• • Towel
  • Windproof Jacket (Weather dependant)
  • Bathing suit / Swimming costume
  • Sunblock
  • Seasick medication (if you are prone to seasickness)

    This course has been specifically designed for all you adventurers who want to dive in open water without committing to the entry-level courses. However, once you have completed this experience, we will give you a referral form, crediting all components to put towards your scuba diver/open water course should you wish to continue your scuba education. 

    You will have a talky-teachy-chatty session with your instructor about the scuba diving basics and a description of the four staged skills you are required to perform underwater. Then you will enter the water for buoyancy, skill and underwater swimming practise.

    After your pool session, you will then be thoroughly briefed for your first ever open water dive. This will include boating and diving procedures, information on the dive site and plant and marine animals you will encounter while diving. This is your chance to feel the sensation of zero gravity, to observe marine creatures in their own environment and to leave only bubbles and take only memories. For this incredible experience the minimum age is 10 years old. 

    If you want to try scuba diving, but you’re not quite ready to take the plunge into a scuba diving certification course, most PADI® dive centers offer a half-day experience called Discover Scuba Diving in a pool or pool-like environment, with an optional open water dive. It’s a quick and easy way to find out if you like scuba diving.

     

    • Experience scuba diving in 2-4 hours

    The course includes: Theory, 1 pool session and 1 ocean dive

    This is not a certification course, but can count towards your certification for your PADI Open Water Course.  You will however receive high praise from your instructor and fellow divers and will be awarded with a recognition certificate for your adventure under the sea.   

    ITINERARY

    • Meet at Underwater Explorer at time agreed when booking made
    • Sign indemnities
    • Introduction to equipment and theory, gear kit up and introduction to using the equipment.
    • Pool session to experience the equipment and breathing under water
    • Briefing for tour (may be the same day or scheduled for the following day)
    • Head down to the launch site, a short beach walk from Underwater Explorer
    • Board the boat and let the adventure begin
    • Return to Underwater Explorer for hot showers, a swim in the pool and a icy refreshment at Charlie’s Bar

    WHAT TO BRING

  Additional dives may be completed with instructors at additional cost.

  Please note: Due to the fluctuation of exchange rates, the amounts quoted on the website may vary.  

(Minimum age: 8 / max. 1,5h)

This course is a fun, safe and easy way to allow our kids a chance to join in the scuba diving excitement. This course offers you, the curious one, the chance just to try scuba and discover the sensation of your first breath underwater. Our Instructors will talk you through the basics of scuba diving, what the equipment consists of and the function of each piece, before you take to the water! It is a pool only experience and is available to all 8 years and older! 

WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN:

Experience scuba diving under the direct care and supervision of a PADI Pro. Take their first breaths underwater in water shallower than 2 metres. Learn about and use scuba diving equipment made for children – not adults. Have lots of fun.

INCLUDED

• 1 pool session
• All equipment
• Certificate

Please note: Due to the fluctuation of exchange rates, the amounts quoted on the website may vary.  

The Scuba Diver course is the first of the entry-level courses and consists of:

        3 Knowledge development modules 

        3 Confined water or pool dives

        2 Open water dives, where you will apply all that you have learned to dive in the sea! We will ensure that you get to dive two different reefs on your qualifying dives to give you a variety in dive sites for your logbook! 

Once the course is completed you will be certified to dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres while accompanied by a diving professional. And whenever you wish you may carry on with your training to acquire your full open water certification.

OR

If you’re a bit limited on time or still a bit nervous to commit to your full Open Water Course but are ready for a Certification, then the Scuba Diver Course is perfect for you!  

The course will take up to two days. With your first day starting off in the pool with your instructor, you will go through a skill circuit to gain your in-water confidence and your necessary skills for certification. The following day you will head out for two open water ocean dives where you will practice some of the skills you mastered in the pool. 

Your Scuba Diver certification has a depth restriction of 12 meters; however, you are able to upgrade at any point to Open Water Diver. You can complete your upgrade with us, or you will be able to do so at any other PADI facility in the world. 

There is some E-learning that will need to complete. This can be done before your arrival in Mozambique so that once you arrive, you can jump straight into the practical! 

The course includes: 1 pool session and 1 ocean dive

ITINERARY

• Meet at Underwater Explorer at time agreed when booking made
• Sign indemnities and register online for course
• E-Learning if not already completed
• Introduction to equipment, gear kit up and instruction on using the equipment
• Pool session to learn and practise skills to build your confidence with the equipment and safety procedures

Dive 1 & Dive 2: 

• Briefing for tour (may be the same day or scheduled over two days)

• Head down to the launch site, a short beach walk from Underwater Explorer
• Board the boat and let the adventure begin
• Return to Underwater Explorer for hot showers, a swim in the pool and a icy refreshment at Charlie’s Bar
• Debrief with your instructor

WHAT TO BRING

• Towel
• Windproof Jacket (Weather dependant)
• Bathing suit / Swimming costume
• Sunblock
• Camera
• Own dive equipment if preferred
• Seasick medication (if you are prone to seasickness)

Please note: Due to the fluctuation of exchange rates, the amounts quoted on the website may vary. 

