The PADI Open Water Diver course is your entry point to the incredible world of scuba diving. It’s the most popular scuba certification globally, and for good reason: it equips you with the knowledge and skills to explore the underwater realm safely and confidently.

What will you learn?

The PADI Open Water Diver course covers a wide range of topics, both theoretical and practical, to prepare you for diving:

• Scuba Equipment: You’ll learn about the different components of scuba gear, how they work, and how to assemble and maintain them. This includes masks, fins, snorkels, BCDs (buoyancy control devices), regulators, tanks, and dive computers
• Underwater Environment: You’ll gain an understanding of the aquatic world, including pressure, light, sound, marine life, and potential hazards. You’ll also learn about responsible diving practices and conservation
• Dive Planning: You’ll learn how to plan dives safely, including using dive tables or computers, understanding dive profiles, and considering factors like depth, time, and air consumption.
• Diving Skills: You’ll master essential scuba skills in confined water (pool) and then apply them in open water (ocean, lake, or quarry). These skills include:
  • Buoyancy control (achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy)
  • Mask clearing (removing water from your mask)  
  • Regulator recovery and clearing (finding and clearing your regulator)  
  • Emergency out-of-air procedures  
  • Controlled ascents
  • Underwater communication (hand signals)
• Dive Safety: You’ll learn about potential hazards and how to avoid them, as well as emergency procedures and how to handle common diving problems

What are the prerequisites?

To enroll in the PADI Open Water Diver course, you must:

• Be at least 10 years old (junior certifications available).  
• Be in good physical health. A medical questionnaire is required, and a physician’s sign-off may be necessary in some cases.
• Be able to swim comfortably. While you don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer, you should be able to stay afloat and swim a reasonable distance.

What’s included?

The PADI Open Water Diver course typically includes:

• Knowledge Development Materials: This may be a manual, online access, or a combination of both
• Confined Water Dives: Instruction and use of the pool or controlled environment
• Open Water Dives: Guided dives in the ocean, lake, or quarry
• Equipment Rental: Most courses include basic scuba gear rental (mask, fins, snorkel, BCD, regulator, and tank). You may choose to purchase your own gear
• Certification Fees: The cost of processing your PADI certification card.

Why choose this course?

• Globally Recognized Certification: PADI is the world’s largest and most recognized diver training organization. Your PADI Open Water Diver certification is valid worldwide, allowing you to dive in countless locations
• Comprehensive Training: The course provides thorough training in both theory and practical skills, ensuring you’re well-prepared for safe and enjoyable diving
• Experienced Instructors: PADI Instructors are highly trained professionals who are passionate about diving and dedicated to your success
• Opens Up a New World: Becoming a certified diver opens up a whole new world of exploration, adventure, and the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of the underwater realm. It’s a life-changing experience!

Ready to start scuba diving?

Contact us today to learn more about the PADI Open Water Diver course and schedule your first underwater adventure! We’re excited to help you begin your journey!

Email, phone 01702 542759 or pop into the dive shop for a chat about the course and to collect your new PADI Open Water Diver Pack or eLearning code.

N.B. See our blog article explaining the course in greater detail!