Alpha Dive Centre

96 Main Road, Strand,

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Alpha Dive Centre

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ABOUT US

Alpha Dive Centre was established in the Strand some 20 years ago and has been a permanent fixture in Main Road ever since! At the heart of the dive centre is owner-manager Ettienne Raal with a personal dive history that started in 1985.

As with any successful business, there is a team of staff, instructors and technicians that together make up the Alpha Dive Centre family with a combined teaching experience of over 35 years.

We are also very proud of divers that have been trained up and later find themselves in dive locations and careers as far afield as Mauritius, Red Sea, Seychelles, Thailand, Fiji, Australia, Florida, Mediterranean, Saudi and slightly closer to home in Mozambique and Sodwana Bay. Let us know where your diving takes you so that we can connect you with “Alpha family” almost anywhere in the world.

SCUBA DIVING COURSES CAPE TOWN – LEARN TO DIVE!

When learning to dive and furthering your scuba education it is important to have fun! Just as important though, is your choice of centre. So choose your dive school with care. We offer our divers and students the following:

Over 35 years combined teaching experience
Established dive centre for more than 20 years
Our training is a profession, not a hobby
State of the art teaching equipment
Comfortable classroom with the best coffee!
Top of the range school gear
All gear serviced by trained service technicians
Oxygen & safety equipment at every dive
All staff are trained in rescue, 1st aid & oxygen
Flexible training schedules
We don’t charge exorbitant fees. You can pay for your course & still afford your own kit

INTRODUCTION TO SCUBA DIVING

The program includes

Dive briefing and safety review
All necessary dive gear
Pool dive
Post-dive debriefing and excellent coffee
Online registration
Recognition dive card
R250 discount voucher off an Open Water Diver course (valid for 7 days)

Prerequisites:

Minimum 12 years of age.
All forms completed.

Aim of the Course:

Our Try Scuba Diving is aimed at non-divers who wish to discover the wonders of breathing under water before committing to the full certification course – an ideal opportunity to overcome any curiosity or anxiety. This experience is an excellent team-building exercise for corporates/groups or as a kiddie’s scuba party.

Dives:

One pool dive.

SCUBA EXPLORERS

Scuba Explorers is an exciting underwater activity-filled introduction to the world of diving. It gives children a chance to swim around underwater and experience adventure, discovery and thrills. Children will be taught the knowledge and skills required to be a safe diver, while encouraging them to have as much fun as possible!

This program was designed specifically to welcome children into the scuba community and to keep them a part of it for the rest of their lives.

The Scuba Explorers program is divided into 5 sessions:

Session 1.Learn how to snorkel with a mask, a snorkel and fins. How to help other children is also emphasized. And most importantly, so is having fun!

Session 2.Rangers then go into the pool with equipment for the first time.

Session 3.Rangers learn new diving exercises in the pool

Session 4.Children play games underwater while wearing diving equipment to increase their comfort and practice the diving techniques they’ve learned so far.

Session 5.Your proud children can “teach” diving to parents, siblings, and friends by doing demonstrations of the skills they’ve learned.

Prerequisites:

Participants must be at least 10 years old
Parents to complete and sign the medical statement, statement of understanding and liability waiver & release before the child participates in any in-water training.
Provide own mask, snorkel and fins

Aim of the Scuba Explorers Program:

Make kids comfortable and confident at diving in a pool
Keep youngsters diving, learning and having fun until they are ready to enroll in the Junior Open Water course.
To develop fundamental scuba skills and knowledge while preparing kids for further adventure.
For kids to develop a long-term affinity with the sport of scuba diving by the time they are 12 years old and to continue to pursue it in their later years.

Underwater Skills:

The best part of the Explorers program is that it reinforces safe diving skills while the kids are having fun.
It is a fun pool-only experience.

OPEN WATER DIVING COURSE

Duration & Flexibility

Our courses are designed for your convenience. Study the academic portion at your own pace, when it suits your schedule. Online learning only.

Study Breakdown

Estimated time: ±3 hours

Complete your online theory and knowledge reviews before attending your in-store session. We recommend starting early to ensure you’re fully prepared.

In-Store Academic Session

Duration: ±3 hours

We’ll review key theory topics, answer any questions, and complete a written exam. A gear familiarization and kit-up session will follow.

