REGISTRATION

Spots are offered in the order that EOIs are received for each individual course. If you’re not initially offered a place, you’ll automatically go onto the waiting list. Quite often, the first round of students may drop out if they don’t pass the swim test (400m swim + 10-minute float), or don’t provide a signed medical form. If that happens, we notify the waiting list after the first orientation session.

Otherwise, we run Open Water courses throughout the year, and new dates will continue to be added to the same link and announced via email and social media.

EOI Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAx508_4orHyN-RFIAzkJWvoLi3eDUubPG65DOKLzECDnFGw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104316273533738343832  

In the meantime, you may also like to consider booking an Open Water course directly with one of the local dive centres. While we’d love to have you on a Unidive course, these centres are well-equipped and provide excellent training. Once you’re certified, you’ll be ready to join—and even help run—Unidive events! The course is only the first step of becoming a diver. It’s your first 20+ independent dives — separate from a dive professional — that really teach you how to be a good diver. That’s where UniDive is so well-equipped and here to support you.

COURSE COST: $650

Includes:

• Transport to/from the University of Queensland St Lucia Campus
• 1 year of UniDive membership
• 3-months of gear hire
• All PADI eLearning materials

Does not include: 

• $60 Gear deposit (returned when you no longer wish to loan Unidive scuba equipment)
• Scuba mask, snorkel, fins (needed before pool day). SMB and cutting tool (needed before ocean days).

COURSE SCHEDULE

Orientation Night

Thursday 30 April | 6:00pm – late

You will need to:

• Hand in your completed medical form: All recreational scuba divers must complete a diver medical assessment before diving (including Open Water courses). The PADI medical form is attached. If you answer “yes” to any questions on page 2, a GP signature is required—this is common and usually a brief appointment. It’s simply to ensure your individual health factors are reviewed, as instructors are not medical professionals. Some medical histories or higher-level certifications may require a full dive medical with a dive doctor (including fitness and lung capacity tests). More information and specialist providers are available via SPUMS
• Complete swim tests (UQ + PADI):
• 400 m continuous swim
• No touching the wall, lane rope, or floor
• Any stroke, no time limit
• No wetsuit, mask, or snorkel
• Goggles allowed
• 10-minute float or tread water
• Head must remain above water for the full duration
• Create a UniDive account (bring a laptop if possible)
• Try on and learn to assemble scuba equipment
• Pay course fees: $650
  • $40 UniDive annual membership
  • $610 course expenses
• Pay gear deposit: $60
  (Refundable when you no longer wish to loan gear through the club. More info: link)

You must pass your swim tests and submit your medical form at this session to continue in the course. Otherwise, your spot will be offered to someone on the waiting list.

Online Training:

8–12 hours

Complete your independent online training via PADI eLearning. Access is only granted after course registration.

Pool Briefing: 14 May
 – 6:00 pm to late @ Unidive Club Shed

Pool Day:
Saturday 16 May – Arrive 8:00 am, finish approximately 5:00 pm

Ocean Days Briefing: 2` May – 6:00 pm to late @ Unidive Club Shed

Ocean Day 1:  23 May
 – Tweed River

·       Arrive by 8:00 am

·       Finish approximately 3:00 pm

·       Carpooling organised on the Thursday prior

·       The Unidive shed will not be open beforehand

·       You must arrive with all required gear, including tanks

Ocean Day 2: 24 May
– Tweed River
(Location may change depending on weather)

·       Arrive 8:00 am

·       Finish at the Unidive shed at approximately 6:00 pm
(Fingers crossed as a fully certified and confident Open Water Diver)

Certification:

Once all skills are mastered, you’ll be a certified Open Water Diver!
You’ll then be able to join social dives and dive anywhere in the world.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS AND COMMITMENT

This is an intensive course that requires your full commitment and focus. You are expected to take responsibility for your own preparation, learning, and skill mastery both before and throughout the course. This includes looking after yourself, managing your time effectively, preparing your gear thoroughly, and actively practicing skills in the water.

Key expectations include keeping up with theoretical learning by studying, asking questions, and doing further research. You are also expected to meet the physical demands of the course by getting adequate sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated to maintain energy and focus.  

Being well-prepared will significantly enhance both your learning experience and your safety in the water. This course provides the tools and time necessary to master the skills required to qualify as an Open Water diver. However, it does not guarantee a pass. If, upon completion, the instructor feels you are not yet ready to dive independently as a fully certified and safe scuba diver, you may be referred for additional private training through the instructor or local dive centres. Please note that any extra training will incur additional costs.