There are various options to get into the sport of scuba diving; you could do a ‘try dive’ with an instructor or jump straight into a course. Most people tend to do a four or five day open water (PADI) course. This course is excellent, and on qualification you will be able to dive with a diving partner of similar or higher standard, anywhere in the world.

The courses can be done in the anywhere in the world. You can easily become a certified diver during a one-week trip. There are now many specialist dive tour operators, all offering ‘learn to dive’ package deals. They offer similar itineraries: two days in a classroom and swimming pool and two to three days diving in the sea or ocean (open water).

The course covers everything you need to learn to dive safely. A popular option is doing the classroom and confined water (swimming pool) work then getting into the sea or ocean to complete the open water part of the course. The training agency qualifications are recognized the world over by diving schools and centers. So you could train in one country and then use your qualification to go diving in anywhere in the world.