Scuba Diving in India: Yash Merchant on Getting Certified, Exploring the Ocean and Finding Calm Underwater
Updated: Aug 31
From exploring scuba diving as a CV talking point to diving across the Andamans, Fiji, the Great Barrier Reef and the Maldives, Yash Merchant, an ex-McKinsey consultant currently working as Head, Strategic Initiatives, CBO’s Office, Piramal Finance, shares what it takes to become a certified scuba diver in India, what diving has taught him and why the underwater world continues to draw him back.
On a personal note, there are some things you discover about your spouse only after marriage. For me, one of them was that Yash, who is also my husband, is perfectly comfortable disappearing into the ocean with a tank strapped to his back while I remain on land, mentally rehearsing every possible emergency. So, for this story, I decided to put my anxiety aside, interview my diver husband objectively, and understand what keeps drawing him back into the water. If you’re also someone curious to follow Yash’s path, we have you covered on the technicalities and pre-requisites for scuba diving and being certified in India.
What made Yash start scuba diving?
There is something endearing about discovering that a hobby which now involves international dive trips began simply as a way to make a CV more interesting. As an eyewitness, I can tell you that Yash's first motivation was hardly the stuff of ocean documentaries.
He had returned to India from the US and was preparing for his MBA entrance exams. He wanted something beyond academics that could become an interesting talking point during his interviews. “I liked water, which is why I thought that let's try and explore. If it clicks, it clicks.”
It clearly clicked. Yash has completed more than 30 dives across the Andamans, Fiji, the Great Barrier Reef and the Maldives, with his diving journey beginning in the Andamans, where he completed his PADI Open Water certification.
What are the best places for scuba diving in the world?
Yash's most recent dive trip was off the coast of Queensland, where he spent three days on a liveaboard on the Great Barrier Reef. It was his first experience of a night dive, as well as his first encounter with reef sharks in the dark. The Great Barrier Reef is an enormous marine ecosystem rather than a single reef, with thousands of individual reefs and an extraordinary diversity of coral and marine life. It can be explored through day trips and snorkelling excursions, but liveaboards offer the opportunity to move farther into the reef system and dive at multiple sites, including after dark.
For Yash, the liveaboard experience meant close to four dives a day, along with joining me for short snorkelling sessions to appreciate the colour and texture of some of the coral reefs that have not yet been bleached as they are farther away from the coast. The experience also brought home the ecosystem's fragility.
The night dive was a particular milestone for Yash. “Being underwater after dark, with only the beam of a dive torch illuminating the reef, created an entirely different sense of the ocean. The familiar landscape of the daytime dive became mysterious, with different creatures appearing and the reef taking on a completely different character,” says Yash.
Yash has also gone diving in Fiji, in the southern hemisphere, where the underwater landscape and marine life are pristine.
Then there are the Maldives, where encounters with reef sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, turtles and stingrays have made for some of his most memorable dives.
What are the best places for scuba diving in India?
The Andamans were Yash's introduction to scuba diving and remain his primary Indian diving experience. He describes the water as exceptionally blue and clear. “Again, I would recommend opting for the Andamans for your scuba diving certification in India. There are some brilliant PADI 5-star diving schools here.” The broader takeaway is that you do not necessarily need to travel internationally to experience serious recreational diving.
Can anyone learn to scuba dive?
The short answer is that many people can, although there are important prerequisites.
Yash says, “You should at least know how to swim properly. I think that's very important from the point of view that dives are between 30 and 60 minutes long, where you would actually use your hands and legs a lot, just like when you swim. Broadly, I would say endurance is important.”
Medical fitness is another important consideration. Certain medical conditions may require a doctor's clearance, while some conditions can make diving unsuitable. Anyone considering scuba diving should confirm the exact requirements with the dive operator rather than relying on a general checklist found online.
There is also an important distinction between trying scuba diving and becoming a certified diver. A beginner can take an introductory or fun dive with a divemaster, who controls the dive, physically holds and guides the participant underwater. For those who want to dive more regularly and develop the skills required for recreational diving with a buddy, certification is the next step.
What is a PADI Open Water certification?
The Open Water Diver certification is the standard entry-level recreational scuba certification offered by PADI and other recognised training organisations such as SSI. Yash describes it as a combination of theory and practical training. “If you want to dive by yourself, the first step is to get an Open Water certification. In scuba, you would never really dive by yourself; you always dive with a dive buddy.”
The certification typically includes theory, confined-water training and a series of open-water training dives. Students learn how to use their equipment, manage basic underwater situations and perform essential diving skills under instructor supervision. Once certified, an Open Water diver can generally dive to a maximum recreational depth of 18 metres, subject to certification standards, conditions and operator requirements.
What is the difference between Open Water and Advanced Open Water certification?
