PADI stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. PADI is a widely recognized organization that provides training and certification for scuba divers worldwide.

It's super easy to become a certified diver with Scuba Courses. We offer a range of experiences and courses specifically designed for total beginners with no experience whatsoever.

The most popular entry level course is the PADI Open Water course, which we offer at both our Chesterton College and Denstone College venues.

The minimum age to become certified as a PADI diver is 10.

The PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification is available for those aged between the ages of 10 & 14. Ten & eleven year olds must dive with a certified parent/guardian or PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres. Those aged between 12 and 14 must dive with a certified adult to a maximum depth of 18 metres.

Those aged 15 and over are classed as adults, with no upper age limit.

The PADI Bubblemaker & PADI Seal Team programs allow children from the age of 8 to experience Scuba Diving in the safe confines of a swimming pool.

Our Scuba experiences start from as little as £39 per person, making it affordable for many to experience an unforgettable adventure.

Our full certification courses start from £495 and offer a lifetime of adventure with a certification that never expires.

Absolutely not.

During all of our experiences and courses, we provide all the equipment you require. This is included in our course prices as standard.

We offer advice and guidance for those looking to invest in their own equipment.

Learning to scuba dive involves a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and gaining comfort in the underwater environment. For many people, the process is enjoyable and rewarding. However, the perceived difficulty can vary from person to person. Here are some factors to consider:

Comfort in Water

If you are already comfortable in the water and enjoy activities like swimming, you may find scuba diving to be a more natural and enjoyable experience.

Physical Fitness

While scuba diving doesn't require extreme physical fitness, being in good health and fitness can contribute to a more comfortable and enjoyable learning experience.

Understanding of Theory

Scuba diving involves learning some theoretical concepts, such as dive physics, physiology, and equipment operation. Some people may find these aspects more challenging than others, but a combination of PADI's innovative e-Learning system & our experienced instructors will guide you through the necessary knowledge.

Practice and Skill Developmen

Learning and mastering certain skills underwater, such as buoyancy control, mask clearing, and regulator retrieval, can take some practice. The more you practice, the more confident and comfortable you will become.

Fear or Anxiety

Overcoming any fear or anxiety related to being underwater is a common challenge for some new divers. Our patient and experienced instructors will help individuals work through these concerns.

Experience and Exposure

Regular exposure to the underwater environment can contribute significantly to your comfort and confidence as a diver. Logging more dives and gaining experience will make diving feel more natural over time.

Remember that scuba diving courses are designed to be progressive, starting with basic skills in a controlled environment (such as a pool) before advancing to open water dives. Our experienced instructors are trained to guide and support you through the learning process. If you approach scuba diving with a positive attitude, an eagerness to learn, and follow safety guidelines, you're likely to find it a rewarding and accessible activity.

No, you don't have to be a strong swimmer. There is however a requirement that you are able to swim a distance of 200 metres (non-stop) and complete a 10 minute tread water/float. There is no time limit on the 200 metre swim and no particular stroke required.

Yes, PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certifications are widely recognized and accepted worldwide. PADI is one of the most globally recognized scuba diving training organizations, and its certifications are acknowledged by dive shops, dive operators, and organizations across the globe.

When you earn a PADI certification, such as the Open Water Diver certification, it signifies that you have completed a standardized training program that meets international diving standards. This recognition allows you to dive at various locations and with different dive operators, as they commonly accept PADI certifications.

Your PADI certification is valid for a lifetime. However, to be a safe and confident diver, it's recommended to stay active in the sport, refresh your skills as needed, and consider additional training and education to enhance your diving capabilities.

Scuba diving is generally a safe and enjoyable activity when conducted with proper training, adherence to safety protocols, and within established limits. Our certification courses equip divers with essential skills.

Adhering to safety guidelines, maintaining physical fitness, and considering environmental factors are crucial. Regular equipment maintenance, thorough dive planning, and emergency preparedness contribute to safe diving practices.

Despite inherent risks, scuba diving can be a rewarding experience when divers stay within their skill levels, remain aware of surroundings, and prioritize safety. Responsible wildlife interaction and respect for the underwater environment further enhance the diving experience.

Once certified, like with PADI Open Water Diver, you can dive independently with another certified diver. New divers are encouraged to gain experience with a more experienced diver.

Comfort and confidence are key for independent diving. If uncertain, dive with an experienced buddy or seek guidance.

Consider advanced training, like PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, where you can gain further confidence and improve your skill-set.

Safety is paramount, so dive within your training and experience levels.

Yes, you can absolutely sign up for a scuba diving course on your own. Many individuals undertake scuba diving training independently and meet other participants during the course.

Diving is a social activity, and courses often foster a supportive environment among participants. Signing up alone is a common and perfectly acceptable way to begin your scuba diving journey.

You'll likely make new friends and diving buddies as you progress through the training.

The duration of a scuba dive can vary widely based on factors such as dive depth, air consumption rate, and dive plan. Typically, recreational dives last between 30 minutes to an hour, with the average around 45 minutes. Factors influencing dive time include the diver's air consumption, depth, and the type of diving activity. Deeper dives and activities like underwater photography may result in shorter dive times due to increased air consumption. Divers must adhere to no-decompression limits and safety stop requirements during ascent. Professional divers or technical divers engaging in specialized activities may have longer or shorter dive times based on their objectives.

While experienced divers may choose to engage in solo diving, it is generally discouraged, and most scuba diving training organizations, including PADI, emphasize the importance of diving with a buddy. Diving with a buddy enhances safety by providing mutual support in case of emergencies.

Solo diving requires specialized training, such as the PADI Self-Reliant Diver course, which teaches divers self-sufficiency and advanced safety procedures. However, even with such training, solo diving is considered a more advanced and riskier form of diving due to the absence of immediate assistance in case of emergencies.

For recreational divers, it is strongly recommended to dive with a buddy for safety reasons. Always follow the guidelines of your certifying agency and consider advanced training if you have a specific need or interest in solo diving.

That depends on your certification level, age and experience.

As a certified PADI Open Water diver you will be qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres, in conditions similar to, or better than those you are trained/experienced in.

As a certified PADI Advanced Open Water Diver you will be qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 30 metres, in conditions similar to, or better than those you are trained/experienced in.

As a PADI Deep Diver you will be qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 40 metres, in conditions similar to, or better than those you are trained/experienced in.

Depths deeper than 40 metres are considered as Technical Diving and require additional Technical Divier training and equipment. PADI offer a wide range of Technical Training programs, including the use of mixed gases and rebreathers.