So, you’ve finally decided to swap the screen for a snorkel? Excellent choice. Diving in Melbourne isn’t just a hobby; it’s an entry into a world of weedy seadragons, historic shipwrecks and a welcoming community of adventurers.
If you’re looking to learn to dive in Melbourne, you probably have a few questions. Is the water cold? How long does it take? Do I need to be an Olympic swimmer? At Simple Dive Melbourne, we believe the process should be, well, simple.
Here is what to expect during your three-day SDI Open Water course.
1. The theory: no boring classrooms
Gone are the days of sitting in a dark room watching dusty VHS tapes. Our SDI Open Water course uses a digital-first approach.
- eLearning: Complete the theory online at your own pace before visiting our Blackburn shop.
- Physics and safety: Learn the “why” behind the “how”, including how water pressure affects your body and how to plan dives safely.
2. Day 1: your first breaths in confined water
We start in a confined-water environment, usually a pool. This is where you become comfortable using scuba equipment and breathing underwater.
- The equipment: We’ll fit you with quality equipment from brands such as Apeks and Aqua Lung. You’ll learn how to set up your regulator, BCD and cylinder.
- The skills: You’ll practise clearing your mask, recovering your regulator and, most importantly, controlling your buoyancy.
- Simple Dive tip: SDI encourages divers to develop good balance and trim early, helping you become a more efficient diver from the start.
3. Days 2 and 3: open-water dives in Port Phillip Bay
This is what you signed up for. You’ll travel to the Mornington Peninsula for four open-water training dives.
- The sites: We often visit beginner-friendly locations such as Rye Pier or Blairgowrie Pier. These sites offer shallow water and abundant marine life, subject to suitable conditions.
- The conditions: Melbourne’s water is temperate, generally ranging from about 14°C to 20°C. We provide thick 7 mm wetsuits to help keep you warm.
- Certification: After successfully completing the required skills, you’ll become an SDI Open Water Diver, qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres within the limits of your training.
4. Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own scuba equipment?
No. We provide the major items, including a BCD, regulator, wetsuit and cylinder. For the best fit and hygiene, you’ll need your own mask, snorkel and dive boots.
What if I’m not a strong swimmer?
You don’t need to be a competitive swimmer, but you must complete the required 200-metre swim and 10-minute survival float.
Why choose Simple Dive?
We keep our class ratios small. Our instructors are also experienced TDI technical divers who bring practical knowledge and a strong safety focus to your first course.
Ready to take the plunge?
Learning to dive in Melbourne prepares you for a wide range of conditions and gives you a strong foundation for future diving.
View upcoming dates and prices for our 3-day Open Water diving course in Melbourne. Join the Simple Dive Club and meet your future dive buddies.