PADI® Open Water Diver 

PADI® Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification level. A highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach you how to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to dive at home or abroad and be an ambassador for the underwater world.

What You’ll Learn

Be a confident and skilled diver

Assemble and use scuba gear

Manage your buoyancy

Respectfully approach marine life

Handle common problems

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

Able to swim; medically fit for diving

Time

PADI eLearning: 5-10 hours

Entire course: In as little as 2-4 days

Age

10 years or older

Health

Good physical health

Depth

Expect shallow dives (12m/40ft), the maximum allowed depth is 18m/60ft

How to Earn Your Scuba Diving Certification

Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology (either in-person or online), then learn basic scuba skills in a pool (or pool-like environment) with a highly trained PADI Instructor. When you’re ready, make four dives in an open water environment (the ocean, a lake) with your instructor supporting you every step of the way.

Step 1

PADI eLearning

PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you.

It’s your course on your time. Study offline, or online using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor whenever you have a question.

• eLearning time commitment: 5-10 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

Practice using scuba gear in a pool (or pool-like environment) until you’re comfortable. PADI training includes practice “mini dives” to help you build confidence in your new abilities before making four dives in open water.

• Total time commitment: In as little as 2-4 days

Prerequisites & Minimum Age

Course prerequisites: able to swim, medically fit for diving, comfortable in the water

During the Open Water Diver course, your instructor will ask you to:

• Float or tread water without aids for 10 minutes
• Swim 200 metres/yards with no aids or 300 metres/yards with mask, fins and snorkel

Minimum age: 10

Divers certified between the ages of 10-14 earn a Junior Diver certification

Junior Open Water Divers automatically become Open Water Divers at age 15. Any replacement certification card or eCard purchased the day after the diver’s 15th birthday will automatically show an Open Water Diver (not Jr. Open Water Diver) certification.

Children eight or older can try scuba diving in a pool (or pool-like environment). Ask your PADI Dive Shop about a Bubblemaker experience or birthday party. Children who are comfortable in the water can participate in the PADI Seal Team program, a multi-day pool diving experience.

Time Commitment Details​

• PADI eLearning: 5-10 hours
• Entire course: In as little as 2-4 days. Timing can vary based on your Dive Shop’s schedule and your progress and needs during the training.

Medical Requirements

Scuba diving requires a minimum level of health and fitness. Chronic health conditions, certain medications and/or recent surgery may require you to get written approval from a physician before diving.

• Avoid disappointment, download and review the Diver Medical form to ensure you won’t need a physician’s approval to dive before enrolling in a scuba course.
• Instructors, divemasters and dive shop staff are not physicians and should not be asked for medical advice; only medical professionals can give medical clearance to dive.
• If you (or your physician) have questions about medical fitness to dive, contact the experts at Divers Alert Network (DAN).

After this course

Experience new adventures with a PADI Instructor by your side. PADI continuing education courses like Advanced Open Water Diver and Deep Diver will help you develop your skills as a diver. Learn more about PADI Specialty courses.

Not sure which specialty to try first? Try the Advanced Open Water Diver course, it’s like a specialty sampler platter.

• Improve your navigation and buoyancy skills while you try new activities like wreck diving, night diving, or digital imaging
• Choose from more than 20 specialty diving options
• An Advanced Open Water Diver certification also opens the door to dive sites deeper than 18m/60ft

If you don’t have the opportunity to dive for six months (or longer), you can quickly refresh the knowledge and skills you learned in Open Water with the PADI ReActivate® program. Your PADI certification never expires, but after a long period of inactivity, you may want to brush up on diving fundamentals and safety procedures.

Contact your PADI Dive Center or Resort for more information.

The Junior Open Water Course is the perfect way to ensure the whole family can join in on the fun of Scuba Diving. The course follows the same procedure as the Open Water Course. The first day would be in the pool with an instructor to complete the skill circuit and gain confidence underwater. The following two days entail two dives a day to ensure the four dive requirement is met! There is also some theory that will need to be completed, however it is completely manageable for your kids to complete! The Junior Open Water Certification applies to 10 year olds but once they turn 12 years old, they will be automatically upgraded to Open Water Divers. This means that as Junior Open Waters their depth restriction will be 12m, which will be the only thing that differs from Open Water Certification. 

