Start diving the world in 3 simple steps.
SDI makes it possible for you to complete all of the academic requirements for your entry-level scuba diver certification online. You can get started right now and, when you are done, you will then complete your in-water skill-development sessions and final open-water training dives at a local SDI Dive Center close to home, or at a popular vacation destination. It’s that simple! Now, go dive the world with your SDI certification.
Step 1
Get Smart
Start your SDI Open Water Scuba Diver eLearning course and master all the important academic information. You can complete this phase through self-study, at your own pace, in the convenience of your home or office. All eLearning courses work on mobile and tablet devices too.
Step 2
Get Wet
For entry-level certification courses (as well as some continuing-education classes), the next step will be to complete your in-water skill-development training. This takes place in a swimming pool or similar body of confined water, under the supervision of an SDI Instructor.
Step 3
Go Diving
The final step is to complete the required number of SDI open-water training dives under the supervision of your SDI Instructor. Here you will apply what you have learned during your academic and skill-development sessions, while learning practical lessons that can only be gained through real-world experience in open water.
Already a Diver?
Take the next step with continuing education.
Advance your skills
SDI Advanced Adventure Diver Course
If you’ve taken your Open Water Scuba Diver course and you are now ready to expand your knowledge but you want to see what’s out there first, then the SDI Advanced Adventure Diver course is for you!
Technical Diving
Interested in Tech? Become a Technical Diver with TDI
The TDI Intro to Tech Course is an introductory course that expands on recreational training by improving dive planning methods, in-water skills, and streamlining existing gear configurations in a controlled and fun learning environment.
Professionals
Work as a professional dive guide or become a SDI instructor
The SDI Divemaster Course is the first professional level certification. During the course you will learn how to work with divers, lead certified divers, and act as a dive guide showing divers underwater dive sites and the marine life that inhabits those dives sites.
Still got questions?
We’ve compiled a list of articles to help answer those very common scuba diving questions.
The story of SDI
Want to know a little bit more about who we are? Watch this short video we created right here at our World Headquarters