How to get scuba certified
Updated June 2026
Short answer: take an entry-level course — PADI Open Water or the equivalent SSI Open Water — which is online theory, pool skills and four open-water dives over 3–4 days, and certifies you to 18 metres. The agency barely matters; the instructor and dive centre matter a lot. If your trip is built around diving, get certified before you go, or do the theory and pool at home and finish the dives in warm water on arrival.
You need a certification to dive most of the world's best sites. Here's the honest version of how it works.
What does the entry-level course involve?
The standard first qualification (PADI Open Water or the equivalent SSI Open Water) certifies you to dive to 18 metres. It has three parts: theory (now mostly done online beforehand), confined-water skills in a pool, and four open-water dives. Budget 3–4 days.
PADI or SSI — does the agency matter?
They're broadly equivalent and recognised worldwide. Don't agonise over the agency — the quality of the instructor and dive centre matters far more. Look for small class sizes and good reviews.
Certify at home or on holiday?
- At home first: arrive already qualified and spend your whole trip diving fun sites. Less holiday time "in school."
- On holiday: often cheaper and in warm, clear water — but it eats 3–4 days of your trip, and weather can interfere.
A popular middle path: do the online theory and pool work at home, then finish the open-water dives at your destination ("referral").
Beyond Open Water
Advanced Open Water opens up deeper sites and night/drift diving — worth it for places like the Galápagos or many liveaboards, some of which require it.
The honest takeaway
If your trip is built around diving, get certified before you go — ideally do the theory and pool at home and the open-water dives in warm water. And always dive within your training and comfort.
Next steps: if the idea of breathing underwater makes you anxious, that's normal — see how to get comfortable in the water. Pick somewhere gentle to log your first dives in the best dive destinations for beginners, see when each is at its best in where to dive, month by month, and get the kit right in what to pack for a dive trip. When the diving's booked, line up the rest with what to book before a dive trip, or plan it end to end in the dive trip planner.
Common questions
How do you get scuba certified?
You take an entry-level course such as PADI Open Water or SSI Open Water. It has three parts: theory (now mostly done online beforehand), confined-water skills in a pool, and four open-water dives. Most people budget 3 to 4 days, and the qualification certifies you to dive to 18 metres.
How long does it take to get scuba certified?
An Open Water course usually takes 3 to 4 days. You can shorten the time at your destination by doing the online theory and pool sessions at home first, then completing only the open-water dives on your trip — an option known as a referral.
Is PADI or SSI better?
They are broadly equivalent and recognised worldwide, so the agency matters far less than the quality of the instructor and dive centre. Look for small class sizes and good reviews rather than agonising over the certification brand.
Should I get certified at home or on holiday?
Certifying at home means you arrive already qualified and spend your whole trip diving fun sites. Certifying on holiday is often cheaper and in warm, clear water, but it uses 3 to 4 days of your trip and weather can interfere. A popular middle path is to do the theory and pool work at home, then finish the open-water dives at your destination.
What can you dive after Open Water certification?
Open Water certifies you to dive to 18 metres. The next step, Advanced Open Water, opens up deeper sites and night and drift diving, and is worth having for places like the Galápagos or many liveaboards, some of which require it.
Related guides
- Nervous about scuba diving? How to get comfortable in the water
- Liveaboard vs resort diving
- What to pack for a dive trip
- Where to dive, month by month
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