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Sinking below the surface into blue waters, the world above and all its worries disappearing from sight, can be a wonderful experience and one that you're sure never to forget. Wherever in the world you choose to make your first entrance into the underwater world, it's important that you make the right decisions about how you do it to ensure you have a safe introduction to diving.

For those craving the peaceful yet exciting new world that lies beneath the waters, be it out in the sea or exploring the depths of a lake, the best place to start is with a PADI diving school. Though there are a number of different dive schools you can train with PADI is well known and respected across the globe and their courses have a friendly and enjoyable feel.

First of all you will need to decide where to do your qualification. A lot of people like to do their qualification while on holiday where the water is warm and clear and they can rush through it all in a few days. However, though there are obvious benefits to doing this, not least avoiding plunging into the dark depths of icy cold water, there are drawbacks. If for example you are intending on doing most of your diving in local cold waters, learning to dive in the Caribbean, for example, will not prepare you well enough. You would be better off using a local dive school who will also be able to train you in the use of dry suits. You will still gain all the experience you need to then jet off to warmer waters when you feel like it. Of course if your fortunate to have warm local waters, learning in warm waters abroad may suit you well.

Bear in mind that you will need to be physically fit to be allowed to dive. You will be asked to fill out and sign a medical form to prove that you are fit. If you have had any operations on your ears or problems with your lungs you may not be able to dive. If you have any concerns it may be a good idea to consult your doctor before you sign up for a course.

If you are unsure whether or not you will enjoy diving, most schools offer a Discover Scuba course which allows you to have a go without committing yourself to the full Open Water course. If you decide you don't like it, you won't have wasted the full course fees. If, on the other hand, you can't wait to continue you can take what you've learnt and put it towards your Open Water qualification.

The full Open Water course begins with learning the theory and working through the Open Water Manual. This covers everything you need to know about

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