Beginner · Weekend intensive
SCUBA Diver — Elbow Lane Weekend
Start your underwater adventure with Underwater World's entry-level SCUBA Diver program. You'll build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to dive safely and comfortably before completing your Open Water Certification Dives.
Become a Certified SCUBA Diver
Start your underwater adventure with Underwater World's entry-level SCUBA Diver program. You'll build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to dive safely and comfortably before completing your Open Water Certification Dives.
Your Path to Certification
eLearning
Begin with online academics that introduce the principles, procedures, and knowledge you'll use throughout your training.
Confined Water Training
Work directly with your Instructor to learn and practice essential SCUBA skills in a controlled-water environment.
Open Water Certification Dives
Put your training into practice during your required Open Water Certification Dives and complete your SCUBA Diver certification.
Course Information
About the Course
The SCUBA Diver course is designed for people beginning their recreational diving education. Training combines independent academics with hands-on instruction to develop the knowledge and in-water abilities needed to become a safe, comfortable, and confident diver.
Your Instructor will reinforce important academic concepts, demonstrate proper techniques, and coach you as you develop your skills throughout confined-water training.
What You'll Learn
Throughout your training, you'll develop the fundamental skills used by recreational SCUBA divers, including:
- Proper use and understanding of SCUBA equipment
- Breathing and controlling yourself comfortably underwater
- Buoyancy, positioning, and underwater movement
- Basic dive planning and safe diving practices
- Buddy procedures and underwater communication
- Managing common problems and responding appropriately underwater
Course Format
Training begins with eLearning followed by instructor-led confined-water training. Your Instructor will review important concepts from the academics while helping you learn, practice, and refine your SCUBA skills in the water.
Course schedules and training formats may vary, but all Underwater World SCUBA Diver courses follow the same training philosophy: develop divers who are comfortable and capable in the water rather than simply completing required skills.
What Happens After This Course?
After successfully completing your academic and confined-water training, the final step is completing your Open Water Certification Dives.
These dives allow you to apply the skills you've learned in an actual open-water environment. Underwater World offers scheduled local certification dives, and referral options may also be available for divers who plan to complete their dives while traveling.
Schedule
Available dates
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Frequently asked questions
Does this course make me a certified SCUBA Diver?
This course completes the academic and confined-water portions of your SCUBA training. You must also successfully complete the required Open Water Certification Dives before your certification is complete.
Do I need Try SCUBA before getting certified?
No. Try SCUBA is optional. You can start directly with online learning and pool training, Parts 1 & 2.
How old do I need to be to get certified?
UWW minimum age is 11 for Parts 1 & 2 and 12 for local open-water certification dives. Some courses have a higher minimum age; check the requirements for your chosen class.
How much does scuba certification cost?
From January 1, 2027, Parts 1 & 2 cost $495 on weekdays or $545 in the weekend format. Local Open Water Certification Dives, Part 3, cost $375, making the combined tuition $870 or $920. Courses held in 2026 retain their listed 2026 tuition. Required learning, pool training and SCUBA equipment rental are included. Personal mask, fins, snorkel and dive-site admission are extra.
How long does certification take?
Timing depends on the season, location and course format. Weekly academic and pool courses run for about six weeks; weekend formats are also available, usually in summer. Open-water certification dives, Part 3, are booked separately. Across Parts 1, 2 and 3 combined, you receive at least 17 hours of training, including at least 10 hours in the water. We do not rush your training.
What equipment do I need?
For certification, you need your own mask, fins and snorkel; SCUBA equipment rental is included. Students receive 25% off UWW personal-fit packages.
Can I complete my open-water dives on vacation?
Yes. Complete your eLearning, lectures and pool training with us, then finish your certification dives at your destination. A Universal Referral costs $50 for processing. The destination dive shop charges separately, and its requirements and terms apply.
Should I choose NAUI or SDI?
We offer both, with the same approach to training. Choose the course that fits your schedule unless you have an agency preference. Already have eLearning? Choose a course from the same agency.