Pool Session

Duration: 2x Pool sessions of 100 minutes each.

Scheduled at the start of your course — typically on a weekend. This session covers all fundamental scuba skills in a controlled environment.

Sea Dives

Minimum: 2 days

Scheduled after completing the exam and pool assessments. You’ll need to complete at least 4 dives to demonstrate your skills in open water.

Course Requirements

Minimum age: 10 years for Junior Divers
Valid diving medical from a licensed physician
Recent ID photo (for your training records)
Full payment required to confirm your place

Course Goals

At Alpha Dive Centre, we teach to international standards, focusing on safety, communication, and confidence in the water. Our goal is to help you become a competent and responsible Open Water Diver.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll gain the skills to plan and execute safe, enjoyable dives up to 18 meters. Core training includes:

Pool Skills Covered:

Equipment assembly & checks
Buoyancy control & descent techniques
Mask clearing & regulator recovery
Emergency procedures (including out-of-air drills)
Weight and gear removal/replacement (surface & underwater)
Basic snorkelling skills
Gear care and maintenance
Debriefing and record keeping

Open Water Dives

Complete a minimum of 4 sea dives, where you’ll apply the skills learned in the pool under real-world conditions. Each dive is fully briefed and supervised by your instructor.

Note: Transport is not included in the course package.

SSI ADVANCED ADVENTURER COURSE

Flexible Learning – Your Time, Your Pace

Our course materials are designed to let you study the theory at your convenience. Online learning options are available – please contact us for details.

To get the most from your training, we recommend starting your academic material early. This allows enough time to complete all theory and knowledge reviews before your qualifying dives.

Course Timeline

Home Study

Estimated Time: ±3 hours

Complete the required online theory modules before your practical sessions begin.

Sea Dives

You’ll complete 5 required adventure dives over a minimum of 3 dive days. The full course may take up to 6 diving days, depending on scheduling and sea conditions.

Prerequisites

Valid Open Water Diver certification
Recent dive logged in your logbook
Minimum age: 15 years (or 10 for Junior Divers)
Medical statement (dated within 12 months) from a licensed physician
Recent ID photo for training records
Full payment required to confirm your course

Why Take This Course?

Many of the most rewarding dive experiences — both locally and internationally — require an Advanced (Adventure) Diver certification. This course enables you to safely participate in dives such as:

Night Diving
Boat Diving
Deep Diving (to a maximum of 30 meters)

At Alpha Dive Centre, we focus on safety, professionalism, and personal development, following internationally recognized training standards.

Equipment Requirements

You’ll need to bring your own basic snorkelling gear:

Mask
Snorkel
Fins
Booties
(Gloves recommended)

We also highly recommend having your own wetsuit and weight system. Planning to buy gear? Speak to one of our instructors for guidance before purchasing.

Your Open Water Dive Experience

This course includes 5 specialty dives, designed to improve your skills and expand your diving experience:

Performance Buoyancy (PB) – or a refresher pool session if needed
Fish Identification – underwater photography encouraged!
Underwater Navigation
Deep Boat Dive – charter required
Night or Low Visibility Dive

Note: Transport and charter fees are not included in the course price.

RESCUE, FIRST AID, CPR & D.A.N COURSE PACKAGE

Rescue Diver Course

Comprehensive Emergency Response & Diver Stress Management Training

Course Overview

Our Rescue Diver Course provides more than just rescue techniques — it delivers a complete emergency response package. You’ll receive First Aid, Basic Life Support, and Diving First Aid Professional (DFA Pro) certifications, including CPR for all age groups, oxygen administration, AED use, and response to neurological injuries and hazardous marine life incidents.

Whether it’s recognizing diver stress before it escalates or handling real in-water emergencies, this course builds the knowledge and confidence needed to act swiftly and effectively.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll be trained to:

Recognize and manage stress in yourself and others
Rescue panicked or unresponsive divers at depth and on the surface
Provide CPR (Infant, Child & Adult)
Respond to neurological injuries and decompression-related symptoms
Manage oxygen delivery and automated defibrillators (AEDs)
Identify and treat hazardous marine life injuries

This course equips you with the critical thinking, hands-on skills, and confidence to act when it matters most.

