Your journey to diver certification starts here. Begin with PADI’s online eLearning course, then move to confined water to practice your skills, followed by four exhilarating open water dives.

 

In the PADI Open Water Diver course, you'll acquire the essential knowledge to explore the underwater world using scuba gear. Many find this to be a rewarding challenge.

 

The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three components:

1. Knowledge Development

2. Confined Water Dives

3. Open Water Dives

 

Knowledge Development teaches you the principles and terms necessary for safe and enjoyable diving. During Confined Water dives, you'll learn and practice scuba skills in controlled environments, enjoying mini dives that simulate open water experiences. To complete your training, you'll apply what you've learned during four Open Water Dives at a local dive site.

 

Achieving PADI Open Water Diver certification confirms that you've met all course requirements. Dive centers and resorts will ask for proof of certification before allowing you to rent equipment, fill scuba tanks or book dive trips. As a certified PADI Open Water Diver, you're trained to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters/60 feet and are qualified for conditions equal to or better than your training environment. This is just the start of your exciting diving adventures.

 

What do I need to start?

Anyone in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in water can earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification. There’s also a PADI Junior Open Water Diver program for those aged 10 to 14.

 

How long will it take?

PADI programs are performance-based, allowing you to progress at your own pace. The academic portion is typically completed in 1 to 2 weeks of independent study. The confined and open water skills are usually finished in a 2-day period, though this can be adjusted for unforeseen circumstances.

 

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

 

Equipment: All necessary equipment is provided during training.

 

What will I need?

The following are all provided as part of your course:​

• PADI Open Water Diver digital manual 

• PADI Open Water videos

 

Where can I go from here?

We encourage you to gain diving experience through Continuing Education. The next levels are the PADI Enriched Air Nitrox or the PADI Advanced Open Water course, which can be taken right after completing the Open Water Course allowing you to broaden your knowledge and experience in various diving aspects.