Learn to Dive
The Open Water course is the first scuba certification level that allows you to dive independently (with a buddy but without an Instructor or other scuba diving professional).
A highly-trained instructor will teach you to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment. Learning to dive can be done in as little as 5 weeks, like all of the great sports - it can be learned quickly but take a lifetime to master!
What kind of diver will you be?
All our courses cover the same basic content at different points, so you're not missing out on something doign a course a little differently, for example there are some extra bits if you're doing a Drysuit course in the UK as opposed to a referral in Egypt!
Below are the most popular ways that our Customers learn to dive.
Are you looking to learn and dive in the UK all year around?
Open Water & Drysuit
Take an internationally recognised qualification, learn to SCUBA dive and earn a certification that is recognised anywhere in the world, (two including the Drysuit qualification.)
This is our most popular learner course and is the one that enables diving all year round, anywhere in the world in any weather!
Only plan on diving abroad and in the height of summer in the UK?
Open Water
Take an internationally recognised qualification, learn to SCUBA dive and earn a certification that is recognised anywhere in the world. This course is the basic PADI course and introduces you to SCUBA diving in a wetsuit. Upon qualification you receive a globally recognised certification enabling you to dive anywhere in the world.
This course is great for those looking to qualify to dive in a wetsuit who only envisage UK diving in the height of summer.
Never plan on diving in the UK but want to make the most of your holiday?
Open Water Referral
Take an internationally recognised qualification, learn to SCUBA dive and earn a certification that is recognised anywhere in the world. Undertaking all of the theory and skill sessions before you board the plane, this is the most efficient way of learning how to become a holiday diver.
This course is great for those looking to qualify in warmer waters but want to maximise their time on holiday.
There are multiple ways to learn to dive, if one of the more popular routes doesn't suit you then why not check out the other ways to learn?
Registration
To start training, students must create a MySSI profile. This can either be done via the SSI website at www.divessi.com/register or by installing the MySSI App.
The MySSI App safely stores everything in one place, online or offline – training materials, logbook, and certification cards. This includes Recreational Scuba, Extended Range, Freediving and Mermaid.
Select a Training Center
Search for "The SCUBA Group" and click register, this tells SSI that you want to get to know us!
Every student must select an SSI Training Center as their “Training Partner” during the course registration process.
Managing your diary
Once you're registered you can start on your Theory sessions.
Learning to SCUBA Dive takes about 8 weeks; each week you'll study the content of that module ahead of practicing it in the pool.
Theory
The dive theory is part of your online learning, it takes about 30 minutes per module and each module must be done ahead of the corresponding pool session,
The theory can be done any time and anywhere on your computer or mobile device and we're on hand if you're struggling.
Equipment Fitting
Prior to your first pool session we'll meet you at the shop and get you sized for the kit; this is your chance to meet your instructor, ask any questions you may have and make sure the equipment is comfortable before getting submerged!
First Pool Session
You'll get an email with all the details, you'll turn up half an hour before your session to meet your instructor and talk through your first breaths underwater.
All lessons take place during our weekly pool session, if you've got a date in mind then let us know, alternatively just get in touch and we can provide some dates.
Remaining Pool Sessions
You'll get into a nice routine over the following weeks, doing the theory ahead of the session and then putting what you've learned into practice during the session.
You'll be ticking skills off in no time at all and once you've mastered the basics you'll be ready for Open Water.
Open Water Session
Your instructor will talk you through what's next, you'll also get an email with the dates and all the details but this is it, you're going to become a qualified SCUBA Diver!
Looking to get started?
If you're ready to get started then download the SSI app and follow the instructions shown in the video. If you're looking for a bit more detail then scroll to the bottom of this page or click the button to be taken straight there for more detail about learning to dive.
If you'd rather talk to someone then hit the button in the corner or fire us a message through social media and one of our team will be in touch!
What next?
Learning to dive takes about 8 weeks, so check your diary and keep your evenings free on when our normal pool nights are.
There are some medical questions you need to answer and you need to choose what diver you think you'll be.
No events at the moment
The Theory
This is the studying component of the course in which you learn the theory of diving, the effects of pressure, how to communicate underwater, the role of scuba divers in marine and ocean conservation, oceanic eco-systems, tides, currents, diving skills, safety, equipment and a whole lot more. Start your digital learning materials anywhere in the world at your own convenience.
This might sound overwhelming, but it’s not because the theory is broken down into manageable-sized sessions which are accompanied by videos and visual aids, it’s easy and fun! Our instructors are never more than a zoom call / teams session away from helping you through and our classroom is open seven nights a week to help you through anything!
It's free and once they are completed, you can schedule your in-water training session with us.
Confined Water Sessions
Covering all the basics, you will practice the skills that you learned about in your Knowledge Development, these skills practiced in confined water, at The SCUBA Group we use a swimming pool for comfort and convenience.
By practicing the skills in calm conditions and the confines of a pool, you will build confidence. Your Instructor will explain the skills to you again, as well as give you a step-by-step demonstration before you try them for yourself.
The pool sessions are great fun and are possibly the first time you take a breathe underwater!
The Open Water Dives
This is the best part – it’s what you’ve been waiting for!
The open water element of your course includes four dives in open (unrestricted water), including bodies of water such as the sea, lake, or flooded quarries. We use one of several training centres where there are ample facilities and plenty to see; during your two days (two / three dives a day) you will demonstrate you're skills, experience Open Water diving and show the instructor everything you have learned before finishing the weekend as a qualified SCUBA diver with a globally recognised certification!
Already a diver?
If you're already a qualified diver then you might be in the wrong place?
Visit our page for qualified divers and see if we can help you blow some bubbles