GET BACK IN THE WATER WITH CONFIDENCE
SSI SCUBA REFRESHER COURSE
Been a while since your last dive? Our scuba refresher course is the perfect way to rebuild confidence, practise key dive skills and feel comfortable in the water again before joining a guided dive or planning your next underwater adventure.
Run by our experienced dive team at Goat Island, this refresher is ideal for certified divers who want a calm, supportive session to check their gear, review safety skills and ease back into scuba diving.
ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE
REFRESH YOUR SCUBA SKILLS AT GOAT ISLAND
If it has been a few months, a year, or even longer since your last dive, a scuba refresher is a smart way to get back underwater safely.
This session is designed for certified divers who want to brush up on the basics, rebuild confidence, and make sure their skills feel natural again before heading out for a guided dive.
You’ll review essential scuba skills with a qualified dive professional, refresh your dive safety knowledge, and get comfortable using your equipment again in a supportive environment.
Who is this refresher for?
Our scuba refresher course is ideal if you:
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Haven’t dived for 6 months or more
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Feel a little nervous about getting back underwater
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Want to practise key scuba skills before a guided dive
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Have booked a dive trip and want to feel prepared
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Recently completed your certification but want more confidence
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Need a refresher before joining one of our guided scuba dives
It’s a great option for divers who are already certified but know they would benefit from extra time, guidance and practice.
What’s included in your scuba refresher?
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Professional dive guide or instructor support
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Dive safety briefing
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Equipment setup review
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Pre-dive buddy checks
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Buoyancy control practice
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Mask clearing and regulator recovery review
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Underwater communication refresh
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Safe descent, ascent and surfacing procedures
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Confidence-building dive skills session
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Time to ask questions and reset your diving knowledge
Why refresh at Goat Island?
Goat Island Marine Reserve is one of the best places near Auckland to get back into scuba diving. The shore-based dive sites, rocky reef systems and abundant marine life make it a fun and practical place to refresh your skills.
Depending on the day, you may see snapper, red moki, goatfish, eagle rays, stingrays, octopus, crayfish, kelp forests and schools of reef fish.
Conditions can vary with weather, swell and visibility, so our team will choose the most suitable option for the day.
Before you book
This refresher is for certified scuba divers only. You’ll need to bring proof of certification, or let us know if you need help finding your certification details.
You’ll need to:
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Hold an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent
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Be medically fit to dive
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Complete any required dive medical forms
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Be comfortable in the water
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Let us know when you last dived
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Allow our team to decide whether conditions are suitable
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Bring your own gear or hire scuba gear from us
If it has been a very long time since your last dive, or you feel particularly nervous, let us know before booking so we can recommend the best option.
Bring your own gear or hire what you need
You can join with your own scuba gear, hire selected items, or choose a full scuba gear hire package.
If you’re using your own equipment, our team will help you complete a safety check before entering the water. If you’re hiring gear, we’ll make sure you’re fitted correctly and comfortable before the session begins.
Want to join a guided dive afterwards?
A refresher is a great first step before booking a guided shore dive, boat dive or night dive.
Once your skills feel comfortable again, you’ll be in a much better position to relax, enjoy the reef and make the most of your time underwater at Goat Island.
Ready to rebuild your dive confidence?
Get your scuba skills feeling fresh again with a supportive refresher session at Goat Island Marine Reserve.
Book your scuba refresher course and take the pressure off your next dive.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be certified to book a scuba refresher?
Yes. This session is for certified divers who want to refresh their skills. You’ll need to hold an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.
How long can it have been since my last dive?
There is no single rule, but if it has been 6 months or more, a refresher is strongly recommended. If it has been several years, please let us know so we can guide you to the best option.
Is scuba gear included?
Scuba gear may be included or available to hire depending on the product option you select. You can bring your own gear, hire selected items, or choose full scuba gear hire.
What skills will I practise?
You’ll review important skills such as equipment setup, buddy checks, buoyancy, mask clearing, regulator recovery, underwater communication, safe descents and safe ascents.
Where does the refresher take place?
The refresher usually takes place at Goat Island Marine Reserve near Leigh, north of Auckland. The exact location depends on weather, swell, visibility and safety conditions.
Can I book a guided dive after my refresher?
Yes. A refresher is a great way to prepare for a guided shore dive, boat dive or night dive, especially if you haven’t been underwater for a while.
What if the weather is not suitable?
Scuba diving is weather dependent. If conditions are not suitable, our team will reschedule or advise the best next step.
I’m not certified. Can I still do this?
No, but you can book a Try Scuba Dive if you want to experience scuba for the first time, or join our SSI Open Water Diver Course if you want to become certified.