Discover,
Learn & Thrive
Programs run from Monday to Friday, 8:45am until 4:30pm, on our Burt’s Island campus. Pick up and drop off is at Albuoy’s Point.
Sustainability, Education & Adventure
(SEA) An amazing first step in your journey in exploring the local environment and gain confidence in your swimming/snorkeling abilities.
$1100
Program Dates:
3- 7 August
Program Components
- Focus on student led sustainability projects
- Kayaking, boating & snorkeling
- Option to try scuba diving through a Discover Scuba Diving course (not a certification course)
Prerequisites
- 11 years or older
- Good swimmer
- No snorkeling experience required
Beginner
Diver
Our beginner program offers the opportunity for students to gain their first Scuba diving qualifications and begin their underwater exploration journey.
$1325
Program Dates:
29 June – 3 July
13 – 17 July
10 – 14 August
24 – 28 August
Program Components
- Student led sustainability projects
- SDI Supervised Diver or Open Water course (depending on student’s staring level.)
- Kayaking, boating & snorkeling
Prerequisites
- 12 years or older
- Good swimmer
- For students with no scuba diving experience or with their Scuba Diver certification
- Students with their Open Water certification or higher should opt for our Intermediate program
Intermediate
Diver
Our intermediate program offers the opportunity for students to gain further Scuba qualifications, log more dives whilst perfecting their skills and working towards specialties.
$1575
Program Dates:
23 – 27 March
6 – 10 July
20 – 24 July
17 – 21 August
Program Components
- SDI Advanced Adventure Diver, Advanced Diver or Specialty course (depending on student’s starting level)
- Student led sustainability projects
Kayaking, boating & snorkelling - 1 night of camping on Burt Island
Prerequisites
- 13 years or older
- Strong swimmer
- For students with Open Water certification, a higher certification, or an equivalent qualification
Rescue
Diver
Our Rescue Diver program will change the way you dive – in the best possible way. Learn to identify and fix minor medical and scuba equipment issues before they become big problems, gain a lot of confidence and have serious fun along the way.
$2000
Program Dates:
22 – 26 June
Program Components
- SDI Rescue Diver course
- First Response Training International- First Aid & CPR course certification
- Student led sustainability projects
- Kayaking, boating & snorkelling
- Includes 1 night of camping on Burt Island
Prerequisites
- 15 years or older
- Strong swimmer
-
Advanced Adventure certification or an equivalent qualification
Scuba Diving International (SDI)
We are moving from PADI to SDI certification. SDI offers lower course costs, flexible and student-centered instruction, modern dive technology training, global recognition, and clear progression pathways. All SDI certifications are equally valid and internationally recognized, meeting the standards of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC). This change allows us to maintain our high standards while keeping programs accessible and tailored to each student.
New Certification Offering-SDI Advanced Certification
In 2026, Waterstart will offer SDI Advanced, which requires more experience than the former PADI Advanced course. Students complete four specialty courses and log 25 dives, building stronger, safer, and more capable divers ready for Rescue training. This ensures divers develop real skills, not just levels.
2026 Program Sneak Peek
Courses for spring and summer 2026
2026 Sustainability, Education and Adventure (SEA) Flyer
Courses for summer 2026
2026 Beginner Course Flyer
Courses for summer 2026
2026 Intermediate Course Flyer
Courses for spring and summer 2026
2026 Rescue Course Flyer
Courses for summer 2026
Please download our detailed program flyers here!
Already a Rescue diver and want to continue your journey with Waterstart?
Join our team as a Seasonal Intern!
Applications will open in early 2026.
Our Internship positions are suited to those with various experience and skill levels and allow for progression over multiple seasons.
The requirements for our entry role as a volunteer intern are as follows:
- Age 16+
- First Aid and CPR certified
- SCARS trained
- Minimum of Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent)
For information and applications for all Internship roles please email !
Waterstart
Shirts!
We are now offering the option to purchase our Waterstart logo shirts. This is an additional opportunity to support our charity and represent the Waterstart crew with these organic cotton shirts. Shirts are white with Waterstart’s new colourful logo printed on the left chest and full back, sizes are unisex from XXS-XXL. Be sure to add to your order when you register if you are interested!
Gallery
