Andark Diving

Andark Diving has been a fixture of the Hampshire diving scene since 1976. Originally founded as a commercial diving enterprise working on hull surveys and underwater construction, the centre transitioned into professional dive training in 1980. This heritage of maritime expertise provides a solid foundation for the recreational training offered today.

Located at Lower Swanwick, Southampton, the centre has grown into one of the largest training schools in the country. It operates as a PADI 5 Star IDC centre, meaning it is equipped to take divers from their very first breath underwater all the way through to professional instructor development.

As a 5 Star IDC centre, the facility is geared towards high-level instruction and professional progression. The team is capable of guiding divers through the entire PADI continuum, including the Instructor Development Course (IDC) and Specialty Instructor training.

Instruction is provided in English, catering to both local divers and those travelling to the UK for certification. The centre’s long-standing history in the industry ensures that the expertise shared during courses is rooted in decades of practical maritime and diving experience.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering every level of the PADI system. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving, the Bubblemaker programme, or the PADI Open Water Course. Junior divers have dedicated pathways through the Junior Open Water and Junior Advanced Open Water courses.

For experienced divers, the centre offers a wide array of specialties including PADI Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and Night Diver. Technical and skill-based training is also available through courses such as PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox), Peak Performance Buoyancy, and Underwater Navigation. Professional candidates can pursue the full range of career paths, from Divemaster and Assistant Instructor to the complete Instructor Development Course (IDC).

The centre is well-equipped for both training and maintenance. On-site facilities include a heated swimming pool for skill development and a dedicated training lake for open water practice. A large retail shop is available for divers looking to purchase new kit or accessories.

For those maintaining their own gear, the centre offers professional servicing including regulator maintenance, BCD servicing, and drysuit repairs. They also provide cylinder air fills, Nitrox services, and replacement batteries for dive computers. Full equipment hire is available for those who do not wish to travel with their own kit.