THE YOUDIVE LIBRARY
Stay curious. Keep learning.
Practical guides, course comparisons and diving knowledge, with an Australian perspective.

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Search beginner lessons, safety guides, courses and glossary terms together.
Search the whole learning libraryFOUR WAYS TO GO DEEPER
Know the ocean. Plan the season. Keep learning.
Australian Marine Life
Ten marine-life profiles with identification clues, habitat context, reference photographs and observation exercises for Australian divers.
Explore 10 resources →02When to Dive Australia
Compare Australian diving seasons by region, plan wildlife visits and distinguish climate patterns from current marine forecasts.
Explore 10 resources →03Your First 20 Dives
Ten learning lessons for newly certified divers: supported outings, equipment familiarity, coaching, buddy communication, useful logs and the next course.
Explore 10 resources →04Become a Diving Instructor
Explore the PADI Divemaster, IDC and Instructor Examination pathway in Australia, including prerequisites, costs, preparation, Course Directors and first jobs.
Explore 10 resources →
service
Air Fills
The most basic dive service, and one worth checking for hours, pressure and cylinder requirements.
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service
Equipment Hire
Rental gear ranges from basic recreational sets to drysuits, steel cylinders and DPVs.
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service
Equipment Retailers
A dive shop and a dive centre are not always the same business.
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guide
How to Choose a Dive Centre
The most useful question is not which centre is best — it is which centre suits what you actually want to do.
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service
Nitrox Fills
Standard mixes, custom blending, and why a simple yes or no is not enough information.
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technical
Technical Dive Centres in Australia
Why 'technical' is not one capability, and how to compare facilities service by service.
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technical
Technical Gas in Australia
Air, Nitrox, oxygen, helium and Trimix — what to verify and where it is actually available.
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guide
Types of Dive Businesses
Full-service centres, training schools, destination operators, charters, resorts and technical facilities are different things.
Read guideOur upcoming editorial topics
WHAT’S NEXT
Topics in development
These guides are planned and are not available to read yet.
Choosing providers 7 planned
- How can I check a dive centre's training affiliations?In development
- How do I verify which sites an operator visits?In development
- What should I ask about dive-group sizes and supervision?In development
- How should I assess online reviews of dive operators?In development
- How do I compare guided diving and independent equipment hire?In development
- What should I ask about an operator's emergency arrangements?In development
- How can I verify accessibility and individual support with an operator?In development
Directory participation 5 planned
- How will YouDive verify operator information?In development
- How can an operator submit a listing correction?In development
- How should operators describe their courses and services?In development
- How should divers report an outdated dive-site listing?In development
- How will YouDive distinguish editorial coverage and paid placement?In development
Local services 5 planned
- How do I find a regulator service centre?In development
- How do I find a cylinder-testing provider?In development
- How do I find drysuit repairs and alterations?In development
- How do I find an underwater camera service provider?In development
- How do I find diving clubs and organised local trips?In development