PADI Open Water Diver
PADI OPEN WATER DIVER
Learn Here, Dive Anywhere – Become a Certified Scuba Diver
Ready to become a qualified scuba diver? The PADI Open Water Diver course is where your underwater adventure really begins. Designed for complete beginners, the course takes you from learning the fundamentals of scuba diving through to completing your first open water dives and earning your PADI certification.
At Scuba Academy, we believe learning to dive should never feel rushed. You’ll develop your skills progressively with our experienced PADI instructors, building confidence and becoming comfortable with your equipment before putting everything you’ve learned into practice in open water.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and internationally recognised certification to start exploring the underwater world.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR OPEN WATER DIVER TRAINING?
PADI Open Water Diver eLearning
All confined water training sessions
Four qualifying open water training dives
Small-group training with experienced PADI instructors
Full scuba equipment provided for your training
PADI Open Water Diver certification on successful completion
WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOUR COURSE?
Your course begins with PADI eLearning, allowing you to complete the knowledge development at home and at your own pace. You’ll learn about scuba equipment, dive planning, safety, the underwater environment and the principles you need to become a safe and confident diver.
Next comes your confined water training. Working with your instructor, you’ll learn and practise the essential skills every diver needs—from setting up your equipment and breathing underwater to buoyancy control, mask clearing, regulator recovery and safe ascents and descents.
There’s no need to rush. We want you to be genuinely comfortable with your skills, not simply work through a checklist.
Once your confined water training is complete, it’s time to put everything together during your four open water training dives. You’ll practise the skills you’ve learned while gaining your first experience of diving in a real open water environment.
Successfully complete all three parts and you’ll become a PADI Open Water Diver—ready to begin a lifetime of underwater adventures.
Questions You May Have
DO I NEED ANY PREVIOUS DIVING EXPERIENCE?
No. The PADI Open Water Diver course is designed for complete beginners. You don't need any previous scuba experience before starting.
DO I NEED TO BE A STRONG SWIMMER?
You don't need to be a competitive swimmer, but you do need basic swimming ability and to be comfortable in the water. As part of the course, you’ll complete the required PADI watermanship assessment.
HOW MUCH OF THE THEORY CAN I DO AT HOME?
Your knowledge development is completed using PADI eLearning, so you can work through the theory at your own pace using a computer, tablet or compatible mobile device.
WHAT ARE THE OPEN WATER DIVES?
After completing your theory and confined water training, you’ll make four open water training dives with your instructor. This is where you put the skills you've learned into practice and gain experience diving in a real open water environment.
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO ONCE CERTIFIED?
Once successfully certified, adult PADI Open Water Divers can dive with another certified diver to a maximum depth of 18 metres / 60 feet, within the limits of their training and experience. Your PADI certification is recognised by dive centres around the world.
CAN CHILDREN TAKE THE COURSE?
Yes. The minimum age for the PADI Open Water Diver course is 10 years old. Divers under 15 receive a PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, with age-appropriate depth and supervision limits.
DO I NEED MY OWN EQUIPMENT?
No. We provide the scuba equipment required for your training. As you progress as a diver, we'll also be happy to advise you about choosing your own equipment.
DO I NEED A MEDICAL FORM?
Yes. All students complete the required PADI medical questionnaire before taking part. If any answers indicate a potential medical consideration, you may need clearance from a doctor before entering the water.
WHAT IF I WANT TO COMPLETE MY OPEN WATER DIVES ABROAD?
No problem. If you'd rather complete your qualifying dives somewhere warmer, our PADI Open Water Referral option allows you to complete your eLearning and confined water training with Scuba Academy before finishing the four open water dives with another PADI Dive Centre.
OPEN WATER DIVER HIGHLIGHTS
Have a question about this course?
Our team is here to help with course dates, requirements, equipment or anything you're unsure about. Send us a message and we'll help you find the best way to start your diving journey