Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Learn Scuba Diving in Melbourne
Ocean Divers, established in 1972, is Australia's longest-operating PADI Five Star Instructor Development Centre. Our expertise spans recreational to technical diving, offering comprehensive training programs from beginner to professional levels. With a team of highly qualified instructors, including a PADI Course Director and specialists in cave and technical diving, we combine decades of collective experience with a passion for underwater exploration. We provide cutting-edge equipment sales and servicing, curated dive travel experiences, and a vibrant dive club fostering community engagement. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our Scubapro Platinum Dealer status and Quality Assurance Services Australia accreditation.We prioritize personalized instruction, emphasizing safety, environmental stewardship, and skill development. Our facility includes on-site equipment maintenance, air/nitrox fills, and access to diverse local dive sites. Customer testimonials consistently highlight our professionalism, knowledgeable staff, and exceptional training outcomes. We cater to divers of all ages, offering youth programs like Bubblemakers and advanced certifications for seasoned enthusiasts. Our mission remains to empower divers through education, adventure, and superior service.
Services
Scuba Certification
Equipment Hire
Dive Travel
Technical Diving
Youth Programs
Equipment Servicing
Night Dives
Cave Diving
Photography Courses
Dive Club
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- Australia's longest-operating PADI Five Star Centre since 1972
- Instructors include a PADI Course Director and CDAA Advanced Cave specialists
- On-site equipment servicing and Scubapro Platinum Dealer status
- Curated international dive expeditions to premier destinations
- Award-winning team with decades of combined industry experience
Associations and certifications
- PADI
- Scubapro
- Quality Assurance Services Australia
What people say
Professional instructors
Well-organized courses
Exceptional equipment quality
Supportive learning environment
Amazing dive travel experiences
Services
Open Water Course
Our PADI Open Water Course trains divers to 18m certification through eLearning, pool sessions, and ocean dives. Includes equipment hire, air fills, and 2 boat dives. Students gain confidence in buoyancy control, dive planning, and underwater navigation while exploring Melbourne's marine environments.
Equipment Servicing
We offer comprehensive equipment servicing including regulator overhauls, BCD repairs, and tank testing. Our technicians maintain all brands to manufacturer specifications using genuine parts. Services include nitrox-compatible equipment preparation and dive computer diagnostics for recreational and technical divers.
Dive Travel
Ocean Divers organizes annual dive expeditions to premier locations like Komodo, Truk Lagoon, and the Solomon Islands. Packages include boat charters, accommodation, and guided dives for both certified divers and non-diving companions, with options for technical diving itineraries.
Cave Diving
Through CDAA courses, we teach cave diving techniques including line management, gas planning, and confined space navigation. Training progresses from basic cavern diving to advanced cave certifications, utilizing Mount Gambier's renowned sinkhole systems with expert instructors holding decades of technical diving experience.
Youth Programs
Our Bubblemakers program introduces children aged 8+ to scuba basics in pool environments. The Seal Team program develops fundamental skills through interactive aquatic games, preparing juniors for Open Water certification while emphasizing safety and marine environmental awareness.
People
Jane Bowman
PADI Course Director
With over 35 years in diving, Jane is Australia's second female PADI Course Director and a CDAA Advanced Cave Instructor. She combines technical expertise with environmental advocacy, leading international dive expeditions and receiving industry recognition awards for her contributions to diving education.
Warrick McDonald
Operations Manager
A diving industry pioneer since 1965, Warrick served as Dive Australia President and standards committee member. His leadership combines technical mastery with operational excellence, mentoring instructors while maintaining active involvement in cave diving exploration and safety protocols.
Liz Harper
Training Manager
As a PADI IDC Staff Instructor and CDAA Advanced Cave diver, Liz specializes in technical training while managing course operations. Her expertise spans recreational to advanced diving, with a focus on women's participation in technical diving and environmental conservation initiatives.
Mike Reed
Technical Instructor
With decades of technical diving experience, Mike teaches DSAT courses and specializes in deep wreck exploration. His dual expertise in business strategy and underwater photography makes him a unique asset for advanced divers seeking both technical skill development and operational insights.
Songtao Huang
Owner/Instructor
A former dentist turned diving entrepreneur, Songtao brings international teaching experience from Thailand and Southeast Asia. His vision combines environmental stewardship with innovative training methods, offering Mandarin-language instruction to support Melbourne's diverse diving community.
Questions
What scuba certifications do you offer?
We provide PADI certifications from beginner (Open Water) to professional (Instructor) levels, plus CDAA cave diving and technical courses up to PADI Tec 50.
Can I rent dive gear without taking courses?
Yes, we offer equipment hire for certified divers including complete scuba units, wetsuits, and technical diving gear with daily/weekend rates available.
Do you organize non-diving travel packages?
Our dive travel includes options for non-diving companions with cultural tours, surface intervals at scenic locations, and combined adventure packages.
What youth diving programs are available?
Bubblemakers (ages 8+) introduces scuba basics, while Seal Team develops skills through aquatic games for children preparing for certification courses.
How often do you service dive equipment?
We recommend annual servicing for regulators and BCDs, with tank testing every 2-3 years depending on usage and local regulations.
Are night dives included in training?
Night diving is offered as an adventure dive in Advanced Open Water courses and as specialized training for certified divers with appropriate equipment.
