From € 275
Mallorca, Spain
From £ 345
Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
From € 280
Madeira, Portugal
From £ 1200
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
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The PADI Scuba Diver course is a subset of the PADI Open Water Diver programme. It includes about half of the full Open Water curriculum, focusing on basic scuba concepts, safety procedures, and core underwater skills. The course is divided into three main components: knowledge development, confined water dives, and open water dives.
You’ll study three modules (out of five in the full Open Water Diver course), which cover:
This can be completed in a classroom setting or online through PADI eLearning. Expect short quizzes to reinforce your understanding.
In a swimming pool or similar controlled environment, you’ll complete three confined water sessions. These include:
Each skill is introduced step-by-step, with time to practise under the guidance of a PADI Instructor.
You’ll complete two open water dives in a natural setting—lake, quarry, or ocean—to apply your skills in real-world conditions. These dives reinforce the confined water training and include:
Your instructor will monitor your performance and ensure you’re confident and comfortable before certifying you.
Once certified, you’ll receive a PADI Scuba Diver certification card, recognised globally. Many divers go on to complete the full PADI Open Water Diver course, which builds on these skills and increases your depth limit and dive independence. And if you're ready to explore, adventuro offers a wide range of guided dives and beginner-friendly experiences across the UK and abroad.
After earning your PADI Scuba Diver certification, you can dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres / 40 feet under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional (Divemaster or Instructor). This means you can participate in guided dives at resorts or dive centres around the world. It’s an ideal certification if you plan to dive occasionally while on holiday or want to build confidence before advancing to the full Open Water Diver level.
The certification never expires and can be upgraded to the PADI Open Water Diver at any time by completing the remaining coursework and dives. This makes it a flexible option for those with time constraints or younger divers starting out. With this certification, you’re also eligible to enrol in certain continuing education courses and dive experience programmes, under professional supervision. Remember, adventuro lists hundreds of dive tours and experiences that welcome certified PADI Scuba Divers—perfect for your next underwater outing.
The PADI Scuba Diver course typically takes 1.5 to 2 days to complete. This includes three confined water sessions, two open water dives, and three knowledge development modules. The schedule can vary slightly depending on your dive centre or location.
The PADI Scuba Diver course includes both knowledge development and in-water skill assessments. Divers must complete three confined water sessions, two open water dives, and pass a series of quizzes covering basic dive theory. Under the supervision of a certified PADI instructor, you'll demonstrate essential scuba skills like mask clearing, regulator recovery, and buoyancy control. This course is a subset of the Open Water Diver programme and is designed for those who want to dive under direct professional supervision. Most divers complete the course in 2–3 days, and instructors provide additional support if more time is needed. Once certified, you’ll be qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres with a PADI professional. You can explore and book your course through one of adventuro’s trusted dive centres.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesThe PADI Scuba Diver certification is an entry-level diving qualification ideal for those who want to learn the basics of scuba diving but may not have enough time to complete the full Open Water Diver course. It allows you to dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres under the direct supervision of a PADI professional. It’s a great stepping stone toward the Open Water Diver certification.
This course is perfect for beginners, especially those who are short on time or want to build confidence before committing to the full Open Water Diver course. It’s also a good fit for holidaymakers who want to enjoy supervised dives without becoming fully certified for independent diving. You do not need any prior scuba experience to enrol.
The course typically includes three confined water sessions, two open water dives, and knowledge development through PADI’s eLearning platform or classroom sessions. You’ll learn essential skills such as mask clearing, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures. Most dive centres, including those listed on adventuro, provide all necessary gear and instructional materials as part of the course package.
The PADI Scuba Diver course usually takes around 2–3 days to complete, depending on the dive centre and your schedule. Some centres offer flexible options, including weekend or split-day formats. It’s a compact course designed to get you safely and confidently underwater in a short amount of time.
You must be at least 10 years old to enrol in the PADI Scuba Diver course. All participants must complete a medical questionnaire, and in some cases, a physician’s approval may be required. Good general health and basic swimming skills are essential, but you don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy scuba diving safely.
The PADI Scuba Diver certification is recognised worldwide. You’ll be able to dive to 12 metres under the supervision of a PADI professional at dive centres and resorts across the globe. Many divers use this qualification as a way to enjoy guided dives on holiday with minimal preparation time.
Yes, upgrading is straightforward. You’ll just need to complete the remaining knowledge development, confined water skills, and two additional open water dives. Many adventuro partner centres offer upgrade paths, allowing you to progress at your own pace and build on your Scuba Diver certification.
Most centres provide all necessary scuba equipment, including mask, fins, snorkel, BCD (buoyancy control device), regulator, wetsuit, and tanks. You’ll be introduced to each piece of gear and taught how to use it properly. If you continue diving, you may eventually want to invest in your own equipment for comfort and fit.
Yes, when diving within the limits of the certification—under direct supervision and to a maximum depth of 12 metres—it’s a safe and well-supported experience. Your instructor will ensure you’re confident in the water and understand essential safety procedures. Always follow local guidelines and never dive beyond your training.
You can browse and book PADI Scuba Diver courses through adventuro’s wide range of trusted dive centres. Each centre offers certified instruction, equipment hire, and flexible course formats to suit your schedule and location preferences.
