Open Water Diver Certification

This is the most common scuba certification in the world and is made for beginners. It is the starting point for your new favorite hobby. Here’s what to expect from the Open Water diving course:

WHAT IS THE OPEN WATER COURSE?

The Open Water course is the basis scuba diving certification course offered by all certification agencies. This diving course allows you to dive up to 60 feet (18 meters) when accompanied by a fellow diver of the same or higher certification level. There are small differences in the course content between agencies, but they all cover the same basis skills and knowledge needed for a successful dive. No prior scuba diving experience is needed to take the course. As long as you’re in good physical health, can swim, and are older than 10 years, you can take the Open Water Course today.

The course consists of three phases outlined below.

THREE PHASES OF THE PADI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE:

PHASE 1: BASIC KNOWLEDGE (ONLINE/INDEPENDENT STUDY)

This is the where you learn, review and are tested on the basic information and principles of scuba diving.

During the online course you will typically learn using interactive educational tools, video, audio and graphics. The course then provides short quizzes at the end of each section to help you track your progress. The benefit of the online course, is that you can go at your own pace.

The cost associated with this phase can vary, depending on your location and the certification organization you enrolled with. This will be separate from what you pay your local dive shop to complete the next two phases of your certification.

Learn about our recommended certification organizations for eLearning HERE.

PHASE 2: CONFINED WATER DIVES (POOL/FACILITY)

In this phase of the certification, you start using the basic knowledge you learned in a controlled diving area (usually a pool or shallow body of water). You will practice, develop your knowledge further and become comfortable with all the needed gear. To get started, visit the local dive shop you chose during the initial eLearning sign up.

Equipment needed for the course may be available to rent or purchase through your local dive shop. You will utilize and become familiar with your snorkel, fins, mask, regulator, air tanks and buoyancy controls. Depending on the environment, you will wear appropriate wetsuits.

Ask your local dive shop for help determining what will be needed for your specific confined dives for your Open Water Diver certification. The estimated time to complete this phase in the certification process is several days, dependent on your local dive shop availability.

PHASE 3: OPEN WATER DIVES (BODY OF WATER)

In this phase, you put your knowledge and skills to the test with real guided open water dives. Your chosen local dive shop instructor will help you become comfortable during open water diving.

This phase will test your skills with the gear and equipment assembly, diving with your designated buddy, recording your dives, testing your underwater communication, navigating the waters and much more. The estimated time to complete this phase is several days and will consist of four open water dives total.

If you are a beginner in the scuba world, and want to get certified, the Open Water Diver certification is perfect for you. It helps you gain familiarity with the gear and diving expectations, it lets you skip the beginner crash course before your next vacation dive, and allows you to be part of a worldwide community of divers. The best part after getting certified, is booking your next vacation at the perfect scuba diving destination!