How to become a certified diver
Go from zero to open water — and beyond.
Scuba diving is a learned skill. Almost everywhere you go, you'll need a certification card issued by a recognised agency (PADI, SSI, NAUI and a few others) before an operator will take you down.
The first step is the Open Water course. It covers the theory of diving, pool or confined-water skills, and a series of open-water dives — typically four — that show you can look after yourself underwater. Most people complete it in a few days, either on holiday or at a local dive centre.
Once certified, depth limits grow with training. An Advanced Open Water course opens up deeper dives and different specialties; technical and wreck-penetration training are separate, far more involved steps. Our starter list below is the gentlest — shallow, calm and beginner-friendly.
Top sites for this
12 recommended
Molokini Crater
Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 30 m — ideal for newcomers.
Miyako Islands
Drift diving with visibility up to 30 m — ideal for newcomers.
Nusa Lembongan
Drift diving with 4 standout species — ideal for newcomers.
Puerto Galera
Wall-and-reef diving with 4 standout species — ideal for newcomers.
Molasses Reef
Reef diving with 4 standout species — ideal for newcomers.
Gili Islands
Reef diving with a well-rounded site — ideal for newcomers.
Roatan
Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 25 m — ideal for newcomers.
Kas
Cave diving with a well-rounded site — ideal for newcomers.
Moalboal
Wall-and-reef diving with a well-rounded site — ideal for newcomers.
Bonaire Marine Park
Reef diving with visibility up to 25 m — ideal for newcomers.
Utila
Reef diving with a well-rounded site — ideal for newcomers.
Xiaoliuqiu
Reef diving with a well-rounded site — ideal for newcomers.
Frequently asked
How long does Open Water certification take?
Usually 3–4 days, combining academic, confined-water and open-water training.
Do I need to be fit?
You should be comfortable in water and medically fit to dive. Most operators ask you to declare any relevant conditions.
What can I do after Open Water?
You can dive to the recreational limit (typically about 18 m/60 ft) with a buddy. Advanced Open Water then extends your depth and introduces specialties.