• You need to be able to swim about 250 meters
• Be reasonably fit (if you suspect that you are really unfit, check out our exercise page to get some tips on how to start off)
• That’s it!

If you are less able and normally use a wheel chair - you can still go Scuba Diving. The water is a great leveller and you can join innovative groups such as HSAH who run trips and assess resorts for disabled divers.

So what’s the first step?

Book a course, or join a club

1. Clubs like the BSAC (British SubAqua Club) in the UK charge a membership fee and periodically organise training for new and more experienced divers. Advantages of a club are that you can get access to shared club resources like boats and some equipment and the club will have events and dive trips throughout the year. In a club environment you can also get more ongoing support and learn to dive without having to take time off work.   The BSAC will also let you come along and try out scuba equipment in a swimming pool near you to see if you like it, if you’re not sure.
2. Short courses are the other main option. PADI (the Professional Association of Dive Instructors), NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) and other organisations offer residential courses. You can get qualified in a week, and if you like you can roll it into a holiday somewhere sunny. Advantages of just doing a short course are that you just get it done and can justify a quick holiday while you’re about it.

On a residential course you can qualify in under a week, with classes in the morning (where you learn about planning dives, safety and communication underwater), then diving in the afternoon. So it really is quick and easy to do.

PADI has a search page to help you locate the training centre nearest you.