Learn basic mermaiding principles and focus on practicing skills in a pool
The PADI Basic Mermaid™ course combines learning supporting knowledge and principles with a confined water skill development session to introduce the fun of fundamental mermaid diving. The course covers mermaid diving's background and culture, primary safety considerations, equipment and basic water skills.
The PADI Basic Mermaid course consists of two phases:
- Study independently using PADI Basic Mermaid eLearning (or your instructor may conduct class sessions if not available in your language).
- A confined water (pool or pool-like location) session to learn and practice basic mermaid diving skills, problem prevention and handling, and how to make mermaid dives
In the PADI Basic Mermaid course, you will use a monofin (i.e. mermaid tail), mask, snorkel and fins. You may also use a wetsuit and weight belt. Using gear designed specifically for mermaiding is best; however, in this beginner course, you may be able to use snorkeling equipment you already own. If you are a freediver, some of your gear (e.g. mask, fins, snorkel) is also mermaiding gear.
The Learning Materials
PADI Mermaid eLearning makes it easy to fit your mermaid lessons into a busy schedule. Learn about mermaiding principles and terminology whenever, wherever it's convenient for you. It's your course on your time. Study offline, or online using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor whenever you have a question.
Prerequisites - PADI Basic Mermaid
To enroll in the PADI Basic Mermaid course,
- You must be at least six years old.
- You need to be able to swim at least 25m/80ft without swim aids,
- Be able to float comfortably at the surface for at least 3 mins
- In good physical health.
No prior snorkeling, skin diving or freediving course completion is required.
Medical Requirements
Our experiences and courses require a minimum level of health and fitness. Chronic health conditions, certain medications and/or recent surgery may require you to get written approval from a physician before diving.
Avoid disappointment, download and review the Diver Medical form to ensure you won’t need a physician’s approval to dive before enrolling in a scuba course. Instructors, divemasters and dive shop staff are not physicians and should not be asked for medical advice; only medical professionals can give medical clearance to dive.
If you (or your physician) have questions about medical fitness to dive, contact the experts at Divers Alert Network (DAN), or your own Doctor.
You will not be able to participate in any pool or open water sessions without confirming your fitness to dive.
If the above points are not adhered to no later than 14 days before the start of your course, it will greatly slow down the course for yourself and the other students.
For this reason, if the effort and commitment has not been made, you will be assigned another course and an additional cost of £75 may be charged. In the event you do not book another course date, no refund will be made.
The Mermaid Gear You Will Need
To take part in this course you will need to make sure you have, as minimum:
- Your own Mask and Snorkel
- A set of Freediving Bi Fins
- Weight Belt (We recommend a Rubber Weight Belt)
- Monofin
- Mermaid Outfit
PADI Advanced Mermaid
You will also require:
- Depth Gage or Freediving Dive Compter
- Appropriate Exposure Projections
- Safety Lanyard and Strap