Maldives

[ICEMANSAV]

Going in November this year, just wondered how much diving courses where and if there PADI open water courses would be worlwide recognised?

Also as I know I get restless what trips are available?

Cheers

Iceman

[behappy87]

I don't know how much they are, but i went there a few years ago, and their PADI open water courses are recognised worldwide. my family and i did the theory in england, and learnt how to dive etc etc (albeit in a swimming pool!) , and we did our open water part of the course in the maldives. so all we had to do there were a few dives and prove we could do the exercises etc. And after that we could do the dives. So if you haven't learnt to dive yet, I would suggest that.

not sure what you mean by trips in the maldives, but i've been twice and both times there were island hopping trips, where you visit a few different islands in the area. some are inhabited, some aren't, you can spend a little time snorkelling off the beach etc. but apart from that, there aren't that many trips. there are usually a good range of water sports on the islands, so that should keep you occupied! Oh and also you can do more PADI 'courses' there, where you get add-ons to your PADI certificate...things like deep dives, night dives, wreck dives etc. it depends on where you're staying i suppose as to whether you can do all that.

You'll have a great time there, i'm very jealous!

[Pomp]

Best thing to do is do the theory and practical PADI in the UK. You know that you are going to complete your introduction to diving in a safe environment.

You then need to do an open water course, which you can either do in the UK or abroad. This was the advice that I was given, 'if you want to sit at the bottom of a freezing cold quarry, then do it in the UK, if not do that bit abroad.'!!

If you do the PADI theory and practical in the UK, then you don't spend a substantial chunk of your holiday in a classroom reading books!!

[ICEMANSAV]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I have done the intro to diving course while in Egypt earlier this year. That involved basics and a pool lesson followed by an accompanied dive in the sea.

I also did a second dive whereby all we had to do was get our stuff and go for a dive straight in the sea.

the PADI course in the Maldives I have seen advertised is a 3 day course with certfication etc. thrown in. Would this include the theory side, as it does say you become a qualified open water diver?

I will do the advanced parts in Egypt the following year as I have bought a Villa there and so would be cheaper and have more time to do it.

Looked at going to Capenwray in north U.K, but looked freezing and to be honest i would never dive in the U.K, only abroad, so would not see the need for dry suit training, as it will always be in tropical climates.

Thanks once more, Iceman.