MRCI PADI Diving Courses

PADI diving courses are the gateway to exploring the underwater world with confidence and credibility. A PADI certification is the world’s most respected and sought-after dive credential. This means wherever your dive travels take you, you can be confident that the local dive community will recognize your dive qualification. To purchase the PADI e-learning material, please click here to visit our online shop

MRCI’s PADI diving courses apply the concept of performance based learning which involves the practical element of the required training.  Performance based learning means that our students’ progress to the next level on the basis that they meet specific performance requirements.  Our experienced MRCI instructors are there to guide students through each performance requirement.

Why Choose PADI Diving Courses with MRCI?

  • Globally Respected Certification: PADI is internationally recognized, giving you credibility and confidence as a diver anywhere in the world.
  • Experienced Instructors: MRCI instructors are dedicated professionals with strong backgrounds in both diving and teaching.
  • Performance-Based Learning: Advance at your own pace once you have mastered the required skills, ensuring thorough understanding and safety.
  • Beautiful Location: Learn and dive in the pristine waters surrounding Nosy Komba, Madagascar—a unique, biodiverse marine destination.
  • Direct Contribution: Participation in MRCI’s diving courses supports local marine conservation initiatives.
  • Supportive Community: Join a network of like-minded divers and conservationists.

What to Bring for Your PADI Diving Course in Madagascar

 

If you plan to join MRCI’s PADI diving courses in Madagascar, please bring the following items, as they are not available for purchase on Nosy Komba:

  • PADI e-learning materials for the relevant course(s)
  • Snorkel and mask (with tempered glass)
  • Fins (open-heel with booties are more comfortable for frequent use)
  • Wetsuit (long or short – 3mm maximum)
  • Surface marker buoy (DSMB)
  • Reel (a small finger reel will be adequate)
  • Waterproof watch
  • Dive compass
  • Logbook
padi diving

Open Water

$460.00

The MRCI PADI Open Water (OW) diver course consists of three segments:

  • Confined Water Diving
  • Knowledge Development
  • Open Water Diving

The fun begins with our Confined Water Diving, during which our volunteer students learn and practice diving principles, diving procedures and diving skills.

Knowledge Development establishes the principles and basic information that all divers need to know in order to dive safely while still having fun.

Complete your Open Water training as an entry-level diver by applying and further developing your knowledge and dive skills in Madagascar’s majestic ocean in an open water environment under the supervision and guidance of MRCI’s experienced diving instructors.

Advanced Open Water

$360.00

The Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification consists of five knowledge reviews and five corresponding dives. These specially picked courses allow qualified Open Water diver to further their knowledge of diving and fine-tune their skills and techniques in the water. These five courses include:

  • Fish Identification
  • Peak Performance Buoyancy
  • Underwater Navigation
  • Deep dive training
  • Night dive

These courses will help you as a diver to become an efficient member of the MRCI underwater surveying team.

Emergency First Response

$170.00

MRCI’s PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) diving course is a two day course covering first aid procedures as well as primary and secondary care. Students will learn how to effectively manage stressful accident situations in an efficient and calm manner. Accident scenarios and role playing is a fun and safe way to learn these unique and beneficial skills and information. This not only benefits one as a diver but will also be of benefit in everyday life.

Rescue Diver

$380.00

The Rescue diver course is a fantastic way to further improve one’s skills as a safe diver in the water. Students will learn how to recognize and avoid potential hazards, control an emergency situation both in and out of the water and participate in role playing scenarios of both responsive and unresponsive divers. These advanced skills mould students into a safe and responsible diver with the ability to handle any situation in a calm and controlled manner. This course teaches the value of the safety standards we practice here at MRCI.

Dive Master

$730.00

Become a PADI Professional!

The PADI Dive Master (DM) course consists of three basic sections:

  • Knowledge Development
  • Water Skills
  • Practical Application.

PADI Knowledge Development consists of nine topics that are covered through independent study and discussions with your instructor.  Formal classroom discussions as well as informal one-on-one sessions assist students in clarifying any information needed. The PADI Water Skill section develops and evaluates overall water skills and improves existing dive skills. The PADI Practical Application consists of projects and workshops in applying the knowledge learned in real or simulated dive master situations.

This course takes a minimum of a month to complete and longer if you wish to gain some experience in leading dives and practising your newfound knowledge and dive skills.

FAQs

How long does it take to complete a PADI Open Water Diver course?

Typically, it takes about 3 to 4 days to complete, including knowledge development, confined water dives, and open water dives. The flexible, performance-based structure allows some variation depending on the student's progress

Are PADI certifications recognized worldwide?

Yes, PADI certification is the most widely recognized scuba diving certification globally, accepted by dive shops and resorts around the world

Can people with physical challenges participate in PADI courses

Yes. Many adaptive techniques exist, and individuals with various physical challenges, including amputations and paraplegia, have successfully earned PADI certifications. Consult your instructor for personalized guidance

Do I need to be a good swimmer to take a PADI course?

No. You do not need to be an Olympic-level swimmer. Basic swimming skills and the ability to stay afloat comfortably are sufficient. Your instructor will assess your comfort and safety in water