Diver certification begins here. Start with PADI's online eLearning course. Move to confined water and practice your new skills. Then experience four open water dives.

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During the PADI Open Water Diver course, you’ll learn what you need to know to explore the underwater world using scuba. Most people find it a rewarding challenge.

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The PADI Open Water Diver course includes three parts: Knowledge Development, Confined Water Dives and Open Water Dives. Knowledge Development covers the principles, concepts and terms you need to know for dive safety and enjoyment. During the Confined Water Dives, you learn and practice scuba skills in a pool or water with pool-like conditions. You’ll enjoy making one or more minidives, which take you through the same steps you follow when you make open water dives. To complete training you practice, apply and demonstrate what you learn during four Open Water Dives at a local dive site.

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Earning a PADI Open Water Diver certification shows that you met the course requirements. Dive centers and resorts require proof of certification before they will rent scuba equipment, fill scuba cylinders or book dive excursions. As a PADI Open Water Diver, you’ll be trained to a maximum depth of 18 metres/60 feet, and are qualified to dive in conditions as good as, or better than, those in which you trained. It’s just the beginning of a lifetime filled with dive adventures.

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What do I need to start?

Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit and comfortable in the water, can earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification. If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Open Water Diver program available. 

 

How long will it take?

PADI programs are performance based. You proceed as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable to you. The academic portion of the course is independent study and students typically complete this in 1 to 2 weeks. The confined, open water skills and dives are completed in a 2-day period but this can be extended to allow for unforeseen circumstances.

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Minimum Age: 15 (10–14 for Junior Open Water Diver)

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Equipment: All equipment will be provided during training

 

What will I need?

The following are all provided as part of your course:

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• PADI Open Water Digital Manual 

• PADI Open Water videos

• Dive Equipment—There is no need to purchase any dive gear. You will be provided with all the gear         

   necessary for training.

 

Where can I go from here?

We recommend you gain diving experience by participating in Continuing Education. The next level of training is the PADI Enriched Air Nitrox or the PADI Advanced Open Water course that can be taken immediately after completion of the Open Water Course and allows you to expand you knowledge and experience in different areas of diving.