The NHDC Team 

During the PADI Open Water Diver Course you will develop the basis of your future diving adventures. Learn from the best, most experienced and passionate instructors in the region and start your journey in the right way. We are committed to developing divers with outstanding skills and who share our attitude towards safe, fun and environmentally sensitive scuba diving.

NHDC & The PADI Scuba Diver Course

• Protect What You Love

  • We focus on buoyancy and trim a lot in our courses – way beyond the requirements. This fundamental skill takes time to master, but by the time you’re ready to dive at our open water dive sites, you will be a buoyancy expert!
  • You will be confident, competent and safe while also protecting the environment any time you dive.

• Our Community

  • We are family friendly and specialise in children’s courses. We’ve got equipment specifically for youngsters to keep them comfortable and warm.
  • We are passionate that Scuba Diving is a sport for everyone and anyone! We use ‘adaptive teaching’ methods for all our divers. Our course structure means you’ll have the time, space and confidence to relax and enjoy becoming a qualified diver.
  • We’re a small and friendly team who will strive to help make you feel welcome as soon as you get in touch or step through the door.
  • We are the only Dive Centre in the north of the UK to offer training with Deptherapy, a unique and special charity we’re proud to support. We’re proud to boast of being able to help these amazing individuals achieve their ambitions.

• Let’s Go Diving

  • We help divers achieve their goals; we’ll adapt our methods so you don’t have to!
  • We value all our customers and strive to give each one the best customer service you’ve ever experienced
  • Once qualified, you’ll be able to join us on all our dives and social events.

We’re A PADI 5* IDC Dive Centre

We are subject to PADI’s quality assurance program. This is a globally acclaimed and fully integrated approach to ensure PADI standards are maintained throughout all elements of all courses. You can rest assured that we go above and beyond the requirements of PADI.

As a 5* IDC centre, we’re able to develop the next generation of instructors and ensure our methods are at the very pinnacle of excellence!

Knowledge Development

Each afternoon starts with a short briefing poolside. An equipment orientation session will also be held pool-side on the first day to make sure you know how it all goes together. The emphasis is on fun so there will be plenty of time to ask questions before trying the equipment for size and finding out how it all works.

Once complete, you’ll be ready for what you’ve been waiting for! You’ll be helped into your equipment ready to start breathing, swimming and playing under water.

Each session will last approximately 3 hours, with Aquamissions held once a month at either Macclesfield or Congleton Leisure Centre. You’ll be able to practice all sorts of Scuba diving skills before being awarded the PADI Seal Team certificate at the end of the course.

Course Pre-Requisites

There aren’t very many pre-requisites; almost anyone can sign up to learn to dive!

• Min Age: 8 years old
• Medically Fit: Complete this Medical Statement and have a GP countersign it if required.
• Ability: No previous experience is required. Being comfortable in the water and of a reasonable fitness is an advantage.

We’ll provide everything you need. We pride ourselves on ensuring there are no hidden costs.

Comfort is everything in Scuba Diving, just like in any other sport. For that reason, we recommend you purchase your own mask and snorkel to enhance your comfort from the very beginning of the adventure. These are included on the ‘Standard’ and ‘Deluxe’ course options at over 20% discount!

Masks are designed to fit a range of face shapes – one size does not fit all! For that reason, we do not offer discounts on specific models, rather the whole TUSA mask range available. Some models can even be fitted with prescription lenses, adding to the feeling of confidence and comfort in the underwater world.

We offer a total of 6 hours in the pool, spread over 4 pool sessions.  Each pool session lasts up to 3 hours (with up to 1.5 hours ‘in water’) and take place on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon at Macclesfield or Congleton Leisure Centres.

With one pool session arranged per month, we try not to be too big a burden on your time.

New Horizons aims to be flexible with arranging courses to suit your schedule so if the scheduled dates are not convenient please give us a call to discuss suitable alternatives and develop a Tailor Made Package, just for you!.

Let us know you want to join us! Simply send us a Course Booking Form and completed Medical Statement. Once we’ve received your deposit we’ll issue your course materials, so you can get started straight away!

Get in touch for our bank account details or to make payment over the phone.

Your place will be confirmed on receipt of the Course Medical Statement (countersigned by a GP if required). Please note, we will not be able to start any in water activities without one!