Begin Your Journey into the Underwater World Along the ancient coastline where the Mourne Mountains fall into the sea, a deeper world waits for those ready to take the plunge. The Open Water Diver Course is your global passport to that world—a blend of adventure, skill-building, and the timeless stories carried by the tides.
Guided by Dain McParland and the Oceanauts team, who know the folklore of sea giants, hidden realms, and the legends beneath Carlingford Lough, this course is more than just learning to dive. It’s an invitation to become part of the ocean’s story. Across a series of dedicated training sessions, you’ll build real confidence underwater. From mastering buoyancy in the pool to taking your first open-water breaths along the rugged Northern Irish coastline, every step brings you closer to becoming a fully certified scuba diver.
This is where your life as a diver truly begins. Are you ready to answer the call?
Prerequisites
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Minimum Age: 12 years old.
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Experience: No experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore!
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Medical: Must be in good physical health (a standard medical questionnaire will be provided prior to the water sessions).
What’s Included?
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✅ 4 Pool/Confined Training Sessions: Build comfort, control, and in-water confidence
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✅ 2 Open Water Training Days: Includes 4 ocean dives + essential surface skills
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✅ Full premium equipment rental (Total Diving System included)
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✅ SSI digital learning materials (learn theory at your own pace)
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✅ All pool entry fees
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✅ Comprehensive student insurance
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✅ SSI Open Water Diver Digital Certification Card upon completion
What You Need to Bring
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🩱 Swimwear and a towel
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👕 A t-shirt or rash guard for the pool sessions
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🧥 Very warm, comfortable clothes for before and after your ocean dives
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Snacks, water, and a hot drink in a flask for the shore days!
When & Where?
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📍 Locations: Kilkeel Swimming Pool / Newry Leisure Centre (Confined Water) & Greencastle Shore, Co. Down (Open Water).
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⏳ Duration: Typically delivered over four weeks, with flexible scheduling to suit busy calendars.
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Scheduling: Use the booking options at the top of this page to view available dates or arrange your training with us. If the available dates do not suit you, please get in touch before booking.
Please Note: Your safety and success matter to us. To ensure you are fully confident and meet all SSI Open Water Diver standards, if additional open water dives are required beyond the standard curriculum, these can be arranged at £70 per additional training dive.