Do I need to do a scuba dive refresher and what are my options?
There are several different ways to refresh your scuba diving skills and knowledge after a period out of the water. Here in Phuket, that could be a pool refresher, Kata beach dive, or diving easy sites like Racha Noi & Racha Yai.
Refresher Options
PADI’s recommendation in the theory section of the PADI Open Water Course is that you should do a refresher if you have not been diving for six months or longer. This is for a very good reason, it involves your safety. Hopefully after reading this blog you will be able to find the answer to “Do I Need to do a Scuba Diving Refresher?”
Is this applicable to all cases?
First and foremost, over and above anything else that is mentioned below, if you feel that you need a refresher scuba diving then you do.
The requirement or need to do a refresher should not purely be based on time alone. The ability and confidence of the diver involved should also be taken into account.
For example, a student who has only done the four dives of the PADI Open Water Course, was quite nervous during their course should look at doing a refresher. A divemaster with several hundreds or even thousands of dives would most like not need a refresher. Most divers slot somewhere between.
As mentioned safety is our primary concern and should be our main focus point.
Here are a few things you should consider when deciding what type of refresher you need.
Time Out of the Water
Time out of the water is the most obvious one. This is because over time a few things can change.
• Memory Recall: Over time we do naturally forget how to do things. Out cognitive value diminishes and we may need a refreshes to jog our memory. Sometimes we do not like to admit it but we do.
• Physical Ability: Overtime time we do change physically, sometimes for the better and other time not so. Although scuba diving is not so physically challenging a change in ability to perform certain exercises.
• Mental Confidence: As we get older we become more mindful of what we do. We can remember back to when we were a bulletproof teenager. We start to get a greater awareness of our safety and well being and what we previously thought as a carefree activity then starts to play on our mind.
• Physical Changes (body): Significant changes in our body shape can have an effect on our buoyancy level and control. Significant weight gain (or loss) can greatly affect our buoyancy control. Particularly the amount of weight that we use.
• Change in Conditions or Environment: Going from cold water to warm water or visa versa does have some changes in the way we dive. Different types of wetsuits and weights needed do require different skill levels.
• Change in Equipment: Different wetsuits, BCDs, masks and fins all effect the way we dive.
Divers Alert Network Recommendations
Divers Alert Network (DAN) is considered a world authority on diver safety and medical advice. Here is a simple and sensible chart with their advice on scuba refresher programs.
Options
Pool Refresher:
Conducted at our main office, this session is designed to help you regain confidence and comfort with scuba diving. We’ll cover equipment setup, mask clearing, mask removal, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, and equipment fitting. It’s a concise refresher that allows you to practice essential skills in a shallow pool, the safest environment for such exercises.
- Short Refresher (2–3 hours): THB 2,000
- Long Refresher (joining Open Water students, 3–5+ hours): THB 2,500
Includes: Equipment
Excludes: Transfers
Kata Beach Dive:
Enjoy a single dive at the scenic Kata Beach, perfect for refreshing your diving skills. With an easy beach entry and a gentle sloping bottom, this site is ideal for practicing equalization techniques, buoyancy control, and exploring marine life. The dive typically involves a mix of sandy areas and nearby reefs. Kata Beach diving is seasonal, running from late October (weather permitting).
- Price: THB 2,000
Includes: Equipment
Excludes: Transfers
Boat Refresher:
This option features a three-dive, instructor-led day trip to the dive sites at Racha Yai and Racha Noi. The program includes depth limitations (12 m) and a basic skills refresher. It’s a relaxed and enjoyable way to get back in the water for those with limited time in Phuket.
- Price: THB 5,300
Includes: Three dives
PADI ReActivate:
A comprehensive two-day refresher program combining app-based theory updates, an extended pool session, and a three-dive trip to the Racha Islands. This option provides an in-depth review of both practical skills and diving theory.
- Duration: 2 days (Day 1: Pool; Day 2: 3-dive trip)
- Price: THB 8,900
Repeating Full PADI Open Water Course (No Certification Card):
This is a complete, three-day program designed for divers who wish to revisit all aspects of the PADI Open Water Course, including theory, confined water sessions, and six open water dives at premier sites like Phi Phi or Shark Point.
- Duration: 3 days (Day 1: Pool; Day 2: Racha Islands; Day 3: Phi Phi/Shark Point)
- Price: THB 12,900 per person
Excludes: Phi Phi park fees (THB 600)
Need Help Deciding?
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, reach out to our friendly Aussie Divers staff. Share your past scuba diving experience, and we’ll guide you to the program best suited to your needs.
