Open Water Diving Course
If you're thinking of doing more than snorkling along the scenic waters of Australia, you may decide you need to obtain diving certifications. Melbourne Diving School is the oldest recognized Diving school in Australia. Training courses began in the early 1950's with help from the Royal Australian NavySchool. Police, coast guard and emergency relief personnel were trained this way. The company evolved to offer services and expertise to the general public. Depending how long you plan to be in the area, you may become desire more intensive or advanced courses. The shortest course offered is the PDAI Open Water Diver Course.
This course provides a safe and brief introduction to scuba diving. The course includes theory tutorials, pool training and open water training. You would get a sense of shore and boat dives. Experienced instructors employ the most modern training methods, teaching aids and dive equipment. Company staff holds qualifications recognised in over 100 countries. After this course, you will be qualified to the PADI Open Water Diver standard, and will recieve your internationally- recognized certification card.
To feel capable of completing the course safely, you need to be able to swim at least 200 metres and tread water for 10 minutes without too much fatigue. A Medical Clearance as per Australian Standards(AS 4005.1) is required within 90 days prior to starting your course. The minimum age for participation is fifteen 15 years.
The typical course takes only two nights and three weekends. You could complete it in almost no time! Intensive courses are also made available over four consecutive days. Private courses can be arranged for a fee. Its good to book 10 days before, but if there's space in a limited size classes, you could still join last minute. For example, I won an introductory diving lesson and I've been told to come sometime before the end of 2007, based on availability. Really advanced bookings may not be necessary. It will depend on whether its height of the season.
The one time cost of AUD$590.00 will pay for a text book, logbook, colour passport photograph, certfication card, all theory tuition, all pool training and entrance fees, four open water dives, two boat dives from charter vessels and use of all gear. This will include full wetsuit, flippers and air fills to Australian Standards, for the length of the course. What are you waiting for? The idea of seeing real underwater shipwrecks in Melbourne harbour could be incentive to get a move on!
