Diving courses for beginners
The basic diving courses are for people who want to learn to dive and for those who already hold a first certificate and want to feel more confident underwater. No diving experience is needed: you need to swim and feel comfortable in the water. Before the first course you will need a medical certificate that no health problems stop you from diving.
What these courses have in common
You finish the diving courses with an international PADI or SDI certificate, accepted by dive centres all over the world. On the Open Water and Advanced courses you study the theory at our centre in Vilnius or online, practise the skills in the Lazdynai pool and then dive in Lake Galvė. On these courses we provide all the diving equipment, and we fit the dates to you.
How PADI and SDI differ is explained in PADI or SDI: what is the difference?
This level also includes first aid courses. They are not diving courses: anyone can take them, and no diving experience is needed.
How to choose
Your first time underwater
If you just want to try it, book an intro dive: a short briefing and a dive in the pool with an instructor. If you have decided to learn, start with the Open Water Diver (OWD) course. In 3–4 days you cover the theory, pool sessions and four open water dives, and the certificate lets you dive to 18 m.
More experience and depth
You can start the Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) course right after OWD. It has five dives: deep, navigation and three you choose with the instructor. The certificate lets you dive to 30 m, and each chosen dive can later count towards the specialty certificate in that area.
Safety for yourself and others
The Rescue Diver course teaches you to recognise stress, prevent accidents and help another diver underwater and at the surface. It requires a first aid course completed within the last 24 months. If you do not have one, you can take the EFR first aid course alongside it. The First Aid for Children course is for parents, teachers and anyone who works with children.
What comes next
After AOWD many divers go on to specialty courses: nitrox, deep, night or dry suit diving. The Rescue Diver certificate is required to start the Divemaster course, the first professional diving level. If you are drawn to deeper and longer dives, see the technical diving courses.
Frequently asked questions
Which course should I start with?
If you have never dived and want a certificate, start with the Open Water Diver (OWD) course. If you just want to try it, book an intro dive in the pool.
What is the difference between PADI and SDI?
Both issue international certificates recognised worldwide. You learn with the same instructor in the same places and the programme is almost the same; the learning materials and sometimes the price differ.
From what age can you learn to dive?
The Open Water Diver (OWD) course is for children from 10–12 years and for adults. The AOWD and Rescue Diver courses can be started from 12.
Can I take Rescue Diver right after OWD?
PADI requires Advanced Open Water Diver, or Adventure Diver with the navigation dive. SDI also accepts Open Water Divers with 15 logged dives. Either way, we recommend at least 20 dives of experience.