As a PADI Professional, one of the most common things I hear from divers is that they would love to do their next PADI course but they don’t know if they can find the time. With most people working longer hours during the week, it is a legitimate excuse for many… including this writer!
The more and more I hear this response, it seems that the problem isn’t finding the actual time to complete the inwater training of courses, it’s rather the thought of having to sit in a classroom for the day to complete the theory sections that stops a lot of divers from continuing on with their training.
It was only natural that back in 2007, PADI launched the PADI eLearning® program. Back then, PADI started off with PADI Open Water Diver eLearning course in English. As the popularity of PADI eLearning increased, divers demanded new courses, and in turn, more languages. In 2025, there are now 26 courses available in a multitude of languages, and this is only going to increase!
So What is PADI eLearning in a Nutshell?
PADI eLearning lets you complete the knowledge development sections of selected PADI courses online. Traditionally, this section was completed in the classroom of a PADI Dive Shop before your course. With PADI eLearning, you can complete these sections online at your own pace.
Yes, that’s right – if classrooms aren’t your thing, you can complete the relevant sections wherever you can connect to the internet. Whether this is in the comfort of your own home, on the train ride to work, or you can even be a bit sneaky and complete the sections at work… on your lunch break, of course!
This online section during which you will learn about scuba diving principles and terminology is the first step in the certification process. PADI eLearning is the independent study option that lets you read, watch videos, and take quizzes at your own pace, providing the fundamentals you need to confidently advance to the second step of the certification process: In-water training with a PADI Instructor (see below). You will complete the in-water step at a PADI Dive Shop at a separate cost. PADI has over 6,500 Dive centers and resorts worldwide to choose from.
Which Courses Are Available with eLearning?
The opportunities with eLearning are plentiful! An extensive range is available From Open Water Diver to exciting specialties like PADI Boat Diver and PADI Sidemount Rec Diver! Here’s a list of some of the available eLearning courses:
- PADI Open Water Diver
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
- PADI Rescue Diver
- PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer
- PADI Wreck Diver
- PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle
- PADI Dive Against Debris
How Long Does eLearning Take?
Different PADI courses can be completed in different time frames. It also depends on how quickly you’re able to move through the content! When browsing the PADI courses online, you’ll find the time commitment in the “More Info” section on each course page. Certain courses, like the Open Water Diver Course, have more content and will naturally take longer.
What About the In-Water Part of the Course?
Once you’ve completed the necessary knowledge development via eLearning, it’s time for the skills portion of the course, which is usually completed in the water but sometimes also topside. Your PADI Instructor will complete this with you in person. Whether at your local dive shop or on your next dive trip, this part of the course can be done at a PADI dive shop near you.
Is PADI eLearning Right for You?
The question arises – is eLearning right for me? In short, it can be right for everyone! However, there are several specific circumstances in which eLearning would be better suited to you. Let’s dive in.
- Groups of Divers and Non-Divers Traveling Together. eLearning allows those learning to dive to complete a large portion of the dive theory beforehand, meaning your vacation time can be spent completing in-water education. This helps free up the rest of your time to spend with those who won’t be diving with you.
- Mixed-Ability Families. For families travelling together but not all diving together, eLearning would be an excellent choice. Family members who will be completing dive courses can achieve the out-of-water theory portion in advance to save time on-site! If other family members are already certified divers, this leaves more time for the whole family to enjoy dives together.
- Busy Professionals. With a busy career, finding time to take an in-person dive course can be difficult, to say the least! With eLearning, aspiring divers can fit dive theory around other work or personal commitments. This helps remove the stress and pressure of finding time to complete a course in one go!
Start eLearning Now
If eLearning sounds like the best option for you, visit www.padi.com/courses or contact your local PADI Dive Shop to begin today. Whether you’re short on time, or simply just prefer learning online, it’s easy to get started!
