience to life safely, expertly, and with value for money at a pace that you feel comfortable with.

All our staff are current, renewed PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Professional Members with broad experience, and meet all current Medical and Safety requirements as stipulated by the UK Health & Safety Executive.

All our courses are organised and run to either meet or exceed all current UK Health & Safety Executive requirements to ensure you are taught to dive safely and competently. This is not the case with all Dive Centres.

Our staff are always on hand to offer impartial, expert advice on techniques, courses, equipment and holidays - almost anything you want to know, we can help with.

We have a broad range of equipment from the best brands in the business - and we are an independent retailer so you can be sure the advice we offer will be in your interest rather than that of suppliers.

As for our courses, here's the way we do things ...

• We run small class and course sizes. We generally have a maximum of six students per course or three students to one Instructor so you get the best of attention and instruction at all times.

• We aim to give personal, individual attention. You won't feel crushed in a crowd with us and we've always got the time to help you really master theory or skills. There's no time limit as far as we're concerned. You don't leave until you're entirely happy.

• Our learn to dive course prices are FULLY INCLUSIVE, which means that the price you see is the price you pay. All books and videos to use at home are provided, dive tables, diving logbook, ALL equipment right through confined and open water stages, all air fills, all instruction, certification card and wall certificate - INCLUDED. There are no nasty surprises! The only extra is entry to fee-paying sites for courses other than Open Water Diver and Scuba Diver, (about £17) which we tell you about up front.

• Our Open Water Diver course allows nine hours in the pool to learn and practice dive skills. Other dive centres try and cram all this into just six hours pool time - we feel that this is not the best environment for learning new skills.

• If after completing your pool sessions, you would like a further session to consolidate your skills or just to practice, then we will give you a pool session free of charge.

• We don't use Divemasters in place of Instructors (Divemasters can assist courses but they can't teach diving). Any Divemasters we use are to give even more help to students in mastering skills and are in addition to Instructors.

• We want you to be entirely happy with your course. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied - we will give you a full refund of the fees paid. No argument.

• We are always happy to advise on equipment purchases, dive trips or in fact anything dive related. Once your course is over, we are always there to help and will always help you choose some kit if you're not sure what to buy for the diving you intend doing. This is all part of our service and free of charge. Our advice is only a phone call away and it's free.

• For Advanced and Specialty courses, we give you extra handouts and course notes so that you get more from your courses. These are all included in the course fees.

• Our courses are fun! We aim to make the experience with us as enjoyable as possible and we want you to leave with a smile on your face.

• All our courses are as flexible as possible. We do have fixed course schedules, and although it makes sense to keep a course together, we can try to accommodate you if certain dates are difficult to fit in.

• We offer flexible payment options. We ask for a deposit at time of booking and usually the balance of the course cost when you start the course. If you want however, we can spread the balance of the course fees over the remainder of the course to help ease the financial load. We can now also offer 6 months Interest Free Credit on all courses over £250. Please check with us for further details.

• We like to think we some of the friendliest diving Instructors around and we aim to make our courses relaxed, enjoyable and fun. Some people are daunted by the thought of learning to scuba dive - don't be. It's easy and we've taught people between 10 years and 79 years old. Our aim - meet us as a customer and complete the course as a friend.

Don't be afraid to ask other Dive Centres questions, such as:-

• "How many students will there be in the class?",
• "How many students per Instructor?",
• "Are all your staff qualified Instructors or are there Divemasters assisting?",
• "How much time will we get in the pool to practice skills?",
• "How old is your school equipment?",
• "What if I miss a session?",
• "Does the course fee include everything I need?",
• "Will you charge me if I want to come back for a practice session?",
• "Is there a fixed timescale for the course?"'
• "Can I spread the cost of the course?",
• "Do you always comply with all UK Health & Safety Executive requirements for teaching recreational diving?"

Having read all this you may still have some questions. If you do, just pop in to the Dive Centre, drop us an e-mail or give us a call and we'll be happy to help in any way we can.