Study Timeline

Home Study

±3 hours of flexible online learning at your convenience

(Online access available on request)

In-Store Academic Session

±3 hours – Rescue theory, Q&A, and prep for practicals

Pool Sessions (2 sessions)

±3 hours each – Scheduled after theory to practice core rescue skills

First Aid & Basic Life Support (EFR or React Right)

±3 hours of theory + ±2 hours of hands-on practicals

(Covers CPR, basic life support, and AED use)

DFA Pro (Diving First Aid Professional)

±3 hours theory + ±2 hours of one-on-one practicals

Includes CPR (all ages), oxygen admin, marine injuries, and neurological assessment

Final Evaluation

Certification is granted after successfully completing:

Written exams
Pool skill assessments
Final Rescue scenarios and evaluations

Course Prerequisites

Minimum age: 12 years
Proof of Open Water Diver certification
Recent logged dive in your logbook
Medical clearance from a licensed physician (valid within 12 months)
Recent ID photo for certification
Full payment before course start

What’s Included

SSI Stress & Rescue or PADI Rescue Diver
SSI React Right or PADI Emergency First Response (EFR)
DFA Pro (Diving First Aid Professional)
AED Training
O2 Provider
Hazardous Marine Life Injuries (HMLI)
Certification materials & online access
Student folder and logbook

What’s Not Included

Transport
Boat charter (if applicable)
Public pool entry fees (if applicable)
Medical examination (if older than 12 months)
MPA permit (available from the Post Office)
Batteries for emergency gear (e.g., dive lights)

Equipment Requirements

Required:

Snorkel, mask, fins, and booties
Gloves recommended

Strongly Recommended:

Personal wetsuit and weight system
Your own BCD, regulator, and octo system

Planning to buy gear? Let our instructors help you make the right choice.

Graduates who invest in their own gear will be invited to join Alpha Dive Centre’s Elite Rescue Group and receive an official Rescue Diver Identification Vest.

Why Choose This Course?

Diving emergencies rarely happen in isolation — they result from a series of preventable events. This program prepares you to spot the signs early, take control of high-pressure situations, and save lives. It’s the next step for divers looking to become leaders in dive safety and care.

Join the ranks of the most capable divers in the water.

CPR & BASIC FIRST AID COURSE

The DAN Basic Life Support (BLS) course will not only train divers and non-divers to resuscitate an injured person with a circulatory arrest, but can also prevent a person from getting in that condition. External bleeding, choking and shock can lead to severe circulatory and respiratory problems. The course will prepare you to react in the correct way, when accidents happen.

The DAN First Aid course represents training designed to providing first aid to adult victims with non-immediately life-threatening injuries and is taught together with the BLS course. In a real accident situation first aid skills are the next step after providing effective basic life support.

Duration:

Home study of the materials and completion of the knowledge development sections for BLS + 3 hours practical training in the classroom (skills development)
Home study of the materials and completion of the knowledge development sections for First Aid + 5 hours practical
Time spent reviewing the examination with each participant to ensure 100% understanding of the material.

Course Prerequisites:

Minimum age of 12 years

Completion of all required paperwork

Participants must complete the examination with a minimum passing score of 80 percent.

Aim of the Course:

Entry-level training designed to educate persons in providing BLS techniques to adult victims with life-threatening injuries, while activating the local medical services.
Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to provide BLS to adult victims through several first aid techniques that support (or might restore) life.
Learn and practice skills needed to provide first aid to adults in non-immediately life-threatening situations (or after having provided BLS in life threatening situations).
Learn several techniques that relieve pain, stop injury from getting worse and determine the type of injury or illness.

Qualifications of graduates:

At the end of the course the BLS provider will be able to recognise an emergency, activate the EMS and provide CPR, while waiting for an automated external defibrillator (AED) or advanced life support to arrive at the scene of the accident.

SPECIALITY COURSES CURRENTLY ON OFFER

DIVE GUIDE COURSE

There is a demand for people who have a passion for diving and want to share that passion with others. The rewarding experience of teaching others to dive begins with leading certified divers as a Dive Guide. The Divemaster’s mission is to inspire and influence others to grow in their diving experiences as well as increase their own knowledge, skills and experience by planning and leading dives.

