Q: How do I reserve a space in a dive outing or dive course?

Q: What do I need to buy to begin the Open Water course?

Q: What should I read and/or watch before my first Open Water training session?

Q: How long does it take to complete a NAUI/PADI Open Water course?

Q: What happens if I have to reschedule or cancel a dive outing or course?

Q: It's been a really long time since my last dive and I don't feel safe. Can I have some kind of a scuba refresher?

Q: What is a minshuku?

Q: What is a referral course?


Q: How do I reserve a space in a dive outing or dive course.
A: Send an email indicating what dive or course you'd like to attend. You'll receive confirmation and will be sent a Pay Pal request for deposit; JPY 5,000 for diving, or JPY 10,000 for a course. Once you are paid up, your space is reserved. Bank transfer is also acceptable, email for details.

Q: What do I need to buy to begin the Open Water Course?
A: The short answer to this is that besides paying your course fees and buying the PADI Open Water Manual, you don’t have to purchase anything else. That said, it is highly recommended to have your own mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit. These are personal items that make diving much more enjoyable, when you have gear that fits properly and is of high quality. However, for those who’d rather not buy anything until after completing their training, virtually all these items can be rented at Osezaki and other dive sites. Discovery Divers Tokyo also has a small amount of high quality gear for sale and rent.

Q: What do I need to read and/or watch before the first water training session?
A: At a minimum, you should read the first section of the NAUI/PADI OW book and watch the first section or two of the NAUI/PADI DVD or video. That will prepare you for the basics of the initial equipment setup and confined water training and will make your training smoother. The knowledge review for the first book chapter should also be completed before the first water training session. If you are able to read more chapters and perhaps begin reading the Dive Planner manual, that will prepare the diver even more. One of the biggest hindrances to beginners is that they do not read enough of the book on their own before classes. We cannot read the book for you, and your learning experience will be greatly enhanced if you have pre-read the material to be covered in a specific class.

Q: How long does it take to complete a NAUI/PADI Open Water course?
A: Aside from self-study time, the actual in-water dives take 3 to 4 days for a PADI course. There is about one day of shallow, confined water training, and 4 open water training dives, which take about two days. However, it is not uncommon for the Open Water training to take a day or two longer for additional practice, or due to dive logistics. The PADI course is commonly completed in two weekends. NAUI courses take a bit longer as they require more confined work and open water dives.

Q: What happens if I have to reschedule or cancel a dive outing or course?
A: First, let me first say that we make every attempt to be flexible in assisting people fit recreational diving into their busy schedules. However, sometimes DDT will incur expenses when a customer has to change their plans. In such a case, we will naturally pass these fees onto the customer. Once confirmed, if an outing or course is rescheduled, there may be fees such as minshuku cancellation charges. If a course is cancelled or rescheduled, a fee of up to JPY 5,000 may be assessed if the change is disruptive to the overall teaching schedule once plans have been set.

Q: It's been a really long time since my last dive and I don't feel safe. Can I have some kind of scuba refresher?
A: Absolutely! Safe, comfortable activities are fun. No one likes to lack confidence or be fearful in any situation, this is especially true in the water. A scuba refresher is a review of the basic scuba skills that were covered in your Open Water Course. If you'd like to arrange a scuba refresher, please indicate that when reserving your trip. The refresher costs JPY 6,000 (on top of the normal dive fees assigned to the trip you are joining).

A refresher will include individual or small-group, basic skills review in shallow water(1-3 meters) with an Instructor or Dive Master (approximately 30 minutes). After an appropriate surface interval, there will be a shallow, small-group "regular dive" lead by an Instructor or Dive Master (unless the student wants to join another group of dives and the DM/Instr feels the diver is ready for a regular buddy dive).

Please note...Divers who are judged be "very rusty" will be required to take a refresher at the stated fee. It's just safety. This would, for example, be done in a case where a diver lacks the skills/confidence to be able to dive with a dive buddy, and requires one-on-one attention from a Dive Master or Instructor. It's only fair to other divers and DDT staff that these individuals will schedule and pay for the refresher. Diving often to maintain/build skills will always result in a more enjoyable dive experience in the short and long run.

Q: What is a minshuku?
A: A minshuku is the standard style of beach/diving accommodation for the majority of our trips. For folks new to Japan or visiting from overseas, this type of lodge can be quite a different cultural experience. A minshuku usually has tatami mat floors and we sleep shared accommodation on the floor (up to 4 people in most cases). These rooms are generally split into men's and women's. Futons are rolled out at night for sleeping. Sometimes, during the slow seasons, it is possible for couples/families to stay in one room, but during busy times, this is usually not possible. The overnight charge at minshuku is per person, and the air conditioner is often coin-operated. Many minshuku have a detached toilet in the hallway.

Q: What is a referral course?
A: A referral course is a scuba course (typically the Open Water Course) that begins in one location and ends in another. The usual situation is a course that does academics and pool at a cool/cold water location, after which the student will travel to a warm location to finish their ocean dives, and receive certification. This plan works well for saving time at the warm water location, so less time is spent training, and more time is spent enjoying the beautiful water and sea life. This is especially useful during winter/spring in Japan, when a student will travel to SE Asia to finish their dive training. DDT participates in referral programs, please inquire.