Poole Diving

Poole Diving, formerly known as Flippas-n-Fins, has been a fixture of the Dorset diving scene since 2002. Based in Hamworthy, the centre is perfectly positioned to access the renowned wreck sites and marine life of the south coast of the United Kingdom.

As a PADI 5 Star IDC centre, the facility serves a broad spectrum of the diving community. The team manages everything from introductory sessions for young divers to complex technical training for seasoned professionals, maintaining a strong emphasis on safety and equipment maintenance.

The professional team is led by highly qualified instructors, including a PADI Course Director and several Master Instructors. This depth of expertise ensures that whether you are working through your first Open Water Diver course or training for instructor status, you are learning from the highest level of PADI professionals.

The centre is also recognised as a PADI Youth Diver Centre, reflecting its active and dedicated programme for younger divers. This commitment to the next generation of divers is a core part of their identity in the local community.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering the full range of PADI certifications. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Bubblemaker programme, progressing through Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver. The centre also offers the Open Water Referral programme for those looking to complete their training elsewhere.

For those moving into technical diving, the centre provides advanced training including Tec40, Tec45, and Tec50 Trimix courses, as well as Tec Trimix Diver and Tec Gas Blender certifications. Specialty training is also available in areas such as Wreck Diver, Sidemount Diver, Deep Diver, and Night Diver, alongside professional pathways like Divemaster and Instructor courses.

The centre utilises RIBs and hard boats for local trips. For members of the Poole Divers Club, specific club RIB dives such as the Rebellion series are available, alongside drift dives. The Viper boat is also available for non-members, providing access to the local dive sites.

The centre features a fully equipped workshop where technicians can service your kit. They offer comprehensive servicing for regulators, BCDs, and computers, as well as specialised work on drysuits, including pressure testing, patch repairs, and seal replacements.

For cylinder maintenance, the workshop provides hydrostatic testing, visual inspections, and O2 cleaning. They also offer shot blasting and valve servicing to ensure your cylinders meet the necessary standards. Nitrox is available on-site, and they provide gas fills for those using 300 bar cylinders.

Diving in this region is subject to the typical tidal and weather patterns of the English Channel. The centre offers various options for local dives, including drift dives and boat-based trips, which can be adapted depending on the swell and local conditions.