Oceanauts Diving

Oceanauts Diving operates as a specialised diving academy in Northern Ireland, based out of Warrenpoint. The centre focuses on providing high-level training within the unique, often challenging environments of Carlingford Lough and the Irish Sea.

As a partner of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, the centre integrates marine conservation into its core identity. The approach is built on scientific precision and a deep understanding of local cold-water ecosystems, making it a primary hub for divers looking to progress from recreational levels to technical expertise.

The academy was founded by Dain McParland, a marine scientist with over 15 years of global diving experience. This scientific background informs the centre's teaching philosophy, which emphasises environmental stewardship and technical accuracy.

As an SSI Pro Development Centre, Oceanauts Diving is equipped to take divers through the entire professional pathway. This includes mentorship for those pursuing SSI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Open Water Instructor certifications.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering every stage of a diver's development. Beginners can start with Try Scuba in a pool or progress through the SSI Open Water Diver qualification. For those looking to refine their skills, the centre offers Scuba Skills Update, Perfect Buoyancy, and Navigation courses.

Advanced and technical training forms the backbone of the academy. The curriculum includes Enriched Air Nitrox, Deep Diver, Decompression Diving, and the full XR Foundations suite, covering Twinset and Sidemount configurations. They also provide specialised training in Extended Range and rebreather diving.

Beyond standard scuba, the centre offers Freediving courses and professional instructor training. For divers interested in the biological side of the sport, they provide SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology and Marine Ecology courses.

The centre serves as a technical hub with an accredited IDEST workshop on-site. You can access professional services including regulator maintenance and cylinder testing to ensure your kit is mission-ready.

For those looking to upgrade their equipment, the centre is an official retailer for premium brands such as Shearwater and Scuba Force. This ensures access to high-quality dive computers and specialised technical kit.

The local waters around Greencastle Shore and the Lough support a variety of interesting species. During night dives, you can often encounter active nocturnal life such as lobsters and moray eels.

In the rocky habitats and reef structures, the biodiversity is driven by a variety of invertebrates and smaller marine residents that thrive in the cold-water environment.

Diving in the Irish Sea and Carlingford Lough requires an understanding of cold-water environments. The centre specialises in preparing divers for these conditions through specific training, such as Dry Suit Specialty and Night & Limited Visibility courses.