Scuba training is more accessible than ever, and a basic qualification can now be obtained in only three or four days.

There are several internationally recognised training agencies, but most British divers will learn through either PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club), which have similar offerings. Teaching is done through a combination of manuals, DVDs and instruction in a swimming pool before divers are taken into an open-water environment. The academic component of the courses is not taxing and can often be undertaken in the UK.

During pool training you will be shown how to use the diving equipment and learn how to perform basic safety procedures. The open-water dives can then be done either in the UK, or in a suitably enticing foreign destination. Alternatively, you can do the whole lot on a “learn to dive” holiday through many of the operators listed on these pages.

All of the training agencies will ask you to complete a medical questionnaire, and people with certain medical conditions will be referred to a doctor for assessment of their fitness to dive. Diving does not require extreme levels of physical fitness, but you should be a competent swimmer.

Divers must be at least 15 years old to undertake the PADI Open Water qualification. PADI also offers a Junior Open Water course for 10 to 15 year olds. The equivalent BSAC Ocean Diver course is available from age 12.

A list of diving schools and clubs is available from PADI (0117-300 7234, www.padi.com) and BSAC (0151-350 6200, www.bsac.com).

Test the water here

Palau a bit pricey? No time for a break in Belize? Try the Costa del Great Britain. All the fun of diving without the lengthy airport queues...

Leybourne Lake (01622 790055, www.leybournelakewater-sports.co.uk) at Larkfield in Kent offers dives daily, except Mondays. “Try dives” are free, and the four-day open-water qualification in the lake starts at £285.

Dalton House (01874 658378, www.dalton-house.com), at Llangors, an hour from Cardiff, is a B&B with a difference — it has a heated dive pool attached. Fast-track PADI courses cost £225, including one night’s stay. You do the theory portion (with the help of an interactive CD-ROM) before you leave home, and the practical side in the pool when you arrive. And all the beauty of the Brecon Beacons is on the doorstep.

Deep Sea World (01383 411880, www.deepseaworld.com), a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh at North Queensferry — offers a course with more bite. Its £150, two-hour “discover scuba” course includes swimming with sand tiger, angel and dogfish sharks.

British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) has a website (www.bsac.com) with details of local “try dives”.

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