This article is part of the "Asia Route Travel Log 2025-2026" series.

I went and got my diving certifications (PADI OWD and AOW) on Cebu Island in the Philippines.

Honestly, before going I worried, "can I get this done in English alone?" My diving knowledge wasn't complete, and the idea of the procedures scared me too. But once I actually went, it was a textbook case of "you just figure it out when you try."

This is a record of getting certified in about four days on Cebu. I wrote it hoping it helps people who are a little anxious about English, or who are about to get certified themselves.

Before the certification, there was e-learning theory to do. The kind that takes about six to eight hours.

Honestly, this surprised me most. I'd assumed it would all be in English, so finding out the theory could be done in Japanese was a relief.

You watch videos on a computer, answer quizzes, and move along. To be honest, things were a bit hectic right before the trip, so I got a little sloppy toward the end. But having the basics in your head makes the on-site explanations much easier to follow.

If you're anxious because English isn't your strong suit, doing this part properly really makes a difference. Instead of having everything explained from zero on site, it becomes "ah, this is the thing I saw in the e-learning," and that gives you some breathing room.

I got my PADI OWD (Open Water Diver) on days 1 and 2.

On day 1 we met at the shop at 9, and got a longer theory briefing. A lot of it was stuff I'd seen in the e-learning, but having the instructor explain it in person made some things click. When I didn't understand, I just said so, and they kindly explained it again and again.

Around 11 we finally headed to the sea. The first dive was a short one, about 15 minutes. I was nervous.

Putting on the wetsuit, the gear, and the moment of entering the water — there's a little "am I really okay?" feeling. But the instructor is right there, checking each basic skill one by one as you go.

The instant I went underwater, there was a stillness unlike what I'd imagined. All the sounds from land fade away, and it's just the sound of my own breathing and the bubbles. And the most important thing there is "calm down, relax." Don't rush; stay calm. That's all it comes down to.

After a lunch break, one more dive from 13:00. I had more composure than the first time, so I could actually take in the scenery around me. Day 1 wrapped up around 15:00.

Day 2 was two dives from 9 and then done. It finished surprisingly fast.

Maybe because the morning briefing was shorter, or because the knowledge had sunk in, the flow felt smooth and familiar. After the second dive, we were done by midday.

Honestly, on day 1 I thought "doesn't getting certified take longer?" but in practice it went surprisingly quickly. OWD: done.

The actual lessons were in English. Be ready for that.

That said, there are Japanese instructors too, and some who speak a little Japanese. Still, it's basically English. Explanations in English, briefings in English.

To be honest, there were things I couldn't fully understand. Moments like "I think that's what they're saying, but I can't be sure."

But the important thing here is to say when you don't understand. No need to feel embarrassed. "I don't understand" is enough. Then the instructor explains it another way, with gestures. From experience, pushing on without understanding is more dangerous, so don't hold back here.

When they explained things over and over, I thought, "ah, diving instructors really are well trained." No matter how many times they repeated the same thing, there was no irritation — they were genuinely patient.

I got my PADI AOW (Advanced Open Water Diver) on days 3 and 4.

Day 3 was a long one, from 9 to 17. This day you learn deeper points and how to dive in slightly different environments. The flow was dive 1, dive 2, lunch break, dive 3.

After the dives, your body is more tired than you'd expect. Probably from using both nerves and stamina. But that tiredness, too, comes with a sense of "yeah, I dove."

By the end of the third dive, I was used to the flow, and communication with the instructor was smooth.

Day 4 was two dives between about 15:00 and 19:00. The morning was free, so you can rest at the shop, wander the town, whatever you like.

The main point that day was a night dive. We left in the evening and dove the night sea. Underwater, it's a different world again. Totally different creatures are active than in the daytime, and the light hits differently. The feeling of only seeing what your flashlight lights up was kind of mystical.

It was my first night dive, so it was a little scary, but that, too, stays with you strongly as an experience.

We finished around 19:00, and AOW was complete.

Getting the certification was nerve-wracking at first. But once I went, the program was well structured, the instructors were attentive, and it was far more okay than I'd imagined.

As long as you don't forget this, you'll be fine: "calm down, relax." Don't panic, stay composed. If you panic underwater, this phrase is everything.

You get more tired than expected after diving, so it's better not to cram your schedule that day. Shower, rest a bit, eat. That flow feels good.

If you go to Cebu, you'll want to enjoy the food too. Cebu food is delicious no matter what you eat. I've put that together separately in the Cebu food log.

I got certified at a dive shop on Cebu called "SiDive." Bottom line, I'm glad I went with them.

The instructors were kind, and the explanations were thorough. For prices, the latest hours, and other courses, you can check the details on the Google Map below.

To anyone about to get certified in Cebu: I get the nervousness. But even if your English isn't perfect, you'll be okay. Do the e-learning properly, say when you don't understand, stay calm, and it works out more than you'd think.

This article is part of the "Asia Route Travel Log 2025-2026" series. The full route and article list are organized in the summary post.