To register for a PADI Junior Open Water Diver course:

• You must be over 10 years of age
• Have adequate swimming skills
• Have no medical concerns that affects diving – checklist here 

link to PADI medical questionnaire Medical-Form.pdf link

• No prior scuba diving experience is required
• The PADI Open Water course takes up to 4 days to complete and can be booked here

Includes:

• Registration and Training Materials – e-learning
• Skilled instruction on course theory
• Swimming pool sessions to practise skills and exercises before entering the ocean
• Full gear hire
• Four boat/sea dives
• Junior Open Water Certification

Please note: Due to the fluctuation of exchange rates, the amounts quoted on the website may vary.  

DAILY ITINERARY

• Meet at Underwater Explorer at time agreed when booking made
• Sign indemnities with parent/guardian (first day only)
• Introduction to equipment and theory, gear kit up and introduction to using the equipment. 
• E-learning and theory
• Pool sessions to gain experience with the equipment and practise skills under water
• Daily Briefing for diving launch and reef sites (may be the same day or scheduled for the following day)
• Head down to the launch site, a short beach walk from Underwater Explorer
• Board the boat and let the adventure begin
• Return to Underwater Explorer for hot showers, a swim in the pool and a icy refreshment at Charlie’s Bar

WHAT TO BRING

• Towel
• Windproof Jacket (Weather dependant)
• Bathing suit / Swimming costume
• Sunblock
• Seasick medication (if you are prone to seasickness)

Please note: Due to the fluctuation of exchange rates, the amounts quoted on the website may vary. 

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

The Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about advancing your skills. You’ll practice navigation and buoyancy, try deep diving and make three specialty dives of your choosing (it’s like a specialty sampler platter). For every specialty dive you complete, you can earn credit toward PADI® specialty certifications.

Here are a few of the many options: Deep, Digital Underwater Photography, Dive Against Debris, Dry Suit, Enriched Air Nitrox, Fish Identification, Night, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Search & Recovery, Underwater Naturalist, Underwater Navigation, and Wreck Diver.

Check out the Frequently Asked Questions section for a complete list of specialty dive options.

What You’ll Learn

Explore below 18m/60ft

Improve your buoyancy

Use a compass

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

Open Water Diver/Junior Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification)

Time

PADI eLearning: 6-8 hours Entire course: 2-3 days

Age

12 years or older

Depth

The maximum depth depends on your age, but maximum depth is up to 30 metres/100 feet

Health

Good physical health

How to Become an Advanced Open Water Diver

Learn about underwater navigation, deep diving and three types of specialty diving that interest you. After some skill practice with your instructor, you’ll make five open water dives. There’s no exam because this course is truly about having fun and gaining experience.

Step 1

PADI eLearning®

Advanced Open Water Diver eLearning includes interactive lessons on 13 popular specialty dives: altitude, boat, digital underwater imaging, drift, dry suit, fish ID, night, buoyancy, search and recovery, underwater naturalist, and wreck diving.

You’ll study deep and navigation diving plus three specialties of your choosing.

• eLearning time commitment: 6-8 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

The course includes five dives: a deep dive below 18m/60f, a navigation dive, and three specialty dives. Gain experience, build confidence, and discover your diving abilities.

• Total time commitment: 2-3 days

Content here

PADI Rescue Diver Course

The PADI® Rescue Diver course will change the way you dive – in the best possible way. Learn to identify and fix minor issues before they become big problems, gain a lot of confidence and have serious fun along the way.

Discover why countless divers say Rescue Diver is their favorite scuba course.

What You’ll Learn

Help other divers

Fix minor gear issues

Use an emergency oxygen kit

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

Adventure Diver/Junior Adventure Diver (or qualifying certification) with completed Underwater Navigation Dive; EFR Primary and Secondary Care training (or qualifying training) within 24 months

Time

PADI eLearning: 8-12 hours. Entire course: 4-7 days

Age

12 years or older

Health

Good physical health

How to Become a Rescue Diver

Learn how to think like a rescue diver through home study and skill practice with an instructor. All PADI courses are flexible and performance-based. You’ll practice basic rescue skills and then show you can effectively apply them in open water.

Step 1

PADI eLearning

Online learning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Complete the knowledge development section of your course whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you.

Work at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor for in-water training, or whenever you have a question.

• eLearning time commitment: 8-12 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

The water training sessions are serious fun. You’ll practice handling scenarios such as a leg cramp and assisting a tired diver by role-playing with other students and your instructor. Total time commitment: 4-7 days.

PADI® Deep Diver course 

About the Course

During the PADI® Deep Diver course, you’ll learn how to plan deep dives, manage your gas supply and how to identify and manage narcosis.

You’ll learn about buddy contact procedures, safety considerations and buoyancy control at depth.

