Learn to Dive.

Yes. You need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim. Most courses also include a basic swimming and water-confidence assessment before you begin the practical diving sessions.

No. Beginner courses such as PADI Open Water courses are designed for people with no previous scuba diving experience. You'll learn the essential skills in a controlled environment before progressing to the reef.

The minimum age is generally 10 years old for a junior Open Water certification, although age requirements and conditions can vary between training organisations and dive operators. Some courses require participants to be over 12 years old

You will need to complete a dive medical questionnaire before participating. Depending on your answers, medical history or current circumstances, you may be required to obtain clearance from a diving doctor before starting the course.

Most Cairns dive courses provide the essential scuba equipment, including a mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit or stinger suit, BCD, regulator, tank and weights. Check with your chosen operator to see exactly what is included.

Beginner courses generally combine theory, confined-water or pool training and open-water dives. Once you're ready, the open-water component may take place on the Great Barrier Reef.

Yes. You don't need to own any scuba equipment to learn to dive in Cairns. Dive operators normally supply the equipment required for the course, although some personal items such as swimwear, towels and reef-safe sunscreen may be recommended.

An introductory dive lets you experience scuba diving under close supervision without becoming a certified diver. An Open Water course provides the training and certification needed to scuba dive independently with a suitably qualified buddy, subject to certification limits.

Of course - you're on holiday, enjoy it. Even while doing your training dives you'll be on the Great Barrier Reef.

You'll generally need swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothing, water, sunscreen, sunglasses and any personal medication you require. Your dive operator will provide details of anything else you need to bring.

Absolutely. Cairns provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, warm tropical water and a wide range of dive schools and courses. The combination of professional training and spectacular reef environments makes it a popular destination for new divers.

Yes. Once you're certified, you can progress to courses such as Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Nitrox and specialty certifications. Continuing your training is a great way to build experience and explore different types of diving.

Your first 4 dives will be training dives, after that you will be able to participate in the rest of the trip as a certified diver (and even do a night dive!)

E Learning allows you to complete 1 day of the initial training online from home. You'll still have 1 day "pool and classroom". but you'll shave a day off the couse this way.