Diving in a old mining hole

Question
Hi
I am from South Africa and would like some help with this matter.
I have been to a old open cast mining hole that has filled with water over the years and the depth changes from 1m- about 35m. It is about 300m wide all round.
is it possible to set up a diving school in this hole and certify divers inland without having to go to the ocean.
I have not been down with equipment yet but have seen visibility at 5m to be about 10m.
This would be an excellent place to dive if possible as it is very far inland and would save any diver a lot of money.
What would we need in terms of certification and equipment and is it possible?
Thanks for the help!

Answer
Hi Michael,

Depends.

You'll need to be able to have two areas.  One considered confined water, one considered open water.  An instructor can evaluate the area for you and advise you if it meets the training requirements.  Ultimately, the instructor certifying the students has to sign-off, so to say, on the locale.  It is his/her responsibility to approve the dive sites.

Apologies for the late answer (I've been on holiday).

cordially,
James