To start exploring marine life, you must get certified by padi or one of the other organisations.

In order to be able to dive anywhere in the world, you must pass an open water diver course from any one of the reputable training organisations – CMAS, NAUI, PADI, SSI and SDI. Of these, PADI is the largest, and the one you’re most likely to encounter. Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll receive a certification card which allows you to go on an ‘open water’ rated dive of up to 18m in depth.

After this, you are allowed to dive anywhere in the world within these guidelines. If you’d like to take it a step further, you can continue with advanced diver training. This is a good way for you to upgrade your skills and explore aspects of diving that are of particular interest to you. The specialities include underwater photography, wreck diving and night dives – the choice is yours.

Learning to dive or advancing your existing qualifications with an internationally recognised organisation is very easy to accomplish in this part of the world. Training and certification can be arranged through one of the many excellent dive centres. Once you’ve got advanced diver certification, you’ll find there is still plenty more to do and learn. For example, it’s a good idea to complete a rescue and first aid course. And then, if this is where your interests lie, you’ll be ready to take on the more technical side of diving, such as diving on Nitrox and going to depths of 30 to 40m, which is the generally accepted recreational diving limit.

What about the kids?
There are various underwater programmes designed for children. These familiarise children with the underwater environment, teach them water skills and prepare them for scuba diving. Certification is possible from 12 years onwards.

Equipment
Dive gear is easy to find and the range is generally good. Entry-level gear is widely available across the country; most hypermarkets stock basic equipment, such as snorkelling kits and fins, while all major sports stores offer specialised dive gear.