Scuba refresher dive course at Havelock Island, Andaman
Course Code: FRG-REF-HVL

Scuba Refresher Course – Havelock Island

₹2,500 + GST
4.9 1,800+ Google reviews

The right way to return to diving at Havelock Island – PADI ReActivate or SSI Scuba Skills Update, 1-on-1 skills review in shallow water, then a full open-water reef dive.

Optional Add-Ons

GoPro Rental

Record your dive - get your own footage

+₹2,000/day

Dive Computer Rental

Track depth, time & NDL in real time

+₹500/day
Things to Know
Booking confirmation sent via WhatsApp within 30 minutes
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your dive
Secure payment RAID Certified & Expert PADI Instructors 10+ years experience 4.9★ rated

Getting back in the water after a break

Returning to diving after a break can feel daunting. Skills fade, confidence dips, and the underwater world feels unfamiliar again. Our Scuba Refresher starts slow, in shallow water, and doesn't push deeper until you're ready. We start slow, in shallow water, and don't move deeper until you give the thumbs up.

With a strict 1:1 instructor ratio for your initial skills session, you rebuild muscle memory at your own pace - breathing, buoyancy, mask clearing - until everything clicks back into place. By the end of the program you'll be diving Havelock's reefs with the same confidence you had when you first got certified.

Total Duration
Half day (~5 hours)
Start Time
07:30 AM or 08:00 AM
Max Depth
12m (Dive 1) · 18m (Dive 2)
Ratio (Skills Session)
Strictly 1:1
Prerequisite
Any Open Water certification
Minimum Age
12 Years

PADI ReActivate vs SSI Scuba Skills Update

Both programs get you back in the water safely. Choose based on what you need:

Feature
PADI ReActivate
SSI Skills Update
Price
~₹4,500
~₹2,500
Outcome
New card with “ReActivated” date
Digital recognition in MySSI app
Best For
Divers wanting a new physical card
Divers focused on skills & value
Curriculum
Set PADI curriculum + eLearning
Flexible, instructor-led

Prices are estimates. Contact us via WhatsApp for the latest seasonal rates before booking.

Who Should Do a Refresher?

  • Certified divers who haven't dived in 6 months or more
  • Divers returning after 2+ years (refresher is mandatory for safety)
  • Anyone who feels nervous or "rusty" about getting back in the water
  • Divers wanting to rebuild buoyancy control before advanced sites

Been out of the water 10+ years? We recommend retaking the full Open Water Course. Contact us and we'll advise honestly.

What You'll Practise

The refresher is structured in two phases: a shallow-water skills session at Nemo Reef, followed by an open-water dive at your chosen site. You move to the next stage only when you're comfortable.

Knowledge Review

A relaxed briefing on dive planning, hand signals, and the local Andaman marine environment. No stress - just a friendly chat to jog your memory before we enter the water.

Shallow Water Session

Conducted at Nemo Reef in waist-deep water. We practise mask clearing, regulator recovery, and out-of-air scenarios until you feel 100% comfortable. You set the pace.

Buoyancy Control

We dedicate a full portion of the dive to hovering and trim. Good buoyancy protects the reef and makes every dive more enjoyable - we film your practice and review it together.

Gear Mastery

Hands-on review of BCD and regulator assembly. We ensure you can set up your own gear with confidence before heading out to the boat for the open-water portion.

Video Review

We film your buoyancy practice underwater and review the footage on a tablet together - giving you tangible, visual feedback on your progress in real time.

Open Water Dive

Once skills are signed off, you head out for a full reef dive. Depth and site chosen based on your certification level and how the skills session went.

Safety Standards

  • Strictly 1:1 instructor ratio for the shallow-water skills session
  • Thorough equipment inspection before every dive
  • Conservative depth profiles appropriate for refresher divers
  • DAN support and oxygen units on-site at all times
  • WRSTC and PADI/SSI standards followed throughout

Recommended Sites for Your Refresher

We tailor the dive site to your confidence level after the skills session. Here's our progression pathway:

Skills Session  ·  2–5m
Nemo Reef (Shallow)

Sheltered from current with a sandy bottom - ideal for standing up if you feel panicked. Clownfish, coral arches, and the Ghost Jeep all within arm's reach of the surface.

