This is your sign nga magpa-certify as a scuba diver…
Cebu isn’t just for island hopping and snorkeling, it’s also one of the best places in the Philippines to get scuba certified. So, we’ve got here a quick guide to the different types of scuba certifications you can get in the island and what they mean.
Discover Scuba Diving (Intro Dive)
This isn’t a certification per se, but it’s the best way to dip your toes, or fins, into scuba. No prior experience needed. You’ll get a short briefing, practice a few basic skills, and then head into the water with a dive pro to guide you. It’s great for those who just want to try it out before committing to a full course; rest assured, you’ll still get to explore real dive sites, not just some pool session.
Best for: First-timers
Duration: Half-day to 1 day
Depth: Up to 12 meters or 40 feet
Open Water Diver (OWD)
Now, this is the first full certification level. Once you pass, you’re officially a scuba diver who can dive with a buddy anywhere in the world, no instructor needed. It’s the course to take when you’re ready to commit to the scuba lifestyle. You’ll learn all the basics, from equipment setup to dive planning, plus get comfy underwater with skills training and open water dives.
Course usually includes:
- Confined water sessions (pool or shallow area)
- 4 open water dives
- Final exam
For: Beginners who want to be certified
Duration: 3 to 4 days
Depth: Up to 18 meters
Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD)
If you’re ready to level up your diving game, this one’s for you. The AOWD course lets you explore deeper depths (up to 30 meters) and try out different dive styles like night diving, wreck diving, drift dives, or even underwater navigation. No need for another exam-heavy course here; it’s all about experience.
You’ll log five specialty dives with an instructor, and you get to choose most of them based on what you’re curious about. Think of it as building your diving personality. Want to glide through a shipwreck at 20 meters? Go for it. Want to master buoyancy control like a sea ninja? There’s a dive for that too.
For: Certified divers who want to explore more
Duration: 2 to 3 days
Depth: Up to 30 meters
Rescue Diver
You’ll learn how to prevent and handle emergencies, help others, and take care of yourself underwater. It’s a challenge, but a fun and fulfilling one. However, to qualify for the course, you have to have Emergency First Response (EFR) or a basic CPR/First Aid certification as, of course, your intent is to “rescue,” not just for leisure and exploration.
For: Advanced divers who want to be more confident and prepared
Duration: 3 to 4 days
Divermaster
This is where a hobby turns into a hustle. The Divemaster certification is your first big step into the professional diving world. You’ll go beyond just diving for fun, you’ll assist instructors, guide certified divers, and learn how to handle real-life dive scenarios. It’s a mix of leadership, technical skills, and deep dive knowledge.
In Cebu, many dive shops offer Divemaster internship programs, sometimes with free accommodation, gear discounts, or dives in exchange for your help. It’s a solid way to train, build your dive log, and get a taste of working in paradise.
For: Those who want to go pro
Duration: 4 to 8 weeks (internship-style)
Specialty Courses You Can Take in Cebu
Once you get certified, there’s more to deep dive as there are specialty courses for the different kinds of focus that you’ll be having, such as the following:
- Enriched Air (Nitrox) – stay underwater longer
- Wreck Diving – explore sunken ships such as the San Juan wreck in Mactan
- Deep Diver – achieving going down to 40 meters
- Underwater Photography – perfect for content creators
- Freediving – for those who want to dive without tanks
There are many diving schools scattered around the island of Cebu, but it’s important that you only get your certification from reputable and licensed organizations such as those with PADI, SSI, NAUI, and SDI. Make sure to look for reviews and certifications of the shop. In addition, check the gear rental, fees, and all necessary study materials as well as inquire whether or not those are included in the price of the course.
So, Sugboanon, whether you’re a curious first-timer or already halfway to being a dive pro, we really got everything here on our own island. Guess we’ll see you deep down!
