INSPIRING CONFIDENCE ON & UNDER THE WATER
A family-run business for over 50 years, we are proud to have influenced, trained and inspired people from all walks of life to discover the worlds of sailing and scuba diving — many of whom have gone on to build careers and experience incredible adventures both above and below the water.
Our Story
Founded in 1976, Andark began as a commercial diving contractor, working on everything from ship hull surveys to underwater construction and marine salvage. By 1980, that real-world expertise evolved into scuba diver training — and today, Andark is one of the UK’s leading leisure diving schools, delivering world-recognised dive courses.
Since 1982, we’ve grown into a complete watersports destination, combining expert dive training with a specialist retail store. Our exceptional facilities set us apart, including a heated indoor pool and a purpose-built scuba diving lake, which also hosts paddleboarding, open-water swimming and water-based events.
Beyond the water, visitors can relax in our log-burner sauna, refuel in our on-site café, or make the most of our venue hire and camping facilities — all from our base near Southampton, right in the heart of the South Coast’s boating and diving scene, with Cowes just across the Solent.
Facilities
Andark is one of the few dive centres where you can complete your entry-level, Rescue and selected Specialty training all in one place. With a heated pool, purpose-built scuba diving lake, fully stocked retail centre for scuba, sailing and watersports, plus an on-site servicing workshop, you can train, equip and progress with expert advice every step of the way.
Accreditations
Andark is a 5-star Career Development Centre (CDC)
PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, with 4300 dive centres in over 175 countries is the world’s largest recreational diving membership organisation. At Andark we teach the full range of PADI courses up to Instructor level.
Andark is a Centre of Excellence
(Courses by referral).
Established in 1953, the British Sub Aqua Club was the first UK club for divers. As one of only 2 Centres of Excellence in the country we at Andark teach all BSAC courses, including Instructor courses.
“BSAC Awards 2001 – Mail shop promotion”
A.D.C (Association of Diving Contractors)
Full member of ADC, the organisation which represents diving contractors working inland and inshore in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
ADC liaises on behalf of its members with the Health and Safety Executive and other organisations who recognise ADC as speaking on behalf of the majority of companies involved in this industry.
R.L.S.S. (The Royal Lifesaving Society)
Andark’s pool is approved for use for lifeguard courses.
BMF (British Marine Federation)
Member of the UK’s boating industry trade association.
SITA (Scuba Industries Trade Association)
Andark is a retail member of this organisation which is committed to excellence in equipment standards and service in sport diving.
Our Team
Our team is a passionate mix of highly experienced scuba diving instructors, knowledgeable retail specialists and a dedicated head office team working behind the scenes. From expert training and honest equipment advice to smooth bookings and friendly support, everyone at Andark shares the same goal — to make your experience safe, enjoyable and unforgettable, both in and out of the water.
Miriam Goddard
Andy Goddard
Mike Ambrosse
Regulator Accessories