Rory Jordan-O’Kane qualifies as Northern Ireland’s youngest scuba diver at the age of just 10

Rory Jordan-O’Kane achieved his PADI Junior Open Water certification after completing final qualifying dives off Portaferry.

His last two dives for the qualification took place at Lee’s Wreck in Strangford Lough.

He descended to 40 feet and demonstrated skills such as recovering his regulator (breathing device) and clearing a water-filled mask while diving.

Rory was inspired by father Mark, who completed his advanced PADI certification in India in 2013.

He said: “My dad thought it might be a great sport for me to get into. 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 in Glengormley played a central role in guiding Rory.

The group offers a safe and supportive space for divers of all levels to develop their skills and share their passion for the sport.

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Rory’s training with the club included four hours in the pool, four open water dives, and a written test requiring at least 75% to pass. He scored an impressive 94%.

He added: “It feels great. It’s got to be pretty close to the youngest certified diver, because I’m 10-and-a-half, and you can’t start the course until you are 10.

“I’m now waiting for PADI to send me my plastic card saying I’m qualified, and pretty excited about that too.”

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 there.”

Mark said he knew from the outset Rory had taken to the sport like a fish to water.

“Rory was both capable and enthusiastic after his first try dive,” he said.

“I 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, but from the outset he was obviously keen and capable.”

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