Learn to Scuba Dive

We are able to teach a wide range of scuba certifications and will run courses based on interest and demand.

I have never dived before...

For safety and practical reasons, you must be certified to scuba dive before you are allowed to use the equipment and enter the water. Don't worry though! If you're new to the sport, we can offer you a Try Dive to experience what it is like to breathe underwater. Following on, we would then train you to become an Open Water Diver. This is the basic level of training required to attend our club diving trips. You are then free to come along and fun dive any time, or you have the option of furthering your training and enrolling on another course. The choice is yours.

I am a certified diver...

As a certified diver, you are welcome to attend any of our club diving trips and fun dive with us. Alternatively, if you would like to further your training and enrol on another course, there are plenty to choose from! If your diving certification is from another organisation, you can transfer to an equivalent level with us without starting from the beginning. You can then continue your training on one of our courses. Please get in touch if there is a specific course you would like us to run.

Popular Courses

Here is a selection of our most popular courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here's a list of some of our most frequently asked questions by members about our courses. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please contact a member of the committee and we'll be happy to help.

Where do you train?

Most of our courses are taught in several locations. Theory classes are held on campus at the University of Essex in a lecture room, although many of our courses offer digital e-learning which can be done anywhere. Practical skills and workshops are taught in a swimming pool at Ipswich High School, Woolverstone. Courses requiring open water training are usually taught at Stoney Cove, Leicester.

Do you provide transport?

We always try our best to arrange transport for events off campus, however our capacity is limited. If you own a car and are happy to drive others, we offer incentives such as free pool sessions and course discounts. We are also always on the lookout for new minibus drivers. Please contact us if you can help with transport.

Do all courses include pool sessions?

No. Some of our specialty certifications are theory only, meaning there are no pool sessions required. Some popular courses are the Enriched Air Diver (NITROX) and Emergency Oxygen Provider, both of which can be completed without jumping in the water.

What do I need to bring?

For pool sessions, usually just yourself, swimwear, towel and your diving logbook. You're welcome to bring a wetsuit if you own one. If not, we recommend an old t-shirt to wear in the pool under your BCD. For theory classes, you will need stationery and your course theory pack/booklet/manual. Please make sure you have completed any "Knowledge Reviews" you were given by your instructor at the previous session.

How often are courses run?

Try Dives are normally run at the beginning of the academic year for new members joining us. We then offer the Open Water course to get them certified to scuba dive, allowing everyone to attend all future club diving trips and holidays. After that, we run any course based on interest and demand. We want to make sure everyone gets what they want out of their club membership, so please get in touch if you would like to do a specific course and we will arrange it for you.

Should I be worried about theory?

Absolutely not! Theory can often be done digitally using e-learning, and involves answering a few quizzes as you go through each chapter. It doesn't take up too much time between your other studies if you're a student. If you find something hard, then don't panic! We're lucky to have some great instructors which are more than happy to help you. They will go over material at your own pace until you're comfortable.