Written by Dive Box, 15 March 2021. 1000HRS
The world is full of marvelous wonders. With 72 percent of the Earth covered in water, it is not wrong to claim that most of the Earth’s beauty lies within the depths of the vast oceans and deep blue seas. Scuba diving takes one on a whole new experience, allowing divers to see the world in a whole new perspective.
But like many other sports, a diver requires a scuba diving certificate in order to dive in the different waters around. Luckily for you, we have compiled a list of everything you need to know about the prerequisites to scuba diving and attaining a certificate to dive just about anywhere you wish.
Prerequisites
In order to partake in any scuba diving course in Singapore, you are required to meet the following criteria:
At least 10 years of age or older
Able to swim 200m or more by yourself
Able to tread or float in water for 10 minutes without any assistance or floatation devices
Diving Certificates
While there are many different types of scuba diving certificates around, diving schools in Singapore mainly offers the:
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Certificate
SSI (Scuba Schools International) Certificate
These certificates both in general follow the framework laid down by the World Recreational Scuba Diving Council. However over the past few months, the pandemic has resulted in some adjustments to each of the certification processes. Listed below are some of the most recently updated characteristics between the two:
PADI
Offers a both physical or digital manual for self learning however the prices are generally more expensive than SSI’s
Provides all scuba divers with the option of a digital certificate
In terms of training philosophy, it offers a progressive based education structure where divers can only progress to rescue and other advanced courses upon completion of the open water courses.
Individuals looking to attain a PADI certification can attain them through a dive centre that offers the courses or through an independent instructor who need not be affiliated with any dive centres
Certificates are often issued by the dive instructors
SSI
Offers only a digital manual for self learning
Provides all scuba divers with the option of a digital certificate
In terms of training philosophy, it offers a more specialised based education structure where divers are encouraged to practice more on the same type of dive in order to become more competent and confident
SSI dive centers also provide courses such as the XR Foundations for all divers of all levels. These courses help to cultivate a safe and holistic diving experience for divers and it is considered as a good platform for divers of all levels
Individuals looking to attain a SSI certificate can attain through instructors who are affiliated with a SSI Dive Centre
Certificates are issued by the SSI Dive Centre
Diving Schools
In Singapore, there are many different schools that provide diving courses for you to attain your scuba diving certificate. We recommend finding the right school for yourself and refer to the certificate that they offer.
Here’s a list of our top diving schools where you can learning scuba diving today:
*Do note that the prices below are not inclusive of any diving equipment rental nor insurance. Also do note that with Covid-19, slots may be limited and we highly recommend booking way in advance to secure a spot on your desired date.
PADI Certified Scuba Diving Schools In Singapore
GS Diving
GS-Diving is a dive school in Singapore which specializes in PADI scuba diving courses in both local and international waters. GS Diving’s other dive trips also include exploring shipwrecks in the South China Sea and even diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. However as of now, they are only restricting all trips to local waters only.
Price: From $589
Theory Class: Self-study at home for 6-8 hours per week
Pool Session: Call to check
Open Water Dive Locations: Pulau Hantu
Simply Scuba
Simply Scuba is a Tioman/Singapore based PADI 5 Star IDC Training Facility with more than 25 years of experience in the diving industry. Simply Scuba offers a wide variety of diving trips and courses for scuba divers of all levels.
Price: From $590
Theory Class: Every Tuesday: 7 - 10PM (Location: Simply Scuba)
Pool Session: Every Saturday: 9.30AM. (Location: Orchid Country Club)
Open Water Dive Locations: Call to Check
S.E.A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa
The S.E.A. Aquarium is situated in Resorts World Sentosa. Signing up for classes with them will grant you opportunities to dive with over 1000 species of marine life in the S.E.A. Aquarium Open Ocean Habitat.
Price: $548 (RWS Invites members enjoy a 3% rebate)
Theory Class: Self study at home over 4 weeks
Pool Session: Every Saturday and Sunday: 8.30AM – 6PM (Location: Adventure Cove Waterpark)
Open Water Dive Locations: S.E.A. Aquarium Open Ocean Habitat
SSI Certified Scuba Diving Schools In Singapore
Dive Lab
Dive Lab is a Singapore based dive centre that conducts a variety of dive courses. They offer a variety of dive trips and destinations for a range of different diver levels. Due to the current pandemic situation, Dive Lab offers flexibility for scuba divers such as online classes that are based on the student’s schedule.
Price: from $600
Theory Class: Weekdays: For timing, please call to check. Every Saturday: 1030AM - 2PM (Location: Dive Lab)
Pool sessions: Every Saturday: 1130AM - 530PM (Location: OCC Country Club)
Open Water Dive locations: Pulau Hantu
Cuddlefish Divers
Cuddlefish Divers is a scuba diving centre that provides a fun and safe scuba diving environment for all divers who are looking to pick up the various courses that they offer.
Price: from $566
Theory Class: Every Monday and Wednesday: 7PM - 10PM (Location: Cuttlefish Divers)
Pool sessions: Every Tuesday and Thursday: 6.30PM - 10.30PM
Open Water Dive locations: Pulau Hantu
Scuba Knights
Originally known as Scuba Delectables, Scuba Knight was established in 2013 and today they provide a wide variety of scuba diving courses with the means of sharing the wonders of the ocean and marine conservation with like minded individuals.
Price: from $578
Theory Class: Monday and Saturday: for timing, please call to check (Location: Scuba Knights)
Pool sessions: Tuesday and Sunday: for timing, please call to check (Location: Owl Bar or Atrix Building)
Open Water Dive locations: Lazarus Island