How to get scuba certified

You need a certification to dive most of the world's best sites. Here's the honest version of how it works.

The entry-level course

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 vs SSI (and others)

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.