For someone who becomes hooked on diving, the Open Water certification is only the beginning. Yash subsequently completed his Advanced Open Water certification. “The next level is the Advanced Open Water certification, which again consists of five dives, wherein there are two or three specialisations that you need to choose from. Depending on the course, divers can explore areas such as buoyancy, underwater photography, fish identification and other specialty skills.”
The course also allows divers to gain experience at greater depths, with the standard Advanced Open Water depth limit generally extending to 30 meters. For Yash, progressing from a basic to an advanced level took four years and a few recreational dives to help him reach greater depths, as 18-30 meters is where one would find an abundance of exquisite marine life. However, many diving enthusiasts choose to complete their Advanced certification along with their Basic certification in a single dive trip.
How do you choose a scuba diving school in India?
Yash recommends looking for established, recognised dive centers and checking their credentials, reviews and reputation. “Always choose an institute which is a PADI five-star rated or an institute which is an SSI Diamond.” For an Indian certification trip, the Andamans would be his first choice.
Another practical tip makes sense only after you have actually done a dive: choose your accommodation strategically. In places where local transport is limited, staying at the same property as your dive center, or somewhere very close to it, can make a considerable difference.
As Yash points out, “After a dive, you are wet and tired and do not necessarily want a complicated commute back to your hotel.”
What is Nitrox certification and why do divers use it?
A year after gaining his Advanced certification, Yash also got Nitrox certified, which is where scuba diving starts sounding slightly technical. Ordinary compressed air contains approximately 21 percent oxygen and 79 percent nitrogen. Enriched Air Nitrox contains a higher proportion of oxygen, which changes the amount of nitrogen a diver absorbs during a dive and can therefore alter allowable dive times at greater depth, depending on the mix and the dive profile.
Nitrox involves specific training, oxygen exposure limits and dive planning, and it does not automatically allow a diver to exceed other depth or safety limitations. As Yash explains, “The deeper you go, the less time you can spend at a deeper depth if you have the standard air that you breathe on the surface.”
For a diver trained to use Nitrox, the gas can provide different allowable underwater times depending on the mix and dive profile. For Yash, that becomes particularly useful when he wants to spend more time exploring certain deeper dive sites.
What has scuba diving taught Yash about life and wellbeing?
This may be my favourite part of his answer because Yash does not describe scuba diving simply as an adrenaline rush. For him, the underwater world is fascinating precisely because it is so unfamiliar. Then comes the lesson I did not expect from an activity I had personally filed under “things that make me anxious”: teamwork.
Yash says, “Scuba diving as a sport is all about teamwork. A buddy is so very important... because anything can go wrong with anyone. Underwater, you cannot simply shout across the room for help. Your equipment, breathing, depth, air supply and buddy all matter, which makes trust and communication fundamental parts of the experience.”
There is also the lesson of managing expectations because the ocean does not guarantee the experience you came looking for. You may enter a dive hoping to see something extraordinary and return having seen nothing new. Then, on the next dive, when you have lowered your expectations completely, the ocean surprises you. Yash says, “Perhaps that is one of the reasons diving becomes addictive. You never quite know what the next descent will reveal.”
What are the risks and challenges of scuba diving?
“I would begin by saying that diving is a very safe sport because there are a lot of checks that you would perform before you're actually going down, and you're also diving with a buddy,” explains Yash. “The key risks are often related to human error. If you're not monitoring the depth and you're not monitoring how much time you can stay at a particular depth, then it could prove to be fatal,” he continues.
The lesson is not that scuba diving is risk-free. It is that training, preparation, equipment checks, awareness and discipline matter enormously.
How much does scuba diving cost in India?
Scuba diving is not necessarily a cheap hobby. Yash estimates that individual recreational dives can cost approximately ₹5,000 to ₹12,000 or more per dive, depending on the location and operator, with international destinations generally costing more. Certification, accommodation, travel, and equipment are additional expenses.
Then there is the question of gear. Travel with your own equipment and luggage becomes more complicated and potentially more expensive. If you rent equipment, you pay each time and have to adapt to different gear. Yash's solution is to buy selectively once you know you are committed to diving.
What scuba diving gear should beginners invest in?
If you are planning to dive regularly, Yash recommends starting with three pieces of personal equipment:
Item | Recommendation | Why it matters |
Prescription eye mask | Especially important if you have a higher prescription | Not all dive operators keep powered eye masks. Even when available, they may not have your exact prescription, which can affect your underwater experience. |
Wetsuit and fins | Worth carrying if you go on dive trips 1–2 times a year | Having your own wetsuit and fins ensures a better fit, comfort and familiarity while diving. |
“If you have your own equipment, then you actually become more comfortable and accustomed to using the same type of equipment, and you can get better at your dives.”
For a beginner, however, there is little reason to rush out and buy a full set of equipment. Start with the pieces that affect personal fit and comfort most directly, then build up your kit as you become more committed to diving.
What should you do before and after a scuba dive?
Some of Yash's most useful advice has nothing to do with spectacular marine life.