What You’ll Learn

Manage your gas supply

Identify and deal with narcosis

Recognize your personal limits

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

PADI Adventure Diver (or qualifying certification)

Time

PADI eLearning: 2-4 hours

Entire course: 2-3 days (dives must be completed over a minimum of two days)

Age

15 years or older

Health

Good physical health

How to Start Deep Diving

When you dive below 18 metres/60 feet, there are special safety considerations. If you’re ready to expand your boundaries, a PADI Instructor will help you gain the skills and confidence to explore to a maximum depth of 40 metres/130 feet.

Step 1

PADI eLearning

PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Complete the independent study part of your course whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you. Work at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor for inwater training, or whenever you have a question.

• eLearning tiem commitment: 2-4 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

During four dives with a PADI Instructor, you’ll practice descents, buoyancy and safety stops. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll discover how deep dives affect color, physical objects and your brain.

• Total time commitment: 2-3 days (dives must be completed over a minimum of two days

Refresher

What You’ll Learn

Assemble a scuba unit

Handle common problems

Perform basic skills with ease

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or qualifying entry-level certification)

Time

PADI eLearning: 2-3 hours

Entire course: 2-6 hours

Age

10 years or older

Depth

Discuss confined or open water dive option with dive professional

Health

Good physical health

Why ReActivate?

Your PADI certification never expires; but if you haven’t been diving in a while, it’s better to be over-prepared than risk a problem because you forget something important. For just a knowledge review, complete eLearning. To get comfortable in the water again, also schedule time with dive professional. Dive shops also appreciate seeing a recent ReActivated date on your certification card.

Step 1

PADI eLearning

lt’s easy to fit a scuba refresher program into your busy schedule. Using a computer or mobile device, watch videos of how to perform basic scuba skills and review dive planning and safety procedures – whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you.

Connect with your instructor for a water session to earn a ReActivated card, or whenever you have a question.

• eLearning time commitment: 2-3 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

For a ReActivated card, complete a water session where you’ll practice setting up dive gear, make ascents and descents, and review any scuba skills you may have forgotten.

• Total time commitment: 2-6 hours

Nitrox

About the Course

Enriched air, also known as nitrox or EANx, contains less nitrogen than regular air. Breathing less nitrogen means you can enjoy longer dives and shorter surface intervals. No wonder Enriched Air Diver is the most popular PADI® specialty.

What You’ll Learn

Dive with nitrox

Use an oxygen air analyzer

Set your dive computer

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or qualifying entry-level-certification)

Time

PADI eLearning: 2-4 hours

Entire course: 1-2 days

Age

12 years or older

Health

Good physical health

How to Earn an Enriched Air Nitrox Certification

Learn why nitrox allows you to make longer dives and how to dive nitrox safely through online independent study. Meet with your PADI Instructor for hands-on practical exercises, then make two (optional) dives.

Step 1

PADI eLearning

PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Complete the independent study part of your course whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you.

Work at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor for inwater training, or whenever you have a question.

• eLearning time commitment: 2-4 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

After finishing your independent study, you’ll learn how to analyze a tank, fill out an enriched air log, and set your dive computer for nitrox. There are two optional dives.

• Total time commitment: 1-2 days

Divemaster

About the Course

Learn how to lead underwater tours, assist with scuba classes and inspire others to care about the ocean. Hone your skills and be the diver everyone admires. 

PADI Divemaster is the most popular and most recognized professional scuba certification in the world. PADI Divemasters enjoy abundant career opportunities, get paid to scuba dive and share their love for the ocean. 

What You’ll Learn

Lead guided dives

Assist with classes

Give a dive briefing

Conduct refresher training

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

PADI Rescue Diver certification (or qualifying certification); completion of Emergency First Response® Primary and Secondary Care training (or qualifying training) within 24 months.

Logged Dives

40 logged dives minimum.

Time

PADI eLearning: 10-16 hours –not including Dive Theory eLearning

Entire course: Varies, contact a PADI Dive Center or Resort for more information

Age

18 (15 for Junior Divemaster)

Health

Medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within 12 months.

Are You Ready To Start PADI Divemaster?

Before purchasing the eLearning course, confirm you meet the [course prerequisites and contact your Us at Underwater Explorer to confirm course availability and scheduling.

Step 1

PADI eLearning

Interactive lessons cover divemaster-led programs and activities, diver safety and risk management, the aquatic environment and more. Study online or offline using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor whenever you have a question. Additional training materials are required. Please contact your dive shop or instructor for pricing.

• eLearning time commitment: 8-12 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

Gain practical experience giving dive briefings, assisting with classes and leading underwater tours. Learn how to anticipate problems and provide assistance, create an Emergency Assistance Plan and improve your navigation and problem-solving skills through practical workshops

PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy 

About the Course

Excellent buoyancy control is what defines skilled scuba divers. You’ve seen them underwater. They glide effortlessly, use less air and ascend, descend or hover almost as if by thought. They more easily observe aquatic life without disturbing their surroundings. You can achieve this, too. The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course improves the buoyancy skills you learned as a new diver and elevates them to the next level.

PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers or higher, who are at least 10 years old, are eligible to take the Peak Performance Buoyancy course.

What You’ll Learn

Achieve neutral buoyancy

Hover effortlessly

Use the right amount of weight

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or qualifying entry-level certification)

Time

PADI eLearning: 2-4 hours

Entire course: 1-2 days

Age

10 years or older

Health

Good physical health

Scuba Diving and Neutral Buoyancy

Buoyancy control is essential to becoming a confident, relaxed diver. Being perfectly balanced allows you to float effortlessly, use air more efficiently and deftly approach skittish marine life to get a closer look.

Step 1

PADI eLearning

PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Complete the independent study part of your course whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you.

Work at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor for inwater training, or whenever you have a question.

• eLearning time commitment: 2-4 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

Determine how much weight you need and where to place trim weights to streamline your body position. During two dives you’ll fine-tune your weighting during buoyancy checks and master neutral buoyancy with inwater practice.

• Total time commitment: 1-2 days

PADI AWARE Specialty course

About the Course

Make a difference for yourself and others by learning and applying tips to save the ocean. The PADI AWARE Specialty course equips you with tangible actions and opportunities to bring about positive ocean change.

Supported by PADI eLearning®, this course dismantles the barriers between diving and conservation, making responsible marine conservation accessible to all.

A portion of the proceeds from every PADI AWARE Foundation™ course funds AWARE’s critical conservation work to remove marine debris, secure protection for sharks & rays, expand marine protected areas, and support local grantees.

What You’ll Learn

Understand and recognize the key ocean threats

Take responsible underwater images and build a conservation-focused media presence

Engage in conservation action for global impact

Become an Eco-Tourist

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

Any age, any diving experience level (including none), and any person anywhere, can take this course. You can even get credit from the convenience of home via two-way video conference learning!

Time

PADI eLearning: 1-2 hours Entire course: 1-3 hours

Age

No minimum age

Health

None

How to Earn Your PADI AWARE Specialty Certification

During the self-study eLearning portion of this course, you’ll learn the 10 Tips to Save the Ocean and how to make a positive impact for the underwater world. Next, turn your passion into purpose by completing the 10 Tips Workshops with a highly trained PADI Professional. You can go to your local dive center and complete the workshops there, or opt for a fully virtual experience via two-way video online learning with participating dive centers/PADI Pros to complete your PADI AWARE Specialty Certification.

Step 1

PADI eLearning

The PADI eLearning option makes it easy to fit your ocean conservation coursework into your busy schedule. Complete the independent study section of your course whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you.

Work at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device, then connect with your instructor for the 10 Tips Workshop.

• eLearning time commitment: 1-2 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

You can plan and review your take action workshops and the 10 Tips to Save the Ocean. By following these guidelines, you’ll learn how to: be Ocean AWARE, to respect marine wildlife, become an Eco-Tourist, engage in responsible imagery to inspire others, and become an ocean steward to ensure its health and vitality for future generations.

• Total time commitment: 1-3 hours

PADI® Drift Diver course 

About the Course

Diving in a current can feel like flying underwater. In the PADI® Drift Diver course, you’ll learn drift diving tips from an experienced instructor and practice buoyancy control, navigation, use of surface signaling equipment and buddy communication.

What You’ll Learn

Use surface signaling equipment

Stay close to your buddy

Make entries and descents in a current

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or qualifying entry-level certification)

Time

PADI eLearning: 2-4 hours

Entire course: 1-2 days

Age

12 years or older

Health

Good physical health

Why Take a Drift Diving Course?

Scuba diving in a current can be both relaxing and exhilarating. You may slowly glide over a reef, or zoom over an underwater landscape so fast it feels like flying. By the end of your drift diver course, you’ll have the skills you need to confidently go with the flow.

Step 1

PADI eLearning

PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Complete the independent study part of your course whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you.

Work at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor for inwater training, or whenever you have a question.

• eLearning time commitment: 2-4 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

During two dives in a current, you’ll practice buoyancy control, navigation and buddy communication. Practice using a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB), float, line, reel, or other drift diving safety equipment.

• Total time commitment: 1-2 days

PADI® Digital Underwater Photographer

About the Course

During the PADI® Digital Underwater Photographer course, you’ll learn how to take underwater photos you’ll be proud to share with others.

Avoid beginner mistakes and shorten the learning curve with tips from the pros. Learn how to use underwater photography lights (strobes), avoid backscatter and enhance color.

