On Utila you’re spoiled for choice. The island is full of dive shops, all vying for your custom. I investigated a few, had some chats with the competition returned to Parrot’s. The vibe there was amazing, the people so friendly and the price very competitive.

Being keen to get started I commenced the four and half day PADI Open Water Scuba Diving course the same day I docked on the island.

First of all, the dive centre needs to know that you can swim. Task one is to swim 200 metres in open water and then to float at the surface for 10 minutes. Success; and in to the classroom.

For PADI Open Water, there are five classroom based modules. This involves videos, reading and knowledge review tests to ensure you understand the material.

Much of the course it is common sense. It doesn’t mean you can put your feet up though. There’s also a lot to learn about safety and the various equipment used. Remember…there’s an exam to take at the end of the course.

Whilst not hard to learn, there are elements that do require more than basic attention. Causing some initial confusion, was learning how to read a dive table. On a very basic level, this helps to plan your dives and ensure your body doesn’t fill with nitrogen, causing ‘the bends‘. You must ensure enough time is spent at the surface when planning multiple dives. Also that your ‘stop time’ in the water is of a suitable length when rising to the surface. Don’t ascend  too quickly!

Becoming a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Diver isn’t all about the classroom though. Of course, you have to get in the water. That’s where the fun begins.

These are ‘Confined Water’ exercises and there’s four to undertake. Each one taking you deeper and deeper.

Preparation for an emergency is key and there’s some interesting exercises for this. For example, swimming underwater without a mask and your eyes open. The salt stings! Yet you get used to it after a while and your eyes adjust. Other exercises involved using you dive buddies air and making a controlled emergency ascent to the surface. Although a lot is covered in the confined water exercises, they’re a lot of fun. .

The beauty of Utila is the abundance of coral and sea life. You’ll see no end whilst learning and our exceptional instructor Larson pointed out every creature.

Drawing to a close, after four days of study and diving, it was time for the PADI Open Water exam. There’s 50 multiple choice questions, covering all areas of study. Larson ensured we were all well prepared and with the papers marked, the results were in.

Everyone easily passed. After an intense four days, we were now certified PADI Open Water Scuba Divers, ready to dive the world.

At Parrot’s Dive Centre, not only do you learn to scuba dive, there’s also two free fun dives added to the end of the programme.

The next day we set off on a boat and had our first experience of fun diving (without having to undertake learning exercises). It was an incredible feeling and something I’m amazed to have experienced. I’m now looking forward to diving around the world!