10-Year-Old Makes Waves as One of Northern Ireland’s Youngest Certified Scuba Divers

Belfast boy Rory Jordan-O’Kane has taken the plunge into the history books, becoming one of Northern Ireland’s youngest ever certified scuba divers at just ten years old.

Rory recently achieved his PADI Junior Open Water certification – the globally recognised entry-level qualification for scuba divers – after completing his final qualifying dives off the scenic coast at Portaferry. His last two dives took place at Lee’s Wreck, a popular site in Strangford Lough, where he descended to 40 feet and demonstrated key skills such as recovering his regulator – the breathing device – and clearing a water-filled mask while remaining underwater.

Rory says the idea came from his dad, Mark, who completed his own advanced PADI certification in India in 2013. “My dad got his advanced PADI certification in India in 2013, and he thought it might be a great sport for me to get into,” he said.

“He asked if I wanted to do a ‘try dive’ and I said yes. I couldn’t believe how much fun it was and how exciting so when he asked me if I would like to do the PADI Junior Open Water Course, I was nervous but said yes anyway.”

The team at Dive Club NI, based in Northern Ireland and known for welcoming newcomers, played a central role in guiding Rory to success. They pride themselves on offering a safe and supportive space for divers of all levels – from first-timers to seasoned professionals – to develop their skills and share their passion for the sport.

Training with Dive Club NI involved four hours in the swimming pool, four open-water dives, and a written education component requiring a minimum score of 75%. Rory scored an impressive 94%.

“It feels great! It’s got to be pretty close to the youngest because I’m ten and a half, and you can’t start the course until you are ten! I’m now waiting for PADI to send me my plastic card saying I’m qualified and pretty excited about that too!” said Rory.

When asked what he likes best about diving, Rory said: “Being underwater and being able to breathe! I also like seeing all the fish and crabs. I saw two lobsters on my last dive! It’s okay for young people to be a bit afraid, but once you are under the water, it’s easy to forget the fear and enjoy being underwater! He also said that it’s important for new divers to remember not to try and breathe through their nose!”

Rory’s Dad, Mark, says he knew from the outset that Rory had both the interest and the ability.

 “I first realised that Rory was both capable and enthusiastic after his first try dive. He was completely blown away, and watching him underwater in Lisburn swimming pool, he looked like he was completely at home.”

“Even his instructor said he was impressed by both Rory’s ability and his confidence. I was a little nervous enrolling him in the full course because it is quite complex and lots of clubs won’t take kids until they are 12 years old, but from the outset, he was obviously both keen and capable!” said Mark.

With his new certification, Rory can dive anywhere in the world alongside a trained adult, opening the door to a lifetime of underwater adventures.