SCUBA Diving For Kids
Discover the requirements, experiences and courses available for young divers starting from 8 years old.
Scuba diving is an unforgettable adventure, and children can start discovering the underwater world from as young as eight years old through SSI’s carefully designed Junior Diver programs. Whether your child wants to try breathing underwater for the first time or earn a recognised scuba certification, SSI training provides a safe, structured, and enjoyable introduction to diving.
All junior programs are conducted by qualified SSI Professionals and follow age-appropriate standards designed specifically for younger divers. As they progress, children develop confidence, responsibility, water safety skills, and an appreciation for marine life and ocean conservation.
From a first underwater experience to internationally recognised certifications, SSI Junior Diver programs provide a clear pathway for young adventurers to learn, explore, and create lifelong memories beneath the surface.
Not sure which course is right for your child?
Ages 8-9: Start with a Try Scuba experience in a swimming pool.
Ages 10+: Choose Basic Diver, Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver certification.
Our instructors will be happy to help you select the best option based on your child’s age, confidence, and previous experience in the water.
Private Tuition and Courses
Private try dives and courses are available for personalised training and flexible schedules.
For all information and bookings, contact us at any time.
Try Diving
from 8 years old
Course duration : half day
The SSI Try Scuba experience is the perfect introduction to scuba diving for children aged 8 and above.
Learn about SCUBA equipment and basic skills in a swimming pool.
Basic Diver
from 10 years old
Course duration : approximately 1 day
This program is a great introduction to real scuba diving for young adventurers divers from 10 years old who want to experience more than a simple try dive. It gives participants the opportunity to learn basic scuba skills and experience the excitement of exploring underwater under the close supervision of an SSI Professional.
SCUBA Diver
from 10 years old
Course duration : approximately 2 days
The SSI Scuba Diver program is an excellent option for young divers aged 10 and above who want to gain a recognised scuba certification but may not yet have the time to complete the full Open Water Diver course.
Open Water Diver
from 10 years old
Course duration : approximately 3 days
The SSI Junior Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular scuba certification program for young divers aged 10 to 15. Combining online learning, pool training, and open water dives, the course teaches students the knowledge and practical skills needed to dive safely and confidently.
Advanced Open Water Diver
from 12 years old
Course duration : approximately 2 days
The SSI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver program is designed for young divers aged 12 and above who are ready to build on their Open Water Diver experience and discover more of what scuba diving has to offer. Through a selection of specialised training dives, students can develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and become more confident and capable underwater.
Course Descriptions
Try Diving
from 8 years old
Course duration : half day
This fun and exciting session allows young participants to experience breathing underwater and discover the sensation of weightlessness for the first time under the direct supervision of an SSI Professional,
Children will learn basic scuba skills, become familiar with the equipment, and gain confidence in a safe and controlled environment. Conducted at the swimming pool this experience is designed to be relaxed, enjoyable, and focused on safety while providing a memorable introduction to the underwater world.
For many young divers, a Try Scuba experience is the first step towards becoming a certified diver and exploring even more underwater adventures in the future.
Basic Diver
from 10 years old
Course duration : one day
The SSI Basic Diver program combines a short academic session with practical training in confined water, followed by a supervised open water dive to a maximum depth pf 12 metres. Students learn the basics of scuba equipment, underwater communication, buoyancy, and safe diving practices while gaining valuable experience in a real diving environment.
Basic Diver is an excellent choice for children who want to discover whether scuba diving is right for them, or for families looking for a safe and memorable underwater activity while on holiday. It can also provide a useful introduction before progressing to an SSI Open Water Diver course when they are ready for certification.
For young divers aged 10 years and older, the SSI Basic Diver program offers a fun, structured, and confidence-building first step into the underwater world.
SCUBA Diver
from 10 years old
Course duration : approximately 2 days
The SSI Scuba Diver program is an excellent option for young divers aged 10 and above who want to gain a recognised scuba certification but may not yet have the time to complete the full Open Water Diver course.
On this course students learn the essential principles of scuba diving through academic sessions, pool training, and open water dives while developing confidence, buoyancy skills, underwater awareness, and safe diving habits. Upon certification, Scuba Divers can dive under the direct supervision of a dive professional or certified adult, within SSI’s age-related depth limits.
This course provides a solid foundation for future diving adventures and can easily be upgraded to the Open Water Diver certification at a later date.
Junior SCUBA Diver : Supervision and Age related depth limits;
Students younger than 15 years old will be certified as a Junior SCUBA Divers and may dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres and must always dive under the direct supervision of a dive professional or with a certified adult in environments equivalent to their training.
Open Water Diver
from 10 years old
Course duration : approximately 3 days
On this course young divers learn equipment use, dive planning, buoyancy control, underwater communication, environmental awareness, and essential safety procedures. Training is conducted at a pace suitable for younger students, ensuring every participant feels comfortable and supported throughout the course.
Upon certification, Open Water Divers can enjoy supervised recreational diving around the world.
For many families, the Open Water Diver course becomes the start of a lifetime of shared underwater adventures.
Junior Open Water Diver : Supervision and Age related depth limits;
Students younger than 15 years old will be certified as a Junior Open Water Diver and must dive under the direct supervision of a dive professional or with a certified adult in environments equivalent to their training and within the recommended depth limits.
Divers aged 10 and 11 are certified to a maximum depth of 12 metres, while divers aged 12 – 15 and over may dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
Advanced Open Water Diver
from 12 years old
Course duration : approximately 3 days
Depending on the specialties selected, training may introduce young divers to skills such as navigation, deeper diving, buoyancy control, marine life observation, or other exciting areas of recreational diving. Each specialty combines knowledge development with practical training, allowing students to learn in a progressive and enjoyable way under the guidance of an SSI Professional.
The program is an excellent next step for junior divers who want to improve their skills, experience different types of diving, and prepare for future SSI Specialty Programs. For divers aged 12 to 15, dives are conducted within SSI’s junior depth and supervision requirements, ensuring that training remains appropriate for their age and experience.
Successful completion earns the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification and provides a strong foundation for continuing their diving education and exploring the underwater world with greater confidence.
Junior Open Water Diver : Supervision and Age related depth limits;
Students younger than 15 years old will be certified as a Junior Advanced Open Water Diver and must dive under the direct supervision of a dive professional or with a certified adult in environments equivalent to their training and to a maximum depth of 21 meters.
Fitness to Dive
You must be in reasonable health to go SCUBA Diving. You can check the basic requirements here;
Other SSI SCUBA Courses
Try Dives
Advanced
Divemaster
Digital Learning
