If you're planning to dive in Okinawa, you might be wondering:
Do I need Advanced certification to dive in the Kerama Islands?
The short answer is:
No — but it depends on the type of dive.
Here is a clear explanation to help you understand what is required.
Minimum Certification for Kerama Diving
For standard boat diving in the Kerama Islands, the minimum requirement is:
✔ Open Water certification (or equivalent)
We accept major international certifications such as:
- PADI
- SSI
- NAUI
- CMAS
As long as your certification is internationally recognized, you are welcome to join.
Is Advanced Certification Required?
Advanced certification is not mandatory for most dives.
Many of the popular Kerama dive sites offer:
- Moderate depths
- Good visibility
- Calm conditions (depending on weather)
- Relaxed reef exploration
However, Advanced certification (or equivalent experience) is recommended if you:
- Prefer deeper profiles
- Want to join more dynamic dives
- Feel comfortable in moderate current
- Have strong buoyancy control
For certain dive profiles, such as controlled drift dives, experience matters more than the certification card itself.
What About Beginners?
If you are newly certified (recent Open Water):
You can still join — provided:
- You are comfortable in open water
- You have no medical issues
- Sea conditions are appropriate
We carefully select dive sites based on the experience level of the group.
Safety and comfort always come first.
What If I Haven’t Dived in a While?
This is very common for international travelers.
If you haven’t dived in:
- 6–12 months → Usually fine
- 1–3 years → Refresher recommended
- 3+ years → Strongly recommend refresher session
A refresher dive helps:
- Rebuild buoyancy control
- Practice basic skills
- Increase confidence
- Reduce stress underwater
We can advise you based on your last dive date.
How Many Logged Dives Are Required?
In our tours, the number of logged dives is not the main factor.
Even if you have just recently obtained your certification, you are welcome to join.
Many divers visiting Okinawa are newly certified and looking for their first fun dives after training. As long as you are comfortable with basic scuba skills — such as mask clearing, buoyancy control, and equalization — you can safely enjoy diving in the Kerama Islands.
We select dive sites based on:
- Your certification level
- Your recent diving experience
- Sea conditions on the day
- Your comfort in the water
If you are newly certified, we simply choose calm and suitable sites. There is no strict minimum number of logged dives required to participate in our regular reef dives.
Our priority is safety and comfort — not your dive count.
Do I Need to Bring My Certification Card?
Yes.
Please bring proof of certification:
- Physical card
- Digital certification (e-card)
If you forget it, we may need to verify your certification status before allowing you to dive.
Medical Requirements
You must be in good general health.
You should not dive if you:
- Have uncontrolled asthma
- Have serious heart conditions
- Recently had surgery
- Are pregnant
If you have any medical concerns, consult a doctor before traveling.
Depth Limits in Okinawa
Typical recreational dive depths in Kerama range from:
- 12–18 meters for relaxed reef dives
- Up to 30 meters for deeper profiles (Advanced level)
We strictly follow recreational diving standards and local safety guidelines.
English Communication
For international divers visiting Okinawa:
- Briefings are available in English
- Hand signals are reviewed
- Dive plans are clearly explained
- Emergency procedures are discussed before entry
Clear communication is essential for safe diving.
Summary: What Do You Really Need?
To dive the Kerama Islands:
✔ Open Water certification (minimum)
✔ Recent diving experience recommended
✔ Good health condition
✔ Comfortable in open water
Advanced certification is helpful — but not always required.
Experience and attitude matter more than the card itself.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
If you are unsure whether your certification or experience level is suitable:
👉 Contact us before booking and tell us:
- Your certification level
- Number of logged dives
- Date of last dive
We will give you honest advice and recommend the safest and most enjoyable option for your trip to Okinawa.
GOLD Scuba Diving
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