The PADI Scuba Diver course is a partial Open Water Diver certification programme designed for individuals who want to become certified divers but have limited time available for training.
This course develops foundational scuba-diving knowledge and practical skills through:
academic learning,
confined water training,
and supervised open water dives.
Students learn:
scuba-diving safety principles,
equipment use,
underwater communication,
buoyancy control,
and basic emergency procedures.
Upon certification, PADI Scuba Divers are qualified to:
dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres / 40 feet
while under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional.
At N9BO℠, the course is conducted in a relaxed and supportive environment focused on:
safety,
comfort,
confidence-building,
and strong foundational diving skills.
The PADI Scuba Diver certification is also an excellent pathway toward completing the full PADI Open Water Diver course.
Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 10, Adequate swimming skills
Ratio: Maximum of 8 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
Configuration: mask, fins, snorkel, buoyancy control device (BCD), regulator system, scuba cylinder, alternate air source, weights, submersible pressure gauge, and exposure protection appropriate to local conditions. (All equipment is provided by N9BO℠)
Depth / environment: 12 metres / 40 feet, Swimming pool, Confined water, Calm tropical open water environments, Shallow reef sites, Beginner-friendly dive conditions
Format: Knowledge development + confined-water training + open water certification dives
Duration: Typically completed in 2–3 days (Minimum 2 open water dives)
Practice mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, alternate air source procedures, controlled ascents
Complete confined-water training sessions and 2 supervised open water dives
Develop confidence underwater, diving comfort, and foundational scuba-diving capability
Prepare for future progression into: PADI Open Water Diver, continuing education, and speciality training
Prerequisites
Be at least 10 years old.
Adequate swimming skills.
Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
The PADI Scuba Diver certification is:
a shorter certification programme,
requiring less training time,
but with more diving limitations.
Scuba Divers must:
dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional,
and remain within 12 metres / 40 feet maximum depth.
The course requires 2 open water dives.
Yes.
PADI Scuba Divers may later complete the remaining academic, confined water, and open water requirements to become PADI Open Water Divers.
Yes.
The course is specifically designed for individuals with no previous scuba-diving experience.
Certified PADI Scuba Divers may dive:
worldwide,
within certification limits,
and under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional.
Ready to Become a Certified Diver?
Whether you are beginning your underwater journey or looking for a shorter pathway into recreational scuba diving, our team will help you build strong foundational skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Go Pro with the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Become a PADI Instructor through the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and develop the teaching capability, leadership skills, and operational confidence required to train divers at the professional level.