Queensland Holidays - Diving - Diver Training

Queensland's world-class dive sites are matched by world-class diver training ranging from Open Water Certification through to specialty dive courses and professional qualifications. More than 30,000 people learn to dive in Queensland each year - it is a safe and highly regulated sport and the best news is no experience is necessary to take the plunge! Diver certifications achieved in Queensland are through internationally recognised diver training organisations.

An Open Water course is generally the first qualification recommended by professional dive organisations for the beginner diver. It is a theoretical and practical course run over approximately four days, though durations may vary. Students learn about the physiology of diving and gain basic recreational dive skills in a controlled swimming pool environment. Once comfortable with the drills, the course moves out to the warm blue waters of the ocean or reef.

Completing this course will allow divers to undertake multiple dives in one day in open water up to a recommended depth of 18m and the qualification remains current for life.

If your time is limited, one way of squeezing the most from your holiday is to undertake a Referral Dive Course - completing the theory in your local area or home country with a compatible dive training organisation and the practical course component whilst on holiday in Queensland. Check with your dive operator about the availability of referral dive options well in advance.

The cost of each course is dependent on the equipment required and the dive sites visited. Some diving schools may also offer courses in a number of languages.

Operators also offer continuing diver education, professional level training and specialty courses such as search and recovery and underwater photography.

Advanced courses such as the Advanced Open Water Dive and Rescue Diver Courses build upon the skills learnt in the Open Water Course.

Courses are also available in Underwater Photography, Deep Diver, Night Diver, Search & Recovery, Boat Diver, Equipment Maintenance and Wreck Diving.

Professional level training includes Dive Master and Dive Instructor Development courses which qualifies divers to work on the reef.

In Queensland the underwater world is also open to children aged 12-14, who can dive to a depth of 12m under dive instructor or adult supervision.