Open Water Diver

About the Course

PADIĀ® Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification level. A highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach you how to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment.

By the end of the course, you'll have the skills and knowledge to dive at home or abroad and be an ambassador for the underwater world.

  • Take This Course If You Want to
  • Learn How to
  • Explore the other 70 percent of our planet
  • Support ocean protection

  • See things you've never seen before

  • Learn from a scuba diving expert

  • Carry the world's most recognized scuba certification

  • Handle common problems

  • Respectfully approach marine life

  • Be a confident and skilled diver

  • Assemble and use scuba gear

How to Earn your Scuba Diving Certification

Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology (either offline or online), then learn basic scuba skills in a pool (or pool-like environment) with a highly trained PADI Instructor. When you're ready, make four dives in an open water environment (the ocean, a lake) with your instructor supporting you every step of the way.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

PADI eLearningĀ®

PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology whenever, wherever it's convenient for you.

It's your course on your time. Study offline, or online using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor whenever you have a question.

  • eLearning time commitment: 5-10 hours

 

 

AT THE DIVE SHOP

With Your Instructor 

Practice using scuba gear in a pool (or pool-like environment) until you're comfortable. PADI training includes practice "mini dives" to help you build confidence in your new abilities before making four dives in open water.

  • Prerequisites: Able to swim; medically fit for diving
  • Total time commitment: 4-7 days
  • Minimum age: 10 years or older
  • Depth: expect shallow dives (12m/40ft), the maximum allowed depth is 18m/60ft