Beginner Courses

New to diving? Start here. Whether you want to try scuba for the first time in the pool or gain your first full certification, our beginner courses take you from complete beginner to certified diver at your own pace.

Try Scuba Diving

Discover the underwater world without leaving the Island. Led by a qualified PADI instructor, Try Scuba is your first taste of breathing underwater, in the safety and comfort of a local heated pool.

£65 per person. Ages 10 and over. No experience needed.

It includes:

• an introduction to the scuba kit;
• a pre-dive safety briefing;
• 30 minutes on scuba in the pool.

It is perfect for individuals, families or small groups, whether you are planning a future diving holiday or just ticking it off the bucket list. Please wear a swimming costume and a tee shirt, and bring a towel. Pre-booking is essential.

PADI Open Water Course

The PADI Open Water course is where diving really begins. It is the world's most popular and widely recognised scuba certification, and once you have it you can dive at any PADI centre in the world. There are three steps:

1. eLearning. Complete the online theory at your own pace, with our instructors on hand for any questions.
2. Pool training. Two to three pool sessions at the UKSA training pool in Cowes, included in the course. At this point you are a 'referral diver', which means you can complete your open-water dives with us or at any PADI centre in the world, somewhere a little warmer than the UK if you prefer.
3. Open-water dives. Finish your training with four open-water dives, either on the Island or just across the water near Southampton.

Course options

PADI Open Water Referral, £400. Complete all your theory and pool dives with us at UKSA, then finish your certification wherever you like. Ideal if you are heading abroad. Includes PADI eLearning, two to three pool sessions, and all equipment hire (suit, weights, BCD, regulator and cylinders).

Upgrade to full certification. Ready for the sea? If you did your referral with us, the upgrade is £220. If you did it elsewhere, it is £360. If it has been more than six months since your referral, a refresher session is needed first.

Requirements

• be able to swim and float;
• complete the PADI eLearning;
• age 15 and over, or 10 and over for the Junior Open Water Referral.

Location: UKSA, Cowes. Get in touch for the next course dates.