Whether you’re dipping your toes into the world of diving for the very first time or looking to sharpen your underwater skills, there’s a PADI course designed just for you. As the world’s most recognised scuba diving training organisation, PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) offers a range of certifications to suit every experience level and ambition.
Not sure which course to choose? This guide will walk you through the different options — from first-time try dives to professional pathways — so you can find the perfect fit for your diving goals.
For First-Time Divers: Try Dives & Beginner Options
If you’ve never dived before, don’t worry — everyone starts somewhere. You don’t need to commit to a full course right away. PADI offers a few excellent entry points for beginners:
Discover Scuba Diving (Try Dive)
This is a half-day experience designed for complete beginners. You’ll learn basic diving theory, get comfortable with the equipment, and enjoy a guided shallow dive with a certified instructor — all without needing certification.
Ideal for: Curious travellers who want to “try before they dive in”
No prior experience needed
Depth: Up to 12 metres, fully supervised
PADI Scuba Diver
If you want a short certification course, this is a good option. It’s a more limited version of the Open Water course and can be completed in just 2 days. After certification, you can dive to 12 metres under the supervision of a professional.
Ideal for: Beginners with limited time
Duration: 2 days
Limitations: Must dive with a pro, not fully independent
PADI Open Water Diver: Your First Full Certification
This is the most popular scuba course in the world — and for good reason. The Open Water Diver certification allows you to dive independently (with a buddy) to a depth of 18 metres.
You’ll learn everything you need to become a confident diver: diving theory, gear handling, underwater skills, and four open water dives. The course usually takes 3 to 4 days and includes both confined water practice and real ocean diving.
Ideal for: Beginners ready to become certified divers
Duration: 3–4 days
Depth: Up to 18 metres
Certification: Lifetime, globally recognised
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver: Take It to the Next Level
Already certified as an Open Water Diver? Ready for more adventure? The Advanced Open Water Diver course helps you improve your skills while exploring exciting new dive types.
The course includes five adventure dives — usually a combination of deep diving, underwater navigation, night diving, wreck diving, or peak performance buoyancy. You can customise your experience based on your interests.
Ideal for: Certified divers who want to explore more or go deeper
Duration: 2–3 days
Depth: Up to 30 metres
Bonus: Often includes your first night dive
Speciality Courses: Focus on What You Love
Once you’re Open Water certified, you can take PADI Speciality Courses that match your interests. These courses focus on specific skills and dive environments, and they’re a great way to gain experience and confidence.
Popular Speciality Courses:
- Night Diver – Learn how to dive safely after dark and discover nocturnal marine life
- Wreck Diver – Explore sunken ships and understand how to navigate them safely
- Deep Diver – Train to go down to 40 metres
- Underwater Photographer – Master the art of capturing marine moments
- Peak Performance Buoyancy – Perfect your control and glide effortlessly through the water
Ideal for: Certified divers looking to grow specific skills
Duration: 1–2 days per speciality
Rescue Diver: Build Confidence & Safety Skills
The PADI Rescue Diver course is challenging, but incredibly rewarding. It teaches you how to manage diving emergencies, assist other divers, and become a more aware and confident buddy. It includes both theory and in-water rescue scenarios.
While it’s not required for recreational diving, many divers say it’s the most valuable course they’ve ever taken.
Ideal for: Divers who want to be more self-reliant and safety-focused
Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water + Emergency First Response
Duration: 3–4 days
Professional Level: PADI Divemaster and Beyond
Want to turn your love of diving into a career? The PADI Divemaster course is your gateway to the professional world of diving. You’ll develop leadership skills, assist instructors, lead dives, and become a role model for other divers.
It includes advanced dive theory, practical training, and real-world experience working with student divers.
Ideal for: Divers who want to work in the dive industry or become instructors
Duration: Varies – typically 4–6 weeks
Prerequisites: Rescue Diver + 40 logged dives (to start)
From Divemaster, you can move on to Instructor Development Courses (IDC) and join the global community of PADI Pros.
How to Choose the Right Course for You
Here are a few questions to help you decide:
- Are you brand new to diving?
→ Start with Discover Scuba or Open Water - Already certified and want more adventure?
→ Try Advanced Open Water or a Speciality Course - Want to be a more confident and helpful diver?
→ Consider the Rescue Diver course - Dreaming of a career in diving?
→ Begin the Divemaster path - Short on time or commitment?
→ Go for a Try Dive or Scuba Diver course
If you’re still unsure, talk to your local dive centre. Instructors can assess your comfort level, experience, and goals to recommend the best path forward.
Why Learn with Pearl Divers?
At Pearl Divers, we offer the full range of PADI courses — from beginner to professional — at our two certified dive centres in Unawatuna and Trincomalee. Whether you’re learning to breathe underwater for the first time or preparing for a Divemaster career, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our instructors are experienced, patient, and passionate about making diving accessible to everyone. We keep our groups small, our schedules flexible, and our training thorough — so you feel confident, safe, and inspired.
Ready to Begin Your Diving Journey?
The underwater world is vast, vibrant, and waiting for you. No matter where you’re starting from, there’s a course that fits your goals — and a team ready to support you.
