Boat diving gives you the chance to explore new dive sites and learn how to work safely and efficiently from a boat. This PADI course focuses on the key techniques, terminology, and safety procedures that make boat diving smooth and enjoyable. With two supervised dives led by qualified instructors, you’ll build confidence and practical skills to plan and complete your own boat dives in the future.
Your day begins with a friendly briefing covering how boat dives are organised, including safety checks, boat terminology, and how to move around safely on deck. You’ll get familiar with using lines, dive platforms, and preparing your kit for easy entry and exit from the water.
Once you’re out on the boat, you’ll complete two dives under the guidance of your instructor. These dives are a chance to put your new knowledge into practice—deploying an SMB, planning your dive routes, and working on buoyancy and communication. Each dive focuses on helping you feel more comfortable and confident with the unique aspects of diving from a boat.
Throughout the course, you’ll also learn about proper boat etiquette, how to stay organised with your gear, and what to do in case of an emergency. The aim is to give you a clear understanding of safety procedures and practical habits that make every future boat dive smoother and safer.
Based at Littlehampton Marina in West Sussex, the course offers easy access to a range of nearby dive sites, including both sheltered coastal areas and open water locations near Selsey. The marina has modern facilities, secure storage, and convenient access to boats, making it an ideal base for both training and diving. Everything you need is close by, so you can focus fully on building your diving skills.
You’ll need to hold a PADI Open Water or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or an equivalent qualification). A basic medical check is required to confirm you’re fit for diving. The course is open to anyone aged 10 and over, with instruction adapted to your experience level to make sure you learn at a comfortable pace.
The centre’s PADI instructors take a calm, supportive approach to teaching, helping each diver progress at their own speed. With small groups, you’ll have plenty of one-to-one guidance and opportunities to ask questions throughout the course.
Combining experienced instruction, well-equipped facilities, and access to varied coastal sites, the course provides a well-rounded introduction to boat diving. You’ll leave feeling confident, capable, and ready to enjoy safe and enjoyable dives from boats anywhere in the world.
You can join this course if you hold a Junior or full Open Water Diver certification. It’s designed to enhance your confidence and competence in boat-based diving, whether you’re new to boat dives or want to refine your existing skills.
Instructors provide step-by-step guidance tailored to your level, ensuring you gain the required knowledge and practice safely while enjoying the experience.
The course is usually completed in a single day with two dives, though scheduling can be flexible. Briefings, practical skills, and safety instruction are integrated so you can practise in real conditions without feeling rushed.
Completing the dives in one day maximises hands-on experience while giving you the time to focus on boat dive procedures, SMB deployment, and emergency protocols under expert supervision.
You’ll gain knowledge on entry and exit techniques, safe handling of lines, and deployment of surface marker buoys. Safety procedures include communication methods, emergency protocols, and dive organisation from boarding to surfacing.
Instructors emphasise real-world application, preparing you for a variety of boat types and diving conditions. You’ll leave with practical skills and confidence for planning and executing safe dives.
Divers aged 10–99 can attend the course. Younger divers must have a Junior Open Water certification and meet basic medical requirements. All ages are given structured support to ensure safety and skill development.
This wide age range ensures that both newcomers and experienced divers can take part, with instructors adapting exercises and guidance to each learner’s capabilities.
Yes, a valid Open Water or Junior Open Water Diver certification is required. The course builds on your existing skills and focuses on techniques specific to diving from boats.
Even experienced divers benefit from structured boat dive training, learning safety practices, etiquette, and practical skills that can’t be fully acquired in shore dives.
Yes, you’ll receive the PADI Boat Diver certification, recognised worldwide. This credential demonstrates your ability to safely plan and execute boat dives and enhances your diving resume.
The certification is both practical and theoretical, confirming you can handle boat dives independently and safely with other divers.
About the centre
Littlehampton
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Abyss Scuba School, a partner of adventuro.
