Scuba Diving for Beginners: How to Start Scuba Diving

This is a topic where my true passion lies.

As a seasoned PADI Divemaster, I believe scuba diving can bring a whole new dimension to your adventure travels.

Why? Because your holiday planning will take on an added element of excitement with this thrilling new hobby.

Before committing to a scuba diving course, the first thing I recommend is to experience a Discover Scuba Dive (DSD).

This is exactly what I did in Egypt, and it confirmed that scuba diving was something I wanted to pursue more deeply.

Who offers Discover Scuba Dive?

Most dive centers offer DSDs as an option. The most reputable and well-known diving organisation is PADI, which is the one I chose to be certified with. However, there are other recognised organisations like SSI, SDI, and NAUI, to name a few. When contacting dive operators, it’s important to know which organisation they are affiliated with to ensure the experience is professional and legitimate.

The professional guiding your Discover Scuba Dive could either be a Dive Instructor or Divemaster, depending on the country. For example, in Australia, Divemasters need additional training to legally conduct DSDs. Always make sure you feel comfortable with the professional leading your dive.

What is a Discover Scuba Dive?

The experience usually begins with a knowledge review, covering the basics of scuba diving. This information is then put into practice, typically starting in a pool.

Your dive professional will help you get comfortable breathing underwater using the regulator—the hose connected to your oxygen tank. They’ll also ensure your buoyancy is steady before you dive into open water. Additionally, you’ll learn how to communicate underwater using hand signals.

Once all the boxes have been ticked, the dive professional will then take you on a guided dive in the location you have chosen.

Where can you do a Discover Scuba Dive?

Discover Scuba Dives aren’t limited to the ocean. You can also dive in lakes, rivers, cenotes, or any body of water with a nearby dive shop. This offers great flexibility in where you can try scuba diving for the first time.

When is the best time to undertake a DSD?

If you're on holiday and considering diving for the first time, I recommend doing your DSD early in your trip. This way, if you love it, you’ll have time to continue with the Open Water course. It’s also important to note that you cannot fly within 18 hours of your last dive due to the risk of decompression sickness. If you’ve done multiple dives, the window extends to around 24 hours.

Why do I recommend giving it a try?

The DSD is a fantastic way to experience scuba diving without committing to the higher expense of a full course. There’s no feeling quite like being underwater, admiring marine life, colorful corals, and the surrounding underwater world.

What’s next?

Once you’ve completed your DSD, the next step is to pursue your Open Water course and eventually Advanced Scuba Diving, which I’ll cover in a future post.

If you have any questions about getting started, please feel free to reach out! I’d love to help in any way I can.

Megan Rubi x