RECREATIONAL DIVES

This is tricky because it depends on how quickly you breathe your air.  Most people have some nerves before their fist dive which means beginners use their air faster than experienced divers.  Other factors also affect air consumption; make makeup, depth, fitness, sea conditions, how effectively you use your fins and even water temperature!  Your first dive should be a minimum of 20 minutes and on average first dives usually range from 25-40 minutes but, some first timers manage a full hour.  You won't know until you try but one thing's for sure, your air consumption will improve the more you dive.

The first 2 dives of PADI Open Water Diver program are a maximum of 12 meters and the 3rd and 4th dives are a maximum of 18 meters (12 meters for 10-11 year olds).  Your dives should be more than 5 meters but you do not HAVE to go to 18 meters.  Talk to your instructor if you are anxious about depth.

Yes absolutely!  One option is to dive in contact lenses - daily disposables are best in case you lose one during some of the mask skills which can happen from time to time.  If you are not a contact lens wearer, then a prescription mask is a great option.  Some dive centers have prescription masks available but it can be difficult to rent one that matches your eyesight requirements exactly so it's a good idea to invest in one of your own.  If you are long sighted (have difficulty reading but are okay with distances), then you can buy prescription stickers that you apply to the lower section of a regular mask - much like wearing reading glasses.