A Scuba Diving Course for Non-Swimmers
You don't have to know how to swim to become a scuba diver. The PADI Scuba Diver course has no swim test: you only need to float for 10 minutes. Do the theory at home, come to us at 6:30 AM, and by the end of the day you're a certified diver.
In one day you assemble your own equipment, practise the core skills in the pool over three confined water sessions, then make two open water dives with your instructor beside you. Your certification is valid for life and lets you dive to 12 metres (40 feet) anywhere in the world with a PADI professional.
The course runs any day of the year: pick a date that suits you. PADI sets the standards worldwide: read the official outline on PADI's Scuba Diver course page.
Key Details :
Minimum Age: 10 years
Duration: 1 day, from 6:30 AM, any day of the year
No. of Dives: 2 open water dives, plus 3 pool sessions
Prerequisites: No swim test. Float for 10 minutes without swim aids, and finish the PADI Scuba Diver eLearning at home
Maximum Depth: 12 metres/40 feet, with a PADI professional
Your Scuba Class, Step by Step
One step at home, four with us on the day.
Before you come
eLearning at home
The theory, at your own pace on a phone or laptop.
6:30 AM
Float and equipment
The 10-minute float, then you learn to assemble your scuba kit.
Morning
Confined water 1, 2, 3
Three pool sessions to learn and practise the core skills.
Afternoon
Open water dives 1 and 2
In the ocean or a calm quarry, depending on the weather that day.
End of the day
PADI Scuba Diver
Certified for life, to 12 metres with a PADI professional.
Ocean or quarry? It depends on the weather and sea conditions on your day, not the month. When the sea is good, our boats take you out from the UNA Harbour; when it isn't, your open water dives are in a calm freshwater inland quarry. Either way, your course goes ahead.
Booked a Trial Dive? Get Certified Instead
A trial dive (PADI Discover Scuba Diving) gives you one supervised dive and a great memory. For the same single day, this course gives you two open water dives and a certification that's yours for life, so on your next holiday, in Pondicherry or anywhere in the world, you can book dives as a certified diver instead of starting again.
Trial dive
- 4 to 6 hours, 1 open water dive
- No certification
- ₹6,500 + GST
Scuba certification in one day
- 1 day, 3 pool sessions and 2 open water dives
- PADI Scuba Diver, valid for life
- ₹17,500 + GST
How to Book
1. Message or call us
WhatsApp us on +91 93852 30820, or call +91 94296 90234, with the course you'd like and your dates.
2. Pay a 50% deposit
We confirm your dates with you, and a 50% deposit secures your place.
3. Come to our dive centre
You start at our dive centre, No. 3, St. Theresa Street, near Le Green Day Spa, Pondicherry. For ocean dives, our boats leave from the UNA Harbour: you make your own way there, and we're happy to connect you with local transport partners.
Which Scuba Class Suits You?
The biggest difference is whether you can swim. If you can only float, the one-day certification is the way to get certified.
| Compare | Trial dive (Discover Scuba Diving) | Scuba certification in one day | Weekend Scuba Classes | Open Water Diver course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming | Not needed | Not needed, 10-minute float only | 200 m swim + 10-minute float | 200 m swim + 10-minute float |
| Time | 4 to 6 hours | 1 day | 2 days (Sat and Sun) | 3 days |
| Open water dives | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Certification | None | PADI Scuba Diver: to 12 m with a PADI professional | PADI Open Water Diver: to 18 m with a buddy | PADI Open Water Diver: to 18 m with a buddy |
| Price | ₹6,500 + GST | ₹17,500 + GST | ₹25,000 + GST | ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 + GST |
Upgrade to Open Water whenever you're ready: your Scuba Diver training counts towards it.
Price and Inclusions
₹17,500 + 18% GST
₹20,650 including GST, any day of the year.
- PADI eLearning
- 3 pool training sessions
- 2 open water dives
- Equipment rental
- Instructor fees
- Certification fees
- Boat charges
Food and refreshments aren't included, so bring snacks and water.
Scuba Diving for Non-Swimmers: Your Questions
Can a non-swimmer get scuba certified?
Yes. The PADI Scuba Diver certification has no swim test. You only need to stay afloat for 10 minutes in water too deep to stand, without any swim aids, by floating on your back, treading water or a mix of the two.
If you can't float for 10 minutes yet, start with PADI Discover Scuba Diving, which needs no water skills at all, or learn the basics first in our swim school.
Can you really get scuba certified in one day?
Yes, if you finish the PADI eLearning at home before you come. On the day you do everything PADI requires for the Scuba Diver certification: equipment assembly, three confined water sessions and two open water dives. Nothing is skipped; the day simply starts early, at 6:30 AM.
If a skill takes you longer, that's normal. You can finish on another day, as PADI gives you up to 12 months from the start of your course.
Should I book a trial dive or this course?
A trial dive (PADI Discover Scuba Diving) is one supervised dive, ₹6,500 + GST, and you don't come away with a certification. This course takes one day too, with two open water dives, and you finish as a certified PADI Scuba Diver for life.
Choose the trial dive if you only want a taste. Choose this course if you'd like to keep diving on future holidays, without starting from zero each time.
Do I dive in the ocean or the quarry?
It depends on the weather and sea conditions on your day, not on the month. When the sea is good, our boats take you out from the UNA Harbour into the ocean. When it isn't, your open water dives are in a calm freshwater inland quarry. We decide on the day, so your course goes ahead either way, any time of year.
What can I do once I'm a PADI Scuba Diver?
You can dive to 12 metres (40 feet) anywhere in the world, always with a PADI professional. The certification is valid for life.
When you want to dive with a buddy and go to 18 metres, you can upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver. Your Scuba Diver training counts towards it.
Which days can I do the course?
Any day of the year. WhatsApp us with the date you'd like, and book a few days ahead so you have time to finish the eLearning before you come.
How long does the eLearning take?
Most people need a few hours, done at your own pace on a phone or laptop. We send it as soon as you book. It must be finished before you arrive, because there's no time for it on the day.
What's the minimum age?
10 years. Children up to 14 earn a PADI Junior Scuba Diver certificate, which upgrades automatically when they turn 15. There's no upper age limit if you're in good health; if you're over 45 or have a health condition, check with a doctor first.
I'm nervous and can't swim. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Most of our non-swimmers feel the same before they start. You begin in the pool, learn one skill at a time with your instructor beside you, and only go to open water when you're both ready.
What's included, and what isn't?
The price includes the PADI eLearning, three pool sessions, two open water dives, equipment rental, instructor fees, certification fees and boat charges. Food and refreshments aren't included, so bring snacks and water.
Still have questions? Read more FAQs about diving in Pondicherry, or WhatsApp us on +91 93852 30820.
Reviewed by Hardik Datanwala, PADI Course Director (PADI #298676), Lieutenant Governor's Commendation Award 2026 and two Guinness World Records · Last updated: