Learn to scuba dive! Scuba diving is an incredible way to explore the underwater world. Whether you dream of swimming alongside vibrant coral reefs or discovering sunken shipwrecks, learning to dive is an exciting journey. The process is straightforward, but following the right steps ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
1. Check the Basic Requirements to Learn to Scuba Dive
Before signing up for a course to learn to scuba dive, make sure you meet the basic requirements. Most diving certification agencies accept students as young as 10 years old, though some may have different minimum age limits. You also need to be in good health. Certain medical conditions, such as respiratory or heart issues, might require a doctor’s approval before you can dive. You can download the scuba diving medical to check it out here.
Being comfortable in the water is essential. While you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, you should be able to swim 200 meters (or 300 meters with fins) and tread water for 10 minutes. These basic swimming skills will help you feel more at ease underwater.
2. Choose a Dive School and Certification Agency
Several internationally recognized organizations offer certifications to learn to scuba dive. The most popular include SSI (Scuba Schools International), PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), Scuba Diving International (SDI) and CMAS.
Each agency follows similar training structures, so choose one that fits your learning style and location. A globally recognized certification allows you to dive anywhere in the world.
Here at Ocean Tribe we choose to primarily offer diving courses from SSI. This is due to SSI’s excellent training structure, training materials, and worldwide recognition for its certifications. We also offer courses from PADI if customers wish.
3. Enroll in an Open Water Diver Course
The Open Water Diver course is the first step in becoming a certified diver. This entry-level certification teaches you the fundamentals of scuba diving. The course consists of three main components:
Knowledge Development
Learn about dive theory, equipment, safety procedures, and how to handle underwater emergencies. Many agencies offer online learning options.
Confined Water Dives
Practice essential skills in a swimming pool or a controlled environment. You’ll learn how to clear a mask, control buoyancy, and handle common underwater situations.
Open Water Dives
Complete at least four dives in an ocean, lake, or similar open-water environment. These dives allow you to apply what you’ve learned under real conditions.
Once you pass your final exam and open water dives, you’ll receive your Open Water Diver certification, allowing you to dive with a buddy up to 18 meters (60 feet) deep in conditions similar or better to those in which you were trained.
If you are not sure you want to commit to a full Open Water Diver course then you have the option of doing the Try Scuba Diving experience which can count towards the Open Water Diver course or the sub-course of Open Water, Scuba Diver. These programs take less time, cost less, and allow you to experience scuba.
4. Get the Right Equipment
Most dive schools provide rental gear during your training, but having your own equipment enhances comfort. At a minimum, consider purchasing a well-fitting mask, snorkel and fins
As you gain experience, you may want to invest in a wetsuit, buoyancy compensator (BC/BCD), regulator, and dive computer. Owning your diving gear ensures a better fit and familiarity, making your dives more enjoyable.
5. Practice and Build Experience
Getting certified is just the beginning. To improve your skills and confidence, dive regularly. Join local dive trips, explore different locations, and dive with experienced buddies. The more you dive, the more comfortable you’ll become in various underwater conditions.
6. Continue Your Training
If you want to expand your skills, consider advanced courses. The Advanced Open Water Diver certification allows you to dive deeper (up to 30 meters / 100 feet) and introduces you to specialty diving, such as night diving, underwater navigation, and wreck diving. As an alternative, if you wish to do the advanced training at Ocean Tribe, we offer an advanced open water alternative package which includes more ratings for the same price. This includes: The Deep Diving specialty, increasing your depth range to 40m. Navigation Diving specialty really improves your navigation. And Enriched Air Diving specialty teaches you to dive using enriched air to extend your allowable bottom time and increase safety margins.
For those who want to take it even further, the Rescue Diver and Divemaster courses help develop leadership skills and emergency response techniques.
Learning to scuba dive opens the door to amazing underwater adventures. By following these steps, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to explore the ocean safely. Whether you’re diving for fun, photography, or marine conservation, the underwater world is waiting for you!