Do | Why / What to keep in mind |
Stay hydrated | Diving can be dehydrating, as you breathe dry compressed air. Keep drinking water while on the dive boat. |
Protect yourself from the sun | Boat journeys to dive sites can mean significant sun exposure, especially on uncovered boats. Cover up and use appropriate sun protection. |
Do not touch marine life | Avoid bites, stings and other injuries, while also protecting marine creatures and fragile reefs. This is particularly important in ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef, where responsible tourism and conservation are essential. |
Avoid diving after drinking alcohol | “On my recent dive trip to the Great Barrier Reef, if anybody on the liveaboard spotted you near the bar, they wouldn’t allow you to dive at all,” says Yash. A lot of alcohol, even after dives, may lead to dehydration and is not advisable if you are diving the next day again. |
Do not overeat before a dive | A normal meal is fine, but being overly full can make you uncomfortable underwater. |
Leave an appropriate gap between your final dive and your flight | Your body needs time to release absorbed nitrogen after diving. Follow your dive operator’s guidance and avoid scheduling your final dive immediately before flying. An 18–24-hour gap is a sensible precaution, depending on your dive profile and applicable guidance. |
Opt for dedicated dive insurance | Yash recommends treating dive insurance separately from ordinary travel insurance. “Dive insurance is never a part of your travel insurance. So each time you dive, ensure you take dive insurance,” he says. |
Is snorkelling a good alternative to scuba diving?
Yash thinks snorkelling is a worthwhile way to experience marine life. “Snorkelling can help you get exposed to a lot of marine life which you otherwise would have not. However, a lot of the good marine life exists beyond the depths of 15 to 20 metres, which you would otherwise generally not be able to see while snorkelling,” he explains.
For someone who simply wants to see tropical fish and experience a reef, snorkelling can be wonderful.
For someone who wants to explore deeper underwater ecosystems, however, scuba opens another world.
Should you make scuba diving the focus of your holiday?
Yash says, “If I'm not able to make scuba part of my larger trips in a particular year, I would at least want to do one scuba-specific trip in a year.” This feels like the most sustainable way to approach a hobby that requires considerable planning, money and time.
You do not have to become a diver who travels only to dive. You can simply allow diving to become one of the experiences that makes a holiday richer, whether that means adding a couple of dives to a larger trip or setting aside a few days for a more immersive experience such as a liveaboard.
Would Yash recommend scuba diving to beginners?
Yash says, “I would definitely promote scuba diving, but I wouldn't force anyone into it. It's not something that you can take up every day. It's not like badminton or tennis or something that you can just go down and play.”
His reasons are practical. It is expensive, it can be daunting and some people may be uncomfortable around marine life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scuba Diving
Can beginners scuba dive in India?
Yes. Beginners can take an introductory dive or enrol in an Open Water certification course, provided they meet the relevant swimming, health and training requirements.
What is the first scuba diving certification?
The Open Water Diver certification is the standard entry-level recreational scuba certification.
How deep can an Open Water diver go?
The standard maximum depth for an Open Water certification is generally 18 metres, subject to the certification agency's rules, the diver's training and the conditions of the dive.
Where can you learn scuba diving in India?
The Andamans is an established diving destination for training. Lakshadweep is another notable Indian diving destination that is developing fast. Another place where certification happens in India is Pondicherry, but it is not highly recommended. Many dive schools offer mandatory theory and pool training in major cities like Mumbai / Bangalore, helping you save a couple of days at the destination. The open water dives can then subsequently be completed in Andamans / Lakshadweep.
Is scuba diving expensive?
It can be. Dive prices vary considerably by destination, operator and dive type, while certification, travel, accommodation and equipment are additional costs.
Is scuba diving safe?
Recreational scuba diving has established safety procedures, training and buddy systems, but it is not risk-free. Proper certification, medical fitness, equipment checks and adherence to dive limits are essential.
Can non-swimmers scuba dive?
Swimming ability and comfort in the water are important for recreational scuba diving, but exact requirements can vary by programme and certification agency. Anyone considering diving should check the requirements of the specific operator and course.
Can snorkelling replace scuba diving?
Snorkelling is an excellent way to experience marine life near the surface, but it cannot provide the same access to deeper underwater environments as scuba diving.
Do I need dive insurance for scuba diving?
Before a diving trip, check what your travel policy actually covers and whether you need separate dive insurance for medical emergencies, evacuation or other diving-related incidents. Most likely, you will need a dedicated dive insurance.
Last word: Is scuba diving for me?
Yash Merchant’s journey offers a useful starting point for anyone who has ever looked at the ocean and thought, I would love to see what is down there, but I am not sure I am ready to go in yet.
Perhaps that is the real appeal of scuba diving. It is not simply about the thrill of descending beneath the surface or ticking off another spectacular destination. It is about discovering an entire world that exists alongside our own, learning to move through it with patience and respect.
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