FAQs
Diving around Townsville
Q. I have heard about the stinging jellyfish. Can I still go diving?
A. Stingers, also known as box jellyfish, are coastal dwellers and are never seen on the reef. They breed in the estuaries and live their life on the shoreline, therefore do not pose a threat to divers on the reef. The jellyfish season is from November to April. Swimming enclosures are provided at local beaches for people to swim in. Stinger suits or full length wetsuits are still advisable to wear and can be rented or purchased from majority of the local dive shops, this will also protect snorkelers from the sun.
Q. What depths are available around Townsville?
A. Townsville, with the exception of the Yongala is, not a deep dive destination. The dive sites average between 5-25 metres (16.5Ft – 82Ft), many being suitable for both snorkelers and divers. As coral relies on sunlight for growth, some of the best snorkelling and diving can be done in shallow areas around the reef top. Many of Townsville’s shore dives are limited to 6-8 metres and a boat trip is needed to get out far enough to get some depth.
Q. What sorts of water temperatures will I encounter around Townsville?
A. Water temperature gets as high as 28°C (82°F) in the summer months (December to February) and can drop down to 17°C (62°F) in the winter months (June to August). To make sure you have the appropriate exposure protection, double check with your trip organiser.
Q. What is Reef Tax – EMC?
A. This is a compulsory fee that has to be paid by all visitors to Queensland’s marine parks. EMC = Government Environmental Management Charge. Some boats/dive shops include it in their price and others have it as an amount to be added on and paid on the day. Depending on who you are diving with you may also have to pay Port Departure Tax and Fuel Levy.
Q. I don’t know anyone else who dives or wants to learn to dive, who will I dive with?
A. That is one of the main objectives of this site, to get people together to go diving. There are also a number of dive clubs in Townsville - click here for more info. If you would like to organise a dive and would like others to come with, please e-mail us the information and we will post it on the website.
Q. I have forgotten/lost my certification card/license, can I still dive?
A. Yes, dive shops and instructors will however need proof of your certification and level; this information can normally be obtained quite easily with your full name and date of birth. If you would like to replace your card please contact your local dive store or instructor for assistance.
Q. What do I need to take on a dive trip?
A. As all dive trips are a little different lists may vary however it is always a good idea to take a towel, a change of clothes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (min SPF 30+), a camera (generally water proof or in underwater housing), your logbook and certification card and something warm to put on after a dive is also useful in winter.
Q. Can I fly after diving?
A. It is recommended that you wait a minimum of 18 hours after your last dive before flying. You can fly then dive the same day, however not dive then fly. Other activities to avoid are sky diving and hot air ballooning.
If you are doing a lot of dive travel then a wrist mounted dive computer is very useful, especially if you need to watch ‘no fly’ times, aren’t using your own gear, or don’t want to lug your logbook around.
Q. Can I drink alcohol when I’m diving?
A. Many trips will allow you to bring alcohol on board, but in moderation. You will generally not be allowed to enter the water for up to 8-12 hours after you have consumed any alcohol for safety reasons and it is always safe practice to drink in moderation after diving.
Learning to dive
Q. Who can dive?
A. Anyone can dive, as long as you are over the age of 12 (in Queensland) and have passed a recreational dive medical. Diving is no longer a male dominated recreation with many females and families diving regularly. It must be said that diving attracts people of all ages, shapes, sizes and walks of life.
Q. How do I learn to dive?
A. There are two ways to get into diving
1) Majority of people sign up to do an Open Water Course with their local dive shop or instructor. The Open Water Course is an entry level course that has three components: The first is the theory component which consists of watching a dvd, reading a manual and answering some knowledge reviews, quizzes and an exam. This component can either be done all 1 on 1 with an instructor, or they may choose to have you do a portion of the study at home. The second component is confined water training where your instructor will teach you a number of skills that you will need while diving in the familiar environment of a pool. The final component is open water training where you’ll instructor will take you out to the ocean where you will demonstrate your competence of the skills that you have learnt over the theory and pool sections of the course and of course get to experience the underwater world.
2) If you are unsure that you do want to become certified and would like to just try it out, many dive shops and instructors offer ‘try dives’, discover scuba dives or resort dives. This is where you are shown a little theory behind diving and are then taken on an underwater tour (either in the ocean or in a pool) where the instructor will look after all the finer details of diving for you so that you can just enjoy the amazing experience of breathing underwater.
Because an open water course goes through all of the required information and you get to master your skills through repetition many people feel that they benefit far more from a course than a ‘try dive’.
Q. Is learning how to scuba dive hard?
No, in fact, it’s probably easier than you imagine — especially if you’re already comfortable in the water. Entry-level diver courses are split into different sections that use repetition to cement in the skills that you need. The course is “performance based,” which means that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill.
Q. Do I have to be a great swimmer to become a certified scuba diver?
No. It is more important to be relaxed and comfortable in the water. The swimming requirement for certification is an easy 200 meter nonstop swim (with no time or specific stroke requirement) and 10 minute tread/float.
Q. Do I need a medical?
A. Queensland law states that everyone doing the entry level scuba course (Open Water Course) and professional courses (Divemaster and Instructor) must have a dive medical done by a licensed doctor. For information on a licensed doctor close to you, please visit the SPUMS website (be sure to get quotes from a couple of doctors as prices can vary)
Q. Will I be able to equalize my ears?
A. As long as you are able to equalize in an aircraft, you will. If you are still in doubt, consult the doctor when you get your dive medical done.
Q. Which certification agency should I use?
A. All Scuba Certification agencies use the same standards and teach for the same outcome. Just like a learning to drive a car, all driving schools will teach you the same rules. The key is to find a dive school or instructor that you feel comfortable with and that you like.
Q How long is my Dive Certification/Licence valid for?
A. Your certification does not expire. However,it is highly recommended that you keep in practice, meaning you should dive more than once a year. If you have been out of the water for 12 months or more you should do a scuba review with your local dive store or instructor. All agencies also provide many continuing education courses that will recap your basics skills and teach you more, which of course is a great way to keep skills fresh and well practiced. Recreational divers should look at becoming Rescue divers or the equivalent.
Q. I’m afraid of sharks. Will they harm me?
A. There are sharks off Townsville, however most aquatic animals only bite or sting as a defence. If you leave them alone, and don’t corner them, you will be fine. Divers are often lucky to see sharks and many will go for dozens of dives without seeing them The majority of the species that we have in this area are smaller reef species. Food for thought, you are more likely to die from a falling coconut lazing on the beach, than be bitten by a shark while enjoying a dive.
