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Open Water Diver

Your journey beneath the waves starts here. The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular scuba certification, designed to give you the skills, confidence, and freedom to explore the underwater world safely.

 

 

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into three easy-to-follow phases:

  • Knowledge Development: Master the principles and terminology of diving through convenient independent study.

  • Confined Water Dives: Build your confidence and practice essential scuba skills in a calm, controlled environment.

  • Open Water Dives: Put your skills to the test! Complete four exhilarating dives at a local dive site to finalize your certification.

 

Why Get Certified?

Once you earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification, the ocean is your playground. You’ll be qualified to:

  • Explore: Dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet).

  • Rent & Refill: Access gear rentals and tank fills at dive centers worldwide.

  • Book Trips: Join dive charters and resorts for guided underwater excursions.

 

Course Details at a Glance

Feature                  Requirement

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

Prerequisites       Good health, basic fitness, and comfort in the water

Duration               Performance-based; typically 2 days of in-water training

Equipment           All necessary gear is provided for your training

 

What’s Included?

We set you up for success from day one. Your course fee includes:

  • PADI Open Water Diver Digital Manual

  • Access to PADI instructional videos

  • All scuba equipment rentals

 

Ready for More?

The Open Water certification is just the beginning. Most divers jump straight into the PADI Advanced Open Water or the PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) courses to sharpen their skills and extend their bottom time.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I need to be a pro swimmer to take the course?

You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete, but you should be comfortable in the water. As part of the certification, you’ll need to demonstrate basic water skills, such as swimming
200 meters (without aids) or 300 meters (with mask, fins, and snorkel), and floating/treading water for 10 minutes.

 

What if I’m not sure I’ll like it?

It’s normal to be a little nervous! Our instructors specialize in making you feel safe and relaxed. If you aren't ready to commit to the full course, ask us about a "Discover Scuba Diving" session—it’s a half-day "test drive" in a pool or shallow water.

 

Can my children learn to dive?

Absolutely. Children as young as 10 years old can enroll in the PADI Junior Open Water Diver course. The curriculum is the same, but they will have specific depth limits (usually 12 meters/40 feet) and must dive with a PADI Professional or a certified parent/guardian.

 

I have a pre-existing medical condition. Can I still dive?

Safety first! All students must complete a standard Medical Questionnaire. If you have a condition that could affect your safety (like asthma or a heart condition), you’ll simply need a quick sign-off from your doctor before we head to the water.

 

Do I have to buy all my own gear right away?

Not at all. We provide all the specialized equipment you need—including tanks, regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits—during your training. Once you're certified, we can help you choose your own gear if you decide you'd like to own your own mask, fins, or computer.

© 2026 The Dive Tribe Limited
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