PADI Equipment Speciality Course
What is the PADI Equipment Speciality course?
With this course, you'll learn to make minor gear repairs and discover how to maximise the lifespan of your gear through proper cleaning and maintenance techniques. Additionally, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to create a save-a-dive kit, allowing you to handle equipment problems effectively. Don't let gear issues hold you back - empower yourself with the ability to keep your gear in optimal condition and dive with confidence.
Who is this course for?
This course is a practical, diver-focused speciality that helps certified divers understand their scuba equipment better - how it works, how to spot common issues early, and how to care for their gear properly between dives. All participants must have a PADI Open Water or PADI Junior Open Water certification to enrol in this course.
How to take part
The PADI Equipment Speciality course at the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School costs R3 300 per person.
Participant information
Age restrictions
All participants must be aged 10 years or older to enrol in the PADI Equipment Speciality course.
Important medical information
To do the PADI Equipment Speciality course, you need to be reasonably healthy. You will need to complete a medical questionnaire before being allowed to dive – download it here. Have a look through the questions on Page 1. If you answered YES to questions 3, 5, or 10 OR any of the questions on page 2, please read and agree to the statement provided by signing and dating it AND take all three pages of this form (Participant Questionnaire and the Physician’s Evaluation Form) to your physician for a medical evaluation. Participation in a diving course requires your physician’s approval.
If you answer “No” to all questions, no doctor’s letter is required. Should there be an answer that concerns us, we reserve the right to ask for a referral to a diving physician. When answering these questions, honesty is paramount to your safety and ours.
Flying after diving
Please be advised that you may not do this course and dive if you are planning to fly within 24 hours after the dive.
Course information
Course duration
The PADI Equipment Speciality course takes one day to complete. Days typically start at 08h00 in the foyer of the Aquarium, where your dive instructor will meet you, and finish around 16h00.
Did you know?
PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is a certified PADI Dive Centre! This means we meet all the stringent health, safety and quality requirements as set out by PADI.
In addition to Open Water Diver, the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School also offers Discover Scuba Diving and Advanced Open Water Diver courses, as well as refresher courses.
Frequently asked questions
The PADI Equipment Speciality course consists of two phases:
E-Learning: Knowledge development sessions cover the following:
- Theory sessions on a digital platform in preparation for your course. It takes approximately 2-4 hours to complete the online course.
- When you come to the Dive School for diving, we’ll revise what you’ve learnt online.
- Knowledge reviews and exams need to be completed before the start of practical training.
DAY 1: We will cover the 12 topics listed below.
- Owning your own gear
- Scuba systems
- Buoyancy systems (BCD)
- Scuba cylinders
- Cylinder valves
- Regulators
- Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG)
- Depth gauge and timing device
- Dive compass
- Dive computer basics
- Using a dive computer
- Enriched air systems (Nitrox)
Participants should be able to identify the key components of scuba equipment and explain the purpose and basic operation of gauges, compasses, dive computers, and enriched air systems.
All you need to bring along is a swimsuit and a reusable water bottle.
We provide everything you will need on the day, including all gear, study materials, hot showers, and towels.
To do the PADI Equipment Speciality course, you need to be reasonably healthy. In addition to completing the downloadable health questionnaire, you will also need to be relatively fit and able to swim.
Please be advised that you may not do this course and dive if you are planning to fly within 24 hours after the dive.
Please arrive at the Two Oceans Aquarium 15 minutes before your scheduled diving slot. You may report to our Visitor Centre just inside the main entrance and the Dive School team will meet you.
The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School is a certified PADI Dive Centre and your one-stop shop for all things scuba diving in Cape Town.
PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation. As a certified PADI Dive Resort, the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School meets all the stringent health, safety and quality requirements as set out by PADI.
Please read our terms and conditions and make sure you are eligible to dive before making your dive booking:
In line with recognised diving practice, dives may not occur if divers are to FLY less than 12 hours after one dive or 24 hours after two dives on the same day. Please do not book if you are not sure about the exact time of your flight, especially if it is within 24 hours after your dive.
Divers under 18 must have their indemnity form signed by their legal guardian. If the legal guardian will not be present on the day of the dive, they must request a copy of the indemnity form at the time of booking the dive so that it is signed in advance of the dive.
The Aquarium entrance fee is included in the rate for the diver/s on the day/s of their dive/s.
Cancellation policy
Before cancelling your booking, please note that PADI dive courses are non-refundable. The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School requests proof of payment as well as a completed booking form to secure your preferred dates.