Diving

When can I start?

Give me a call - I might be free now! Seriously, it's your schedule and we'll agree a time that fits you and you're other commitments.

How long will it take to do the Open Water referral course?

A full open water diving course is usually four days. In order to do the theory and pool elements of that we'll need to find the equivalent of two days in your schedule, maybe two evenings per week for a fortnight? Or two weekday evenings and two weekend mornings, whatever works! If you want to do it all in one weekend we can do that too.

Will this be more expensive than doing the course abroad?

The cost of doing courses is left to the local dive centre and so where you go and what you are charged will of course vary accordingly. However, as an example an Open Water course in Phuket, Thailand a popular location for dive schools, costs around €440. They charge around €260 for referred students completing their open water course with them when doing boat dives. So yes, it is a little more expensive to complete the course this way than in Thailand, however, you are not having to spend so much time in the classroom or swimming pool while you are there, so you are getting better value for your holiday cash.

What do I need?

We can supply all the equipment you need. A swimming outfit and a towel for the pool elements, a pencil (and perhaps an eraser!) for the theory elements and that's it.

What is PADI?

PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. It is by far the largest player in the industry and you will find PADI instructors able to continue your course wherever you travel in the world. It also means that when you achieve your own certification you know that your achievement will be recognised by any dive operator anywhere in the world.

Can you teach more than this course?

Yes, as a qualified Open Water Scuba Instructor I am qualified to teach any PADI diving course up to and including Divemaster. I have also achieved instructor ratings in a number of specialties such as Enriched Air (Nitrox), Deep diving, Underwater Navigation, Digital Underwater Photography, Gas Blending, Fish Identification, Coral Reef Awareness, Peak Performance Buoyancy etc. I am also an Emergency First Response Instructor and so able to teach and certify Rescue Divers / Emergency First Responders. 

Wherever you go in the world it remains a fact that learning to dive isn't cheap. For those of us living in the northern parts of Europe it can also a chilly experience as even in the spring and summer the water is... let's say refreshing, although you can of course wear a dry suit which helps to keep you warm. However, it's also fair to say that the aquatic life lacks the colour and diversity you will find at some of the more popular holiday destinations. However, the cost of the course can be more than just the euros you hand over to the dive centre. A typical Open Water course will take four days of your holiday. The first two days will consist of theory lessons in the classroom and so called "confined water" dives, usually in a swimming pool. These are then followed by two days of diving in the sea (open water). 

So here is the question: Why waste valuable time on holiday learning theory and being in a swimming pool when you can easily do that at home? You can then take proof of your learning to any PADI dive centre worldwide to carry out the open water dives in warmer water with far more interesting aquatic life - the best of both worlds!

So here is my simple value proposition: I will teach you the theory you need and prepare you with the basic skills by carrying out what is effectively the first half of your PADI Open Water diver course. You can then go on your holidays (anytime within the following 12 months) and complete your course and achieve the PADI Open Water diver qualification. We will do the course according to your schedule for example after work in the evening, or at weekends - whenever fits for you. Theory lessons can be completed in your own home making even more convenient. It really is that simple!