Requirements: Online Theory Training

Before starting your Learn to Dive Course with Reef Encounter, you are required to complete the theory portion of the course before your reef trip. With your Dive Instructor on the boat, together you will review your understanding of the theory to make sure you are happy with your knowledge and understand the fundamentals of scuba diving

Once you have booked your Learn to Dive Course, you will be enrolled to do this online theory training and will receive an email with the details on how to begin. While you will need internet access to initially download the free training APP to your computer, device or smartphone, the theory training can be completed offline – you are not required to have an internet connection. You can complete the training in more than one sitting, as long as you save where you are up to each time

Requirements: Dive Medical Certificate

Before beginning any Learn to Dive Course in Australia, you may be required by law to get a medical certificate that states you are healthy to scuba dive

It is important that you read the Scuba Divers Important Information page carefully before booking your course – so that you know whether a dive medical is required from you. If required, this dive medical certificate may be completed inside or outside of Australia – however, MUST be conducted using the Australian Examination Paperwork AS4005.1 and clearly state this on the certificate – otherwise, it is not accepted in Australia. For more information on whether you will be required to provide a medical certificate, complete our simple Can I Dive? Questionnaire

Whether you are required to get a medical certificate before starting your course depends on several factors – such as whether you are taking ANY medication (excluding the oral contraceptive pill), have ANY medical condition (both past or present) or have ANY health issue

In addition, all persons who are enrolled on any scuba training in Australia MUST acquire a medical certificate if they are over the age of 44 years (45 yrs and above) OR have a body mass index over 30 and a waist circumference greater than 102cm for males and 88cm for females. If you may be considered overweight, please complete the questionnaire on the ‘Can I go Diving’ link below, to see if you will be required to get a diving medical

*Anyone booking a trip which includes scuba diving please check: Can I go Diving

Requirements: Age Limits

The minimum age for enrolling on a Learn to Dive Course in Australia is 12 years old. Upon completion of the course, students aged between 12-14 years will receive a ‘Junior Open Water Dive Licence.’ Persons 15 years old and above will receive a full adult ‘Open Water Diver Licence’. While there is currently no maximum age limit, scuba diving is a potentially strenuous activity and should be undertaken by fit and active people of all ages. (Aforementioned medical and health restrictions apply)