Academy of Scuba

Kat, the owner of the Academy of Scuba, first dived on a visit to Queensland when she was 16 - “I was addicted from the word go!”, she says. Now Kat's living her passion: an instructor for the past six years, she bought Academy of Scuba in 2007. Under her direction, this thriving dive centre in Glen Iris was a finalist among the 1000-strong contenders in the 2008 PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Awards' most outstanding dive centre Asia Pacific category, and followed this up with the regional award in 2009.

Part of the Aquatic Adventures group of dive stores, Academy of Scuba sells and hires a wide range of equipment, with a focus on leading brands Oceanic and Scubapro. The extensive premises also host the theory aspects of the many training courses regularly conducted by the academy's highly qualified instructors. Training is available all the way to instructor level, and in the advanced stream of technical diving, which certifies divers to go well below the 30-metre limit of open-water qualifications. However, the team are equally welcoming and attentive to the needs of absolute beginners, whether that be during training or in the shop.   

Academy of Scuba is the only dive centre in Victoria able to provide dive medical certification on-site, and as of mid-October also offer accommodation in Rye - making their regular dive trips to the Mornington Peninsula even more attractive. Dive holidays interstate and overseas are also organised throughout the year for club members, many of whom gather for the social night at the store every Thursday. Non-club members are also welcome, as the social aspect of diving is central to Academy of Scuba's success.