Step 1: Decide it is time to dive:
It’s been on your bucket list for a while now, you’ve been following divers on social media, your friends & whanau keep talking about diving, so take the next step
Step 2: Chat with your favourite dive shop – Dive HQ Wellington
Let us know you are keen, via email, on the phone, via Facebook or Instagram or visit us in store. We will make sure you have all the information you need and answer any questions you may have.
Step 3: Paperwork – we know this isn’t fun, but it is important
Review the PADI Dive Medical, Liability Form and our Terms & Conditions and make sure everything is in order before committing to your course.
Step 4: Paying Up – still not fun but definitely worth it
We take a 50% deposit for your course, and we will send you the link to your PADI online theory. The remaining fee is due 1 week prior to your course start date.
Step 5: Homework – doesn’t actually sound like fun but it is interesting
Once you have registered your theory link you do have to complete some study. The theory is divided into 5 Chapters with knowledge reviews and exams to complete. This must be done prior to your first session.
Step 6: Book a course – if you haven’t selected dates already
Our standard courses start every two weeks so there are plenty of dates to choose from. The pool sessions must all be conducted in order, but the sea dates can be more flexible so if you work or have sports on the weekend we can adapt the course to suit you.
Step 7: Pool Sessions – this is where the fun really begins
You will learn about the equipment and practice the skills you need to know as an open water diver over 3-4 pool sessions. There is a watermanship evaluation so you will need to float for 10 mins and swim 200m (or snorkel for 300m).
Step 8: Sea Sessions– time to go scuba diving and explore
There are 4 sea dives to complete over 2 days where you will put your newfound skills into practice, have a tour of our local dive site and meet some of our favourite marine species like Blue Cod, Crayfish, Octopus and Seahorses.
Step 9: Certification – just a little more paperwork to complete and you are done.
After completing all the pool & sea dives, passing the dive theory, logging your dives and signing off your training record you are now a certified PADI Open Water Diver.
Congratulations! – you are now able to dive to 18m with a dive buddy anywhere
in New Zealand and around the world.
Step 10: FUN Dives – this is the BEST bit
You get to go diving with no skills – just breathe, stay neutrally buoyant and explore new sites with your buddy. Our dive club is out three times a week with a range of dives and other activities so there are plenty of opportunities to go diving and meet other likeminded divers. So book that holiday, hire some gear and just go diving – taking photos, collecting kai moana or exploring a wreck the choice is yours.
