PADI Scuba Diver Course
What is the PADI Scuba Diver course?
PADI Scuba Diver is a two-day course that allows you to dive safely and confidently to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet on guided experiences. If you're short on time but really want to become a diver, the PADI Scuba Diver course is right for you, particularly if you expect to go scuba diving primarily with a dive guide.
PADI is the largest international scuba organisation, and the PADI Scuba Diver qualification is recognised everywhere - from guided boat dives in False Bay with PADI Professionals to coral reef explorations on your next tropical holiday. This qualification never expires - it's a skill set you can keep developing for life.
Additionally, you can use this course as an intermediate step on your dive journey by upgrading to the PADI Open Water Diver certification at a later stage at any PADI dive school.
The PADI Scuba Diver certification unlocks a world of amazing ocean adventures!
Who is this course for?
The PADI Scuba Diver course is a great option for those with time and budget constraints who would like to begin their diving careers, but are unable to commit to the longer PADI Open Water Diver training. Both courses are held at the same high standard, and PADI Scuba Divers will always have the option of completing their Open Water Diver training at a future date, and "upgrading" their diving qualification to allow them to dive to 18 metres/59 feet without a guide.
How to take part
The PADI Scuba Diver course at the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School costs R5 200 per person. This includes everything you need for the course – digital theory packs, gear rental, dive permits, final qualification certification, etc.
Participant information
Age restrictions
Participants must be aged 10 years or older to enrol in the PADI Scuba Diver course (or Junior Scuba Diver course).
Important medical information
To do the PADI Scuba Diver Course, you need to be reasonably healthy. You will need to complete a medical questionnaire before being allowed to dive – download it here. Have a look through the questions on Page 1. If you answered YES to questions 3, 5, or 10 OR any of the questions on page 2, please read and agree to the statement provided by signing and dating it AND take all three pages of this form (Participant Questionnaire and the Physician’s Evaluation Form) to your physician for a medical evaluation. Participation in a diving course requires your physician’s approval.
If you answer “No” to all questions, no doctor’s letter is required. Should there be an answer that concerns us, we reserve the right to ask for a referral to a diving physician. When answering these questions, honesty is paramount to your safety and ours.
Flying after diving
Please be advised that you may not do this course and dive if you are planning to fly within 24 hours after the dive.
Course information
Course duration
The course takes two days to complete. The days do not need to be consecutive (you have up to six months to complete the course), but we strongly recommend that you complete these days in close succession so that everything is fresh in your mind.
Days typically start at 08h00 in the foyer of the Aquarium, where your dive instructor will meet you, and finish around 16h00.
Did you know?
PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is a certified PADI Dive Centre! This means we meet all the stringent health, safety and quality requirements as set out by PADI.
In addition to Open Water Diver, the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School also offers Discover Scuba Diving and Advanced Open Water Diver courses, as well as refresher courses.
Frequently asked questions
All you need to bring along is a swimsuit and a reusable water bottle.
We provide everything you will need on the day, including all gear, study materials, hot showers, and towels.
Transport to any shore-entry dive sites is not included.
To do the PADI Scuba Diver course, you need to be reasonably healthy. In addition to completing the downloadable health questionnaire, you will also need to be relatively fit and able to swim.
Please be advised that you may not do this course and dive if you are planning to fly within 24 hours after the dive.
Please arrive at the Two Oceans Aquarium 15 minutes before your scheduled diving slot. You may report to our Visitor Centre just inside the main entrance and the Dive School team will meet you.
A PADI Scuba Diver qualification allows you to dive to depths of 12 metres on a guided dive with a professional PADI instructor!
The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School is a certified PADI Dive Centre and your one-stop shop for all things scuba diving in Cape Town.
PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation. As a certified PADI Dive Resort, the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School meets all the stringent health, safety and quality requirements as set out by PADI.
Please read our terms and conditions and make sure you are eligible to dive before making your dive booking:
In line with recognised diving practice, dives may not occur if divers are to FLY less than 12 hours after one dive or 24 hours after two dives on the same day. Please do not book if you are not sure about the exact time of your flight, especially if it is within 24 hours after your dive.
Divers under 18 must have their indemnity form signed by their legal guardian. If the legal guardian will not be present on the day of the dive, they must request a copy of the indemnity form at the time of booking the dive so that it is signed in advance of the dive.
The Aquarium entrance fee is included in the rate for the diver/s on the day/s of their dive/s.
Cancellation policy
Before cancelling your booking, please note that PADI dive courses are non-refundable. The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School requests proof of payment as well as a completed booking form to secure your preferred dates.