About Us

About Dive Rutland – Our Story Beneath the Surface

The moment you take your first breath underwater, the world above fades away. Weightless, quiet, and full of wonder, the ocean opens its doors to adventure, discovery, and a sense of freedom that stays with you long after you surface. At Dive Rutland, guiding people to that feeling is what drives us.

We believe diving is more than a sport. It’s a journey of confidence, connection, and transformation. From nervous beginners taking their first cautious breaths to experienced divers perfecting their skills and exploring the unseen, we are here to make every moment underwater safe, memorable, and life-changing.

Our team is passionate, patient, and genuinely excited about sharing the underwater world. Tracey, our SSI Instructor Trainer, has spent years helping people become confident divers and dive professionals, opening doors to global opportunities. Our crew bring energy, expertise, and a love of the ocean that’s infectious — whether you’re learning to spot a nudibranch or mastering perfect buoyancy.

Safety, enjoyment, and environmental care guide everything we do. Every course, dive, and piece of equipment is part of our commitment to delivering experiences that are not only fun but responsible. We believe in leaving the oceans better than we found them, and inspiring our divers to do the same.

At Dive Rutland, every dive tells a story. Yours is waiting to begin. Whether you’re dipping your toes underwater for the first time, chasing a specialty, or dreaming of a career beneath the waves, we’re here to guide you — every breath, every fin kick, every magical moment.

Dive in, and discover the underwater world with us.

Background

Dive Rutland was founded in 2010 and has been under current management since 2015. We’re proud to be a small, boutique dive centre offering The best diver training, based right here in Oakham – in Rutland, the UK’s smallest county. With the county motto “Multum in Parvo” (“much in little”), we think it perfectly sums us up too.

We don’t aim to be the biggest, and we’ll never be the cheapest – because quality, safety, and personalised service always come first. What we do have is a big heart, a passion for diving, and a commitment to helping you achieve your goals in the water.

What We Offer

From our well-stocked dive shop to our wide range of training, we provide a friendly, no-pressure environment where you can explore your passion for diving.

  • Dive Shop – Touch, feel, and try on equipment before you buy – something you’ll never get online. Our team (and fellow divers often popping in for a coffee and chat!) are always happy to share experience and advice to help you make the right choice. If we don’t have what you’re looking for in stock, we can usually get it quickly. Alongside scuba gear, we also stock snorkelling, open water swimming equipment, and even shooting accessories.

  • Training – We run diver training at every level, from beginners taking their first breaths underwater through to professional-level qualifications. All of our courses are built on the philosophy of “teaching people, not courses” – adapting to your pace and your needs, so you become a confident, capable diver.

Our Equipment & Safety Standards

  • All school equipment is modern, regularly serviced, and available in a wide range of sizes.

  • Our breathing air is externally verified in line with HSE requirements.

  • We’re fully insured and exceed industry-standard staffing ratios – typically 1:1 or 1:2 in open water training.

Our training is always conducted in real “diving position” rather than kneeling on the bottom, so you develop proper skills for real environments. That way, you protect yourself and the underwater world.

Our Philosophy

We want every diver we train to be:
✔ Confident and capable with their buddy
✔ Able to plan dives and manage air effectively
✔ Comfortable preparing and checking equipment
✔ Ready to speak up when something doesn’t feel right

Our Brands

You’ll see two names around our site:

  • Dive Rutland – Our recreational, professional, technical, and retail arm.

  • Rutland First Aid Training – Our dedicated business first aid training service.

Where to Find Us

We’re based at 2b Station Approach, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6QW with free onsite parking. While we might be tucked away, we’re easy to reach from Rutland, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Nottinghamshire.

Our club members and customers regularly travel from places such as Melton, Stamford, Peterborough, Leicester, Nottingham, Bourne, Oakham, Grantham, and Cambridge – so no matter where you’re coming from, you won’t be alone.