Course overview

The PADI Scuba Diver certification at Sipadan is a sub-level of Open Water, suited to beginners short on time who train on the calm reefs off Mabul Island. You complete the first portions of knowledge development, confined-water skills and open-water dives, earning a recognised rating that lets you dive with a PADI professional to 12 metres. It can be upgraded to full Open Water Diver whenever you are ready.

What you’ll learn

• Assemble and use scuba equipment correctly
• Master core skills like mask clearing and regulator recovery
• Control buoyancy and equalise on descent
• Manage entries, exits and basic problem-solving
• Plan a dive within your limits with a professional
• Communicate and follow safe-diving practices underwater

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10 (Junior Scuba Diver) or 15
• No prior certification required
• Reasonable comfort and swimming ability in the water
• Basic health questionnaire (medical clearance if any condition applies)

What's included · What's not

Not included? Sort the rest of your trip

Flights and accommodation aren’t part of the course price, here’s how to book them around your dates.

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Theory and confined water

   First knowledge sections and confined-water skill sessions on the shallow Mabul house reef.
2. Day2
   Open-water dives

   Two supervised open-water training dives on the Mabul reef applying your skills.
3. Day3
   Assessment and certification

   Final skill review and PADI Scuba Diver certification, with the option to continue toward Open Water.

Verified through iDive

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Frequently asked questions