Abyss Scuba Diving · Sydney
A lighter way to learn to scuba dive.
Start your underwater adventure with lighter equipment and fewer buoyancy adjustments, so you can focus on building confidence and enjoying the ocean.
2 practical days + online learning
Introductory bonus: 5 days of Avelo equipment rental.
Use within 6 months of certification. Personal gear excluded.
No previous scuba certification needed. Minimum age 13.
Made for beginnersLearn from the very first breath
Four ocean divesPlus confined-water skills
Personal coachingIn the water and after each dive
Avelo Diver certificationEarned through knowledge and skills
Less to carry. More to discover.
Curious about diving, but worried about the equipment?
Avelo offers a different starting point. Its streamlined system is designed to reduce equipment weight and simplify buoyancy management, while you learn the essential skills every diver needs.
A lighter setup
Avelo can reduce the weight you carry compared with conventional scuba equipment. We help you find a comfortable fit and check your weighting before you dive.
Simpler buoyancy management
Avelo uses water ballast instead of an inflatable buoyancy jacket. That can mean fewer adjustments as your depth changes, helping you concentrate on breathing, balance and your surroundings.
See your progress
Your instructor combines in-water guidance with post-dive feedback through Avelo Edge, helping you understand what is improving and what to practise next.
Introductory offer
Get certified.
Keep the adventure going.
Build on what you have learned with five complimentary days of Avelo equipment rental after certification. Keep practising, grow your confidence and enjoy more time underwater.
Ask about the introductory offer6 months to use them.
Use all five days within six months of earning your Avelo Diver certification.
Avelo equipment rental only. Mask, snorkel, fins, boots and wetsuit are not included in the rental bonus. Organised dives and guiding are separate. Ask us about rental bookings and equipment availability.
Your first underwater adventure
Online preparation. Two days in the water.
Build the foundations first, then put them into practice with your instructor on four ocean dives in Sydney.
Learn at your own pace
Complete the Avelo eLearning and knowledge assessment before your practical training. You will cover equipment, dive planning, the underwater environment and essential safety principles.
Get comfortable
Meet your instructor, fit your equipment and develop your skills in confined water. Practise breathing, mask skills and buoyancy control before beginning your ocean dives.
Put your skills together
Complete your remaining ocean dives, practising buddy skills, navigation and emergency procedures. Review your progress with your instructor and work towards certification.
The course is planned over two practical days, with four ocean dives and at least 80 minutes of total dive time. Sites and the daily schedule depend on conditions and your progress. Certification requires successful completion of all knowledge and skill requirements; some students may need more time.
Your $699 beginner course
Everything starts with the right foundations.
- Avelo online learning and knowledge assessment
- Required diving equipment for your course
- Instructor-led confined-water skills training
- Four Avelo ocean training dives
- Personal feedback supported by Avelo Edge
- Digital Avelo Diver certification on successful completion
- Introductory bonus: five days of Avelo equipment rental, used within six months of certification
Is this course right for me?
You can start with no scuba experience. You will need basic swimming ability, comfort in the water and the fitness to participate in diving activities.
- Be at least 13 years old for the in-water training.
- Swim 300 metres continuously using a mask, fins and snorkel.
- Tread water for 10 minutes without a mask or fins.
- Complete your eLearning and the required medical screening before entering the water.
Lighter equipment does not remove the swimming or medical requirements. If equipment weight, water confidence or a health condition concerns you, speak with us before booking so we can discuss your needs.
Talk through your questions with Abyss →Two ways to begin at Abyss
Avelo or PADI Open Water?
Both courses teach you to dive. Choose the equipment you want to learn on and consider where you would like to dive after certification.
| Your options | Avelo beginner course | PADI Open Water |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Lighter Avelo system with water ballast. | Conventional cylinder and inflatable BCD. |
| Qualification | Avelo Diver certification. | PADI Open Water Diver certification. |
| Course format | Online learning + two practical days; four ocean dives. | Online learning + two practical days; four ocean dives. |
| After the course | Dive with Avelo equipment. Check system availability with your destination. | Dive with conventional equipment, widely available at dive destinations. |
| Choose it for | A lighter starting point and simpler buoyancy management. | Learning on the conventional equipment used by most dive centres. |
| Course price | $699 With five days of Avelo equipment rental to use within six months. Personal gear excluded. |
$699 standard price Check live dates for current offers. |
Each qualification covers the equipment and skills taught. Additional instructor-led training is required before switching from Avelo to conventional scuba equipment, or from conventional equipment to Avelo.
Your questions, answered
Before your first dive
Is this a full beginner certification course?
Yes. The Avelo Diver course is for people with no previous scuba certification. Once you successfully complete the knowledge and practical requirements, you receive a digital Avelo Diver certification. It prepares you to dive with a buddy using Avelo equipment, within your training limits and in conditions similar to those experienced during your course. Training depth is limited to 18 metres.
Will lighter equipment make diving easier for me?
It can make a meaningful difference if carrying heavy equipment is one of your concerns. The amount of weight saved depends on your configuration and exposure protection. You still need to meet the swimming and medical requirements and be able to manage the demands of the dive site. Tell us what concerns you and we can discuss suitability before you book.
Does Avelo control my depth automatically?
No. You learn to operate the system and manage your own buoyancy, breathing, descents and ascents. Avelo changes how buoyancy is controlled; your training and decisions remain essential.
Where can I dive after certification?
Your qualification is recognised at Avelo Dive Centers worldwide. You can continue diving locally with Abyss and hire Avelo equipment after certification. Before travelling, check that your destination supports Avelo and has suitable equipment available. See Avelo equipment hire at Abyss.
What does the five-day rental bonus include?
The bonus covers five days of Avelo equipment rental after you qualify, to be used within six months of your Avelo Diver certification. It does not include a mask, snorkel, fins, boots or wetsuit. Bring your own personal gear or ask us about separate hire. The bonus is equipment rental, with organised dives and guiding booked separately. Contact Abyss to arrange your rental days.
Can I learn to use conventional scuba equipment later?
Yes. You will need additional instructor-led training to learn to use a conventional buoyancy control device (BCD) and demonstrate the relevant skills. Your Avelo qualification alone does not qualify you to use a BCD. Ask us about the training pathway and cost when you are ready to broaden your equipment skills.
Is this the same as the one-day Avelo course?
No. This two-day beginner course starts from the foundations and leads to Avelo Diver certification. If you already hold an Open Water certification, the separate Avelo Essentials course for certified divers is the relevant starting point.
What if I need more time or the weather changes?
Your instructor assesses your progress throughout training. If you need additional practice, or ocean conditions affect the planned dives, we will explain the next steps for completion. Ask about rescheduling arrangements and any additional training costs before booking.
Your first dive starts with a conversation
Ready to learn the lighter way?
Tell us you are interested in the $699 two-day Avelo beginner course. We will help you choose suitable dates, explain the introductory offer and answer your questions about getting started.
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