Scuba diving isn’t just for the thrill-seekers or marine biologists. It’s for anyone curious about the world that exists just beneath the ocean’s surface—a world that’s quiet, weightless and full of life. But before you book that trip to the Andamans or plan your dream dive in the Maldives, it’s worth understanding how the process actually works. What kind of training do you need? Where can you learn? And is it really as difficult as it looks?
At a time when sustainable travel is becoming more than just a buzzword, scuba diving offers a rare intersection of adventure and environmental responsibility. As one of the largest diving organisations in the world, PADI has played a significant role in shaping how people approach the ocean as an ecosystem worth protecting.
Through its wide network of dive centres and its nonprofit arm, PADI AWARE Foundation, the organisation encourages divers to take active roles in marine conservation. It’s about becoming more aware of the underwater world and our impact on it. Initiatives like citizen science programs, reef monitoring, and clean-up dives are now part of the diving experience, turning hobbyists into ocean advocates.
Learning to dive starts with the PADI Open Water Diver course. This is the entry-level certification for most adults. Children between 10 and 14 years old can opt for the Junior Open Water Diver course.
Once certified, many divers go on to pursue the Advanced Open Water Diver certification, or take up Specialty Diver courses that focus on skills like buoyancy control, underwater navigation, digital photography, wreck diving, or using enriched air (Nitrox).
Those looking to build more confidence especially in emergency situations can take the PADI Rescue Diver course. It trains you to recognise and manage potential problems before and during a dive.
And for the truly committed, there’s the Master Scuba Diver rating often referred to as the “black belt” of recreational diving. Achieving this requires Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue Diver certifications, five specialty courses, and a minimum of 50 logged dives. Only around 2 per cent of recreational divers reach this level.
Of course, scuba diving can also turn into a career. The first step is the PADI Divemaster course, which opens the door to working professionally as a dive guide or instructor.
If you’re worried about having to block out days for classroom sessions, don’t be! PADI’s eLearning platform allows you to complete the theory part of your certification online at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. This includes reading material, videos, and quizzes that cover the basics of dive science, safety, and equipment.
Once that’s done, the practical training begins. You’ll need to complete confined water sessions (usually in a pool) and open water dives under the supervision of a certified instructor. This can be done at any of PADI’s 6,600 dive centers and resorts around the world including many right here in India.
India is home to some stunning dive locations. The Andaman Islands, with their clear waters and coral reefs, remain a top choice. Other great options include Lakshadweep, Goa, Puducherry, and parts of Kerala. Each destination offers its own unique marine life and underwater terrain.
For those looking to travel abroad, nearby countries like the Maldives, Thailand, and Sri Lanka offer world-class diving experiences with thriving ecosystems and well-established dive tourism infrastructure.
To start your scuba journey, you must:
Be at least 10 years old (age requirements may vary slightly by region).
Complete a medical questionnaire to ensure you're fit to dive. If any concerns arise, a doctor’s clearance may be required.
Demonstrate basic water skills, including swimming 200 m (or 300 m with mask, fins, and snorkel) using any stroke; and treading water or floating for 10 minutes.
Importantly, PADI supports adaptive techniques for individuals with physical or mental challenges. With the right guidance, diving can be made accessible to almost anyone.
For others encouraged to dip their toes, starting with a pool training session at a nearby PADI Dive Center can be an excellent starting point. It's an easy and confidence-boosting option to get familiar with scuba diving in a safe environment. Mainland India is home to several PADI Dive Centers in major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Puducherry, Goa, Kochi, Kovalam (Kerala), Visakhapatnam, and Malvan, making it simpler than ever to start diving close to home.
Scuba diving offers more than just a travel experience; it opens up a relationship with the ocean and a deeper awareness of our planet’s ecosystems. Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a form of escape, or even a career, diving gives you the tools to explore responsibly.