What You’ll Learn

Use underwater strobes

Photograph marine life

Choose photo equipment

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or qualifying entry-level certification)

Time

PADI eLearning: 2-4 hours

Entire course: 2 days

Age

10 years or older

Health

Good physical health

How to Take Great Underwater Photos

You could spend hours learning underwater photography through trial and error, or you can take a shortcut. Learn professional tricks and tips for taking great photos underwater and the best way to capture video while scuba diving with a GoPro (or other action camera).

Step 1

PADI eLearning®

PADI eLearning makes it easy to learn underwater photography fundamentals. Learn about composition, shooting angles, lighting and photographer etiquette.

Study at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor for inwater training, or whenever you have a question.

• eLearning time commitment: 2-4 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

During two dives you’ll get hands-on experience taking photos with a compact camera or action camera (use your own or ask about rental). You’ll use the SEA (Shoot, Examine, Adjust) method for getting great shots.

• Total time commitment: 2 days

PADI® Search and Recovery course 

About the Course

The next time someone loses an item underwater, you can be the hero that finds the missing object.

In the PADI® Search and Recovery course, you’ll learn how to find lost objects underwater. You’ll practice different types of underwater search patterns and learn how to use a lift bag as you plan and execute mock search operations.

What You’ll Learn

Find things underwater

Use a lift bag

Plan a search operation

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or qualifying entry-level certification)

Time

PADI eLearning: 2-4 hours

Entire course: 2-3 days (dives must be completed over a minimum of two days)

Age

12 years or older

Health

Good physical health

How to Become a Search and Recovery Diver?

Finding items underwater is both challenging and rewarding. You need to know how to gather information, organize a search and choose an effective underwater search pattern. Your PADI Instructor will give you practice scenarios to build and hone your skills.

Step 1

PADI eLearning

PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Complete the independent study part of your course whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you.

Work at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor for inwater training, or whenever you have a question.

• eLearning time commitment: 2-4 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

During four dives, you’ll locate objects large and small using different search patterns. You’ll get hands-on experience using a lift bag and, on the last dive, you’ll plan and execute a mock search operation.

• Total time commitment: 2-3 days (dives must be completed over two days minimum)

PADI Underwater Navigator course 

About the Course

Be the scuba diver everyone wants to follow because you know where you are and where you’re going. The PADI Underwater Navigator course fine-tunes your observation skills and teaches you to more accurately use your compass underwater. If you like challenges with big rewards, take this course and have fun finding your way.

What You’ll Learn

Use a diving compass

Navigate making multiple turns

Estimate distance underwater

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or qualifying entry-level-certification)

Time

PADI eLearning: 2-4 hours Entire course: 2-3 days

Age

10 years or older

Health

Good physical health

Learn How to Navigate Underwater

It’s easy to get disoriented underwater if you don’t know how to use a compass or natural navigation clues. Learn how to easily find your way back to boat or shore without returning to the surface and avoid long, exhausting swims.

Step 1

PADI eLearning®

PADI eLearning makes it easy to improve your underwater navigation skills. Start your course online whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you.

Work at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor for inwater training, or whenever you have a question.

• eLearning time commitment: 2-4 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

Practice using a compass on the surface, then apply your skills underwater during three dives. Learn how to estimate distance, follow natural clues and practice finding your way back to the boat or shore.

• Total time commitment: 2-3 days

PADI Equipment Specialist course 

About the Course

Don’t miss a dive due to minor issues with your scuba diving equipment. Whether it’s a missing o-ring, wetsuit tear or a broken fin strap, the PADI Equipment Specialist course teaches you to manage basic repairs and adjustments. You’ll also learn more about how your gear works, making you more comfortable with it and better prepared to take care of your investment.

If you’re at least 10 years old and certified as a PADI (Junior) Scuba Diver or higher, you can enroll in the Equipment Specialist course.

What You’ll Learn

Fix equipment problems

Clean and maintain your gear

Create a save-a-dive kit

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or qualifying entry-level certification)

Time

PADI eLearning: 2-4 hours

Entire course: 1 day

Age

10 years or older

Health

None

Why Take This Course?

Don’t miss a dive due to a broken fin strap or wetsuit tear. Learn how to fix minor gear issues and how to clean, store and maintain your dive gear so it lasts a long time.

Step 1

PADI eLearning®

Through animations and interactive diagrams, you’ll peek under the hood and learn how your scuba gear works.

Complete the independent study portion of the course at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor for hands-on training, or whenever you have a question.

• eLearning time commitment: 2-4 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

Get hands-on experience making minor equipment repairs and learn about different types of dive gear. Learn how to properly clean and maintain gear, and how to create a save-a-dive kit.

Total time commitment: 1 day

PADI Dive Against Debris® Diver Specialty course 

About the Course

Make a difference on every dive by activating your inner citizen scientist. During the Dive Against Debris® Diver Specialty course, you’ll learn how ocean plastic and trash cleanups not only keep your local dive sites healthier, but also how to contribute to a global database that documents our planet’s marine debris problem. Under the guidance of your instructor, you’ll participate in a Dive Against Debris survey and turn your passion for the underwater world into real action.

