Each school is headed by a base leader - a fully qualified diving instructor. Many bases have several assistants who may be instructors or dive guides. Learning to Dive Beginners usually start with the discovery or introductory dive that is carried out in the waist-depth shallow water of the lagoon. From here it is just one step to experience the wonders of underwater life. An internationally recognised certificate PADI Open Water Diver can be obtained within a week after nine dives and theory lessons.
Some schools offer training up to the level of a professional diver.
The diving schools may require a certification of physical fitness. Qualified divers should bring their log book and copies of the certificates or cards. All diving schools in the Maldives are required to follow international standards of safety during diving. Therefore, participants in open water scuba diving will require fins, mask, snorkel, compressed-air cylinder and valve, buoyancy control device with low pressure inflator, backpack, regulator, alternate air source, submersible pressure gauge, weight belt and appropriate exposure protection. These items may be hired from the diving schools.