How long does the online theory take?

The online theory typically takes about 4–6 hours and should be completed before practical days to maximize time in the pool and open water.

Where do the shore and boat dives take place?

Shore dives are at Jones Beach and boat dives depart from Ulladulla, using nearby rocky reefs and kelp beds for training and exploration.

Do I need my own gear?

Rental gear is usually available but availability can vary—confirm with the operator when booking if you plan to rent full sets or bring your own.

What certification do I receive?

The program follows SDI junior requirements where applicable and issues open water certification upon successful completion of theory, pool and open water dives.

What happens in bad weather?

Diving is weather dependent; operators may swap shore and boat days or reschedule practical sessions for safety and comfort.

Learn Scuba at Ulladulla: 3-Day Open Water Course at Jones Beach and Ulladulla

Q: What is the minimum age to join the course?

Minimum age is 10 with written parental consent; full adult certification applies at 18. Junior divers follow SDI junior rules and can upgrade at 15.

Open Water Course at Ulladulla: Learn to dive on the New South Wales South Coast with a three‑day, hands‑on certification that blends pool training, shore dives at Jones Beach, and boat dives out of Ulladulla Harbour. Meet your team at 6 North St, Ulladulla NSW 2539, where instructors check medical forms and fit equipment before you ever slip under the surface. The South Coast around Ulladulla is a temperate ocean world of rocky reefs and kelp beds. Key features of the experience are the sheltered training pool, the shallow, rocky shore at Jones Beach where skill drills are repeated among kelp and bommies, and offshore boat dive sites off Ulladulla that open onto deeper rocky terraces. Expect to encounter wrasse, schooling snapper, sea stars and an array of nudibranchs on colourful sponges; seasonal kelp forests frame the dives and create vertical relief that’s rare on tropical reefs. This course combines flexible online theory—about four to six hours done at home—with three days of practical training. Day 1 reviews theory and includes a pool session to practice buoyancy, mask clearing and regulator skills. Day 2 moves to Jones Beach for two shore dives focused on confidence and emergency procedures. Day 3 is two boat dives off Ulladulla where the emphasis shifts to navigation, air management and relaxed exploration. Instructors keep groups small (maximum six) so you log meaningful time underwater while getting direct feedback. The program welcomes students from age 10 with parental consent (full adult certification applies at 18); junior divers follow SDI’s junior requirements and can upgrade at 15. Safety protocols require a medical assessment before diving; weather can determine whether shore or boat days are swapped. Why book here? Small groups, local knowledge, and a coastline shaped by temperate reef ecology make these dives excellent for new divers who want diverse habitats in short succession. The meeting point at 6 North St places you within Ulladulla’s maritime atmosphere—a working harbour town with boat ramps and a long fishing history—so surface time is as characterful as the dives themselves. This course is a practical gateway to further exploration of New South Wales’ south coast, providing certification, confidence and the kinds of encounters—nudibranchs on sponges, kelp forests swaying over bommies, and clear, cool water—that define temperate Australian diving. Expect surface intervals to include local commentary on navigation and marine ecology; instructors often point out seasonal aggregations and how to read currents and swell for safe dives. Bring a dive log or water-resistant notebook to record skills and sightings, and plan at least one relaxed day after certification to allow for off-gassing before any air travel. Rental gear is typically available but confirm availability when booking to avoid surprises and paperwork.

About SCUDA

SCUDA is a dive operator based in Ulladulla, New South Wales, offering a full range of scuba experiences and training for beginners through professional-level divers. Located on the NSW South Coast, SCUDA runs introductory Scuba Discovery dives, full Open Water certification courses with flexible online theory, Rescue Diver and Divemaster training, and instructor-level pathways for those pursuing a diving career. SCUDA also operates local boat dives in Ulladulla and Brush Island trips, specialty single night dives, Jervis Bay adventures, and organised international dive trips to destinations such as Cebu.

Safety-focused training and supervised guided dives form the core of SCUDA's services. Scuba Discovery participants learn basic skills and breathing techniques during a guided boat dive, while Open Water students complete pool and open-water skills at Jones Beach and Ulladulla to earn certification. Advanced trips include deep dives to pinnacles and wreck sites, plus night dives to observe bioluminescent and nocturnal marine life. Rescue Diver and Divemaster courses emphasise in-water skills, scenario practice, and leadership development; instructor preparation covers Open Water, Advanced and Rescue instruction.

SCUDA works with local dive sites including Lighthouse Wall, Burrill Rock, Pinnacle, and the Northern Firth wreck, presenting opportunities to see kelp forests, seadragons and grey nurse sharks in season. Booking options include single dives, double boat dives, multi-day lodges in Jervis Bay, and 12-day eco-resort international itineraries. For divers in Ulladulla and the NSW South Coast, SCUDA provides structured training, guided dive experiences, and pathways to professional certification. Equipment rental and guided options are available.