Join the PADI Torchbearer™ movement of divers protecting our ocean planet and making every dive count.

What You’ll Learn

Identify which objects should and shouldn’t be removed from the ocean

Conduct a survey: Sort, record and report the marine debris you collect

Contribute to PADI AWARE Foundation’s global database

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver, PADI Freediver™ or PADI Advanced Mermaid™ (or qualifying certification)

Time

PADI eLearning: 2-4 hours. Entire course: 1 day

Age

10 years or older

Health

Good physical health

How to Earn your Scuba Diving Certification

Complete Dive Against Debris eLearning, then make a Dive Against Debris survey dive, during which you’ll collect marine debris underwater. After your dive, you’ll weigh, sort, record, dispose of and report your marine debris to the PADI AWARE Foundation™ database.

Step 1

PADI eLearning®

PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into your busy schedule. Complete the independent study part of your course whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you. Work at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor for in-water training, or whenever you have a question.

• eLearning time commitment: 2-4 hours

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: Your Dive Shop will charge fees for training and gear rental.

You’ll plan and execute a dive with a buddy to remove underwater marine debris while demonstrating appropriate judgment as to which objects should and shouldn’t be removed from the ocean. After the dive, you’ll conduct a survey by recording and reporting your Dive Against Debris data.

• Total time commitment: 1 day

PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course 

About the Course

Take the PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course and you’ll see new things, even on the most familiar scuba diving sites. Why? Because when know more about symbioses, underwater ecology, and aquatic plant and animal habitats, you notice behaviors and see creatures you may have previously missed. Learn more about the local ecosystem and take a closer look on your next scuba diving adventure.

PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers who are at least 10 years old are eligible to take the Underwater Naturalist Specialty course.

Getting Started

Pick up your PADI Underwater Naturalist Manual at your local PADI dive shop as you enroll in the course. After reading the manual and filling out the Knowledge Review, you’re ready to meet with your PADI Instructor and plan your underwater naturalist dives.

Academic

Through class discussions and on two scuba dives, you’ll learn:

• Key differences between the terrestrial and aquatic worlds.
• Major aquatic life groupings, interactions and information that dispels myths.
• Responsible interactions with aquatic life.

The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

Equipment

Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a slate and pencil to record your observations. Ask your PADI Instructor or PADI Dive Center or Resort staff about additional equipment you may want, such as a dive light to better see into cracks and crevices.

PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course 

About the Course

Sharks are an essential part of a healthy ocean. This course explores why they are vulnerable, the importance of a healthy shark population, managing threats and how to take action to protect them.

Love sharks? Scared of sharks? Or do you just want to know more about them? Enroll in an AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course and discover the value of sharks to marine ecosystems and economies. You’ll learn more about the causes of declining shark populations and the actions you can take to become a knowledgeable and passionate shark defender. By being informed, you can dispel misconceptions and act to protect sharks. Sharks need you!

If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Specialty course.

Getting Started

Download and read the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Study Guide from the PADI AWARE Foundation website. Stop by your local PADI Dive Center and Resort to enroll in the course and start learning about the value of sharks to marine ecosystems and economies.

Academic

At the end of your classroom session and two open water dives, you will be able to explain:

• The conservation status of sharks, why they are unique and vulnerable, and the importance of healthy shark populations.
• How to manage threats to sharks, recognize the value of sharks and remove barriers to conservation.
• Actions you can take to protect sharks and how joining a global movement of divers can help to protect sharks.

Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

PADI DSMB Diver course

About the Course

Boats and currents are two common factors associated with many dive sites. Boaters don’t always recognize that divers are in the area and current can carry you further than expected. Launching a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) before you surface can alert others to your location in advance of your ascent. Adding another layer of safety, you can also use the DSMB line to complete your safety stop, which is advantageous in a current or when there are no other visual references. Take this course to learn about all the beneficial uses of a DSMB.

You need to be a PADI Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old to enroll in the DSMB Diver course.

Getting Started Academic

Marker buoys serve a range of purposes, and you’ll learn about common types of DSMB along with the reels used to control them. During the two training dives, you’ll practice:

• Preparing and stowing your DSMB and reel.
• Deploying the DSMB from a stationary position and from mid-water.
• Swimming while towing a DSMB and managing the reel and line.
• Making a safety stop using the DSMB line.

Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification—ask your instructor about earning credit.

Visit your local PADI Dive Center and Resort to enroll in the course, and schedule the first class session with your PADI Instructor.

Equipment

Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a DSMB and reel. Your PADI Instructor or local dive center staff will suggest other gear as appropriate.