The Divemaster rating is the first leadership-level certification. The program is designed to train experienced and knowledgeable divers to lead certified open water divers. For divers interested in becoming an SSI Dive Professional, becoming a Dive Guide is the first step toward accomplishing that goal.

The course consists of knowledge developments, water skills and practical application.

Duration:

This course is a self-study, performance-based program where:

Skill Development: Students master and are evaluated on basic waterman skills, including snorkelling, scuba, and rescue skills in confined water.
Practical Application: Students apply divemaster skills, such as leading dives and managing groups in open water settings.
Outside Class Preparation: Expectations include spending time outside of class hours researching dive sites, organizing notes, and preparing for dive briefings and activities.

Aim of the Course:

In the Divemaster role, you are directly responsible for guiding and managing certified divers. As a Divemaster, you will:

Lead underwater tours for certified divers.
Work on dive boats and lead trips for a Dive Centre.
Utilize skills in group management, accident prevention, and specialized areas such as boat and navigation diving.

Certification:

Upon successful completion, Divemaster’s are certified to:

Lead group trips and guide on dive boats.
Recognize potentially stressful situations and manage emergency scenarios effectively.

Prerequisites for the Divemaster Course:

Minimum age of 18 years.
Advanced and Rescue diver certifications. Additionally, the Science of Diving specialty is required for the SSI Divemaster course.
A minimum of 40 logged dives at the start of the course, including experience in navigation, limited visibility, boat diving, deep diving, and search and recovery.
Certification in CPR and First Aid within the last 24 months.
Pass a water fitness evaluation and a final written examination.
Verification of good physical condition by a medical examination, with unconditional approval for diving by a licensed physician within the last 12 months.
Provide, own, and be responsible for dive gear suitable for open water scuba diving.

Sea Dives:

Training and activities include:

Observing, briefing, and conducting open water diving activities.
Training exercises such as map making, underwater problem-solving, and a divemaster conducted program.
Assisting an instructor with non-certified divers during 4 open water dives and 1 confined water dive.
Observing and assisting with a night dive and a deep dive for certified divers.
Planning and conducting a night dive and a deep dive for certified divers.

Candidates must log a minimum of 60 dives upon completion of the course.

BACK TO DIVING – REFRESHER COURSES

For divers inactive for 1–5 years or 6–10 years

At Alpha Dive Centre, your safety and confidence in the water are our top priorities. If you haven’t been scuba diving for an extended period, a refresher course is essential before getting back in the water.

Our refresher programs are designed to:

Refresh your diving skills and techniques
Review emergency procedures
Update you on the latest diving protocols
Rebuild your confidence in a safe, supportive environment

Refresher Course – Inactive for 1–5 Years

Overview & Prerequisites

SSI profile creation
Completion of required paperwork
Digital refresher theory outline
Digital online exam (to be completed before practical session)
Proof of scuba diver certification
Proof of last logged dive (up-to-date logbook)
Medical statement from a licensed physician (within the last 12 months)
Recent ID photo (for training record)
Full payment before starting the course

Practical Application

Briefing with a qualified scuba instructor

Catch-up theory session

Comprehensive pool session covering all 25 skills required by scuba training standards

Refresher Course – Inactive for 6–10 Years

Overview & Prerequisites

SSI profile creation
Completion of required paperwork
Digital Open Water Course theory outline
Proof of scuba diver certification
Proof of last logged dive (up-to-date logbook)
Medical statement from a licensed physician (within the last 12 months)
Recent ID photo (for training record)
Full payment before starting the course

Practical Application

Briefing with a qualified scuba instructor
Full recap of theory sessions
Written in-class exam
Two pool sessions covering all essential scuba skills
Two qualifying open water dives to apply your skills in real conditions

Additional Information (Both Courses)

You must provide your own basic snorkelling gear (minimum: mask, snorkel, fins, booties). Gloves recommended.
Transport not included.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE

Duration

The course involves 5 sessions over 5 weeks – including two theoretical lessons and three practical excursions. (1 session per week)
Theoretical lessons are both in-house with each approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours long.
Practical excursions approximately 2 to 3 hours each – different venues and different scenarios / photography types / genres.

