What is the main difference between the 2-day and 3-day Open Water courses?

The 2-day format is an accelerated intensive course, while the 3-day formats provide more time for staged learning. All formats combine online knowledge development, practical skills and four open-water training dives.

Is scuba equipment included in the course fee?

Core rental scuba equipment is included for the scheduled course days. Students need their own mask, snorkel and dive boots.

Do all course formats include four open-water dives?

Yes. All three formats include four training dives. The mix of shore and boat dives varies by format and may change because of weather or operational requirements.

Where does Simple Dive conduct Open Water training?

Pool or confined-water sessions are generally in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, while ocean sites are selected around Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula according to conditions.

Which Open Water course format is best for a complete beginner?

For most complete beginners, a three-day format provides more time between learning stages. The two-day intensive course is better suited to students with strong swimming fitness who are comfortable with an accelerated schedule.

Open Water Course Comparison Melbourne

Updated 24 August 2026. Prices, schedules and dive locations can change. Confirm the selected course date and inclusions on the linked booking page before paying.

A Melbourne Open Water course is an entry-level scuba certification program combining online knowledge development, confined-water skills and four open-water training dives. Simple Dive currently offers three SDI Open Water formats: a two-day intensive course, a three-day weekday course and a three-day weekend course.

Quick comparison

Course format	Published price	Training structure	Published dive plan	Best suited to
2-Day Intensive	From $699 AUD	Online study before the course, gear fitting and theory review, then two full in-water days	Four shore dives	Time-conscious students who are already confident swimmers and can manage an accelerated schedule
3-Day Weekday	From $699 AUD	Online study, pool or confined-water training and three scheduled training days	Four open-water training dives; check the current product page for the confirmed shore/boat plan	Students who prefer weekday training and more time between learning stages
3-Day Weekend	From $699 AUD	Online study, pool or confined-water training, then three days commonly spread across two weekends	Three shore dives and one boat dive	Beginners, professionals and students who need a weekend schedule

What all three formats include

SDI Open Water Diver training and certification after successful completion.
Online eLearning and knowledge reviews completed before in-water training.
Confined-water or pool skills covering equipment setup, buddy checks, buoyancy and emergency procedures.
Four open-water training dives in Victorian conditions.
Core rental scuba equipment for the scheduled course days.

The published rental inclusions cover a wetsuit, weights, regulator, BCD and cylinders. Personal mask, snorkel and dive boots are excluded, so include these items when calculating your total course cost.

Where the training takes place

Orientation and equipment fitting are coordinated through Simple Dive at 21 Indra Road, Blackburn South. Pool or confined-water sessions are usually held in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, including the Box Hill or Ringwood area. Open-water sites can range from Williamstown to Portsea, Blairgowrie and other suitable Port Phillip Bay or Mornington Peninsula locations.

Exact sites depend on weather, tides, boat availability and training requirements. Students need access to reliable transport between the shop, pool and open-water locations.

2-Day Intensive vs 3-Day course

The two-day course covers the same three core stages but compresses the in-water training. Its published swimming requirement is a continuous 400-metre ocean swim within eight minutes, plus a ten-minute tread or float. It is not the best choice for someone who wants a slower introduction or is uncertain about swimming fitness.

The three-day formats spread the skills and four training dives over more time. The weekend format is usually the easier option for a complete beginner who works during the week. Current published prices start at $699 AUD, but individual dates and special schedules can vary.

How to choose your course in five steps

Choose a realistic schedule. Allow time for eLearning, gear fitting, travel and full in-water days.
Check the swimming standard. Do not select the intensive option solely because it is shorter.
Calculate the total payable cost. Include personal mask, snorkel, boots, transport, meals and any required dive medical.
Check the dive mix. Confirm how many shore and boat dives are scheduled and what happens if weather changes the plan.
Read the medical and cancellation requirements. Complete the medical questionnaire early and finish all required eLearning before the course begins.

Who each format is suitable for

Choose the 2-Day Intensive course if:

You have strong swimming fitness and are comfortable learning in an accelerated environment.
You can complete the online theory and gear fitting before the two in-water days.
You need the shortest available scheduled format.

Choose a 3-Day course if:

You are a complete beginner and prefer more time to consolidate buoyancy and equipment skills.
You want weekday or weekend scheduling flexibility.
You prefer a less compressed progression from pool skills to ocean dives.

Important limits and requirements

The usual minimum age is 12. Junior depth and supervision limits apply, and students aged 12-14 may require a private-course arrangement.
Adult Open Water certification training is conducted to a maximum course depth of 18 metres; junior limits may be shallower.
A dive medical may be required depending on answers in the medical questionnaire.
Unsafe weather can require a site, boat or date change. Certification requirements do not change when a dive plan is adjusted.
All online modules and the final online exam must be completed before the course starts.

Frequently asked questions

Which Simple Dive Open Water course is cheapest?

As of 24 August 2026, all three formats have dates starting at $699 AUD. Standard weekend dates may be listed at $779 AUD, while selected dates can use weekday pricing. Always check the live booking page before paying.

Does the price include all personal equipment?

No. Core rental scuba equipment is included for the scheduled course days, but students need their own mask, snorkel and dive boots.

Do all formats include four open-water dives?

Yes. All three formats include four training dives. The published mix of shore and boat dives differs by format and can change because of weather or operational requirements.

Where are the ocean dives?

Locations vary with conditions and may include sites from Williamstown through Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula, including Portsea or Blairgowrie areas. The confirmed location is provided for the booked course.

Which format is better for a complete beginner?

For most beginners, a three-day format provides more time between learning stages. The two-day intensive format is better reserved for students who already have strong swimming fitness and are comfortable with an accelerated schedule.