PADI Multilevel Diver course 

About the Course

In the old days, dive profiles were calculated from the surface down to a maximum depth, then back to the surface. Now, dive computers continually analyze your depth – giving you more bottom time for going shallower and allowing you to maximize your dive time. If you’d like to understand more about dive computers and learn how you can use tools like the eRDPMLTM to plan multilevel dives, then the Multilevel Diver Specialty course is for you.

If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the Multilevel Diver course.

Getting Started

Stop by your local PADI Dive Center and Resort to sign up for the course, and to get an eRDPML and Instructions for Use booklet. Start learning to use this multilevel dive planner on your own before meeting with your PADI Instructor.

Academic

You’ll review decompression theory as it relates to multilevel diving and dive computer models, and plan multilevel dives using the eRDPML. During the first of your two multilevel dives, you’ll plan and execute a two-level dive, and on the second dive, you’ll complete a three-level scuba dive.

Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

Equipment

Besides your basic scuba equipment you’ll want to have your own dive computer and a slate to record dive information. Ask your PADI Instructor or local dive center staff what additional equipment you may need for your multilevel scuba dives.

PADI Coral Reef Conservation course 

About the Course

This course helps you appreciate the complexity of coral reef habitats and teaches how you can help conserve these vital systems.

Everyone likes to scuba dive or snorkel in warm, clear water on a vibrant coral reef, yet many people know little about what they’re seeing or the importance of reef ecosystems. The Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course helps you appreciate the complexity of these habitats and teaches you how you can help conserve these vital systems.

Anyone who has an interest in the aquatic world can take this course. There are no prerequisites or age restrictions and no water sessions are required to earn this non-diving certification.

Getting Started

The Coral Reef Conservation course references information in the digital manual – AWARE – Our World, Our Water – downloadable for free on the PADI Aware Foundation website. Although this manual is not required for the course, you can read the chapter on coral reefs in preparation for meeting with your instructor.

Academic

Through classroom discussions, you learn:

• How coral reefs function and the complex nature of life on a reef.
• Why coral reefs are so important.
• Why many coral reefs are in serious trouble.
• What you can do to prevent further decline.
• How the PADI AWARE Foundation unites divers and water enthusiasts to make a difference.

PADI Fish Identification Specialty course 

About the Course

“What was that fish?” is a common question heard after a dive. If you want to be the scuba diver with the answers, instead of the one asking the questions, then take the Fish Identification Specialty course. You’ll enjoy your dives even more when you recognize the creatures that you see and can identify the main fish families and their characteristics.

If you’re at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher, you can enroll in the PADI – Fish Identification course.

Getting Started

Stop by your local dive shop to enroll in the course.

Academic

Once you learn to recognize what types of fish you see, you’ll find it easier to reference the exact species after a scuba dive. For example, a butterfly fish in the Caribbean has a similar shape to a butterfly fish in Southeast Asia, but colors and markings may be wildly different. If you know what fish family it belongs to, you can more easily look up the local name or at least be able to intelligently ask the local scuba instructor what you saw.

During two scuba dives, you’ll learn:

• How to identify characteristics of local fish families and species.
• Fish survey techniques and strategies.
• About Project AWARE activities that can help protect aquatic life.

Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

Equipment

Beyond using basic scuba equipment, you’ll want a slate to record what you see and a fish identification card if available for your area. Your PADI Instructor and local dive center staff may suggest additional equipment or references depending on what you’re likely to see on your dives.

PADI Self-Reliant Diver Course

About the Course

With proper training, equipment and the right attitude to accept the risks involved in independent diving, an experience diver can responsibly engage in dives without a buddy. Self-reliant diving is an adventure activity that is not for everyone, but does have its place. If you have the mental discipline and commitment to learn and follow self-reliant diving techniques, you’ll bolster your skills and confidence when diving alone, in a dive pair or as part of a team.

You need to be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver who is at least 18 years old and has 100 logged dives to enroll in the Self-Reliant Diver course. You’ll also complete a skills assessment with your PADI Self-Reliant Diver Instructor before diving into the course.

Getting Started

Visit your local PADI Dive Center and Resort to enroll in the course, and schedule the first class session with your PADI Instructor.

Academic

Learning how to compensate for situations you would normally handle with a buddy is the focus of the Self-Reliant Diver course. This includes proper dive planning using air consumption rate calculations, life support system redundancy, and independent management of dive emergencies. During three self-reliant training dives, you’ll practice:

• Performing an air consumption rate swim to gather information for later calculation.
• Switching to a redundant air supply system during simulated emergency situations.
• Swimming without a mask.
• Navigating to various points, including your exit.
• Using a DSMB.

Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

Equipment

Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a DSMB, redundant gas source, redundant dive computer, and redundant surface signaling device. Your PADI Instructor or local dive center staff will suggest other gear as appropriate.