Prerequisites

A basic understanding of your equipment. NB: Please go through your owner’s manual BEFORE the course will commence. (We will not have time to figure out how your own / personal equipment works / functions during lesson times, as basic photography principles and aspects will be covered during lessons.)
Own transport to and from practical excursions – (travel arrangements may be organized by the Dive Centre if and where applicable).
All extra expenses e.g. snacks & drinks / entrance fees during excursions to your own cost.
Full payment required before commencement of the course.

Aim Of the Course

To get comfortable with your equipment.
To get a basic understanding of photographic principles – both theoretical and practical
To understand the basic terms and terminology used in photography.
To become more passionate about your hobbies – and to combine them better: Diving & Photography – a winner combination.
To be able to apply photographic principles on multiple disciplines / genres of photography.
The photography course is designed with both beginners and intermediate enthusiasts in mind, and for the person who want to take their level of understanding photography a notch up!
To get a “hands-on” opportunity to experience photography in the field and under the guidance of experts.

Equipment Requirements

Your own camera system (including either DSLR-body AND Lenses and/or Point-n-Shoot camera)
Your own underwater camera housing. (where applicable)
Your own extra’s e.g. Tripod, Filters, Flash, cable release etc. (where applicable, but this is optional and not mandatory or compulsory)
If you are planning to purchase any equipment before the course, rather be advised to contact us first to obtain more information.

About The Course

The course consists of five sessions with corresponding assignments. Two lessons are theory based and in-house, and three lessons are practical sessions in the field.

During lessons you will be tutored in the basic aspects of photography by a photographer who have extensive knowledge and experience on the topics covered.

The course should normally be completed over a period of five weeks (including the 2 theory lessons in the first 2 weeks, and 3 weekends – either on a Saturday or Sunday – for the practical excursions)

Assignments are all electronic and may be submitted via email prior to the next lesson. If time permits, feedback and group discussions on the assignments may be included in the sessions.

Course Outline

MODULE 1 (More Informative)

Different Cameras & their Different Lenses – An Introduction to a Matter of Great Confusion – and the Significant Difference – But it all comes down to LIGHT! : No–Light–No–Photography…
- DSLR – Digital Single Lens Reflex (Lens-Mirror-Reflect-into-Viewfinder)
- Point-n-Shoot
- Hybrid / Bridge
- Mirrorless
Lenses: Focal Length – Even More Confusion..?
- Fixed Focal Zoom Lenses: Wide Angle, Macro, “Normal” and Zoom

Different Shutters & Different Sensors – Does it matter?
The “Megapixel-debate” – Is Bigger Better? (Latest trends?)
RAW or cooked to JPEG?
Photo G.A.S – .. Wait! … What…? (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)

MODULE 2 (More Technical)

From “A” to “M”, ASAP – Auto to Manual
All About Light: SHUTTERS, APERTURE, ISO & THEIR RELATIONSHIPS – The Exposure Triangle
- Shutter Speed: –30 to 8000 in a blink of an eye!
- Aperture: Open wide, please!
- ISO (International Standard Organization): Not for the sensitive!
White Balance
Composition : Rule Of Thirds / Angles & Perspective
To Edit or Not to Edit …? That is the question! / Are you a Purist?

MODULE 3, 4 & 5 (More Practical – Excursions: Venues to be announced)

Beach Scenario (Macro & Landscape)

Mountain Scenario – (Landscape & Panorama)

Forest / Water Scenario (Macro & Low Light)

Includes: All Notes & Lesson Material

Costs

Excludes: Photographic Equipment

Transport

Entrance Fees (where applicable)

* Specialty and Advance courses available on request (Low light, Filter, Astro, Industrial, Architecture, etc.).

** Specialty course on post editing (Lightroom, Photoshop & Luminar software) available on request.

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED

Gear Services

Top notch equipment quality, rentals and repairs
Cylinder refills from R150*
Our fully equipped dive shop offer top of the range scuba diving gear from leading manufacturers such as Mares, Poseidon, Tusa and Scubapro.

Travel With a Ginger

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit!
Explore the stunning South African coast, from Sodwana Bay to Mozambique, or discover dream-like reefs and shores in far-off lands.
Join us for an unforgettable journey, filled with vibrant marine life, hidden gems, and cultural immersion.

Course Specials

For the best prices and quality training, book your courses through our Diamond award-winning centre.