First Open-Water Dive  ·  3–15m
The Aquarium

Gently sloping reef with predictable currents - great for practising drift and trim in a forgiving environment. Dense marine life keeps your mind off the depth.

Gentle Rebuild  ·  3–14m
Oval Reef

A shallow patch reef on a sandy bottom with easy navigation. Soothing and calm - perfect for anxious divers who need one more confidence dive before pushing deeper.

Advanced Divers  ·  10–55m
The Wall

A vertical drop-off that rewards advanced certified divers who want to test their refreshed buoyancy skills at depth. Only recommended as a second dive after skills are solid.

Unlock Havelock's Best Sites After Your Refresher

Many certified divers come to Havelock dreaming of bucket-list sites but can't safely access them without first refreshing their skills. After your refresher, the following sites open up:

  • Johnny's Gorge - Dramatic swim-throughs and manta ray encounters
  • Dixon's Pinnacle - Deep pinnacle with pelagic action
  • Barracuda City - Schools of giant barracuda in open water

What's Included

1:1 Instructor (Skills)

Your dedicated instructor for the shallow-water skills session - entirely focused on you. Max 1:2 for the open-water dive portion.

All Scuba Gear

BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, weights - fully included and sanitised. Bring your own if you prefer (discount available).

Boat Transfer

Speedboat transfer to and from your dive site for the open-water dive. Snacks and water on board.

Hotel Pickup & Drop

Complimentary two-way hotel transfer within 5 km of Frogman centre, Govind Nagar.

Buoyancy Video Review

We film your buoyancy practice and review the footage with you on a tablet - valuable visual feedback included at no extra charge.

Skills Assessment

Honest, structured evaluation of your current skill level with clear guidance on what to practise for future dives.

Medical Requirements

  • All participants complete a WRSTC medical questionnaire before diving
  • Divers aged 50–60 require a physician's "Fit to Dive" certificate (mandatory in Andaman)
  • Conditions requiring clearance: asthma, high blood pressure, recent surgery, epilepsy
  • Wait 18 hours (multiple dives) or 12 hours (single dive) before flying

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I be out of the water before I need a refresher?

If it's been 6 months to 1 year, a refresher is strongly recommended. Over 2 years, it's mandatory for safety before diving with us. Contact us if you're unsure - we'll advise honestly.

I haven't dived in 10 years. Refresher or full course?

For a 10+ year hiatus we generally recommend retaking the full Open Water Course. However, very experienced divers with a solid log book may qualify for a RAID ReActivate. Contact us and we'll look at your dive history together.

What if I lost my certification card?

No problem. We can look you up in the global PADI, RAID, or SSI database using your name and date of birth. Bring any proof of certification you have - old photos, logbooks, etc.

How long does the refresher program take?

It's a half-day program. We start at 07:30 AM or 08:00 AM and typically finish around 1:00 PM, depending on your progress and whether you do a shore or boat dive for the open-water portion.

How deep will we go during the refresher?

We start in waist-deep water at Nemo Reef for the skills session, then move to 12m max for Dive 1. Dive 2 (if you proceed) can go to 18m depending on your certification level and how the first dive goes.

Can I use my own equipment?

Yes - using your own gear is often more comfortable and we offer a discount for divers who bring a full kit. All gear must pass our pre-dive safety inspection before use.

What if I can't clear my mask?

Mask clearing is the most common anxiety for returning divers. We practise in very shallow water where you can simply stand up if needed. Our instructors are patient - we will work with you until it becomes second nature again. There is no pressure or time limit.

Can I do a refresher if I have asthma or high blood pressure?

Diving with these conditions requires a written "Fit to Dive" clearance from a doctor. We strongly recommend getting this at home before travelling so you're ready to dive on arrival.

Can I fly back the same day after my refresher dive?

No. Wait at least 18 hours after multiple dives (or 12 hours after a single dive) before flying. Please plan your ferry transfers and flights accordingly.

Loved by Travelers

See why we are the top rated dive center in Andaman (Havelock) on Google & TripAdvisor

Dive the Best Reefs in Andaman

We dive the best spots around Havelock, where visibility is at its best. From shore dives at Nemo Reef to boat scuba diving in Havelock at Tribe Gate and The Wall, we pick the right site for the conditions.