The PADI Open Water Diver course certification is your passport to a lifetime of underwater adventure. Whether you’re a traveler, nature lover, or adrenaline seeker, this internationally recognized certification gives you the training and freedom to dive up to 18 meters (60 feet) anywhere in the world.
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular entry-level scuba certification in the world. It’s designed for beginners and emphasizes safety, fun, and hands-on experience. By the end of your training, you’ll feel confident and ready to explore coral reefs, wrecks, and marine life on your own.
Already certified? Check out our PADI Advanced Open Water Course.
This course includes online learning, pool-based training, and open water dives in the ocean or lake. You’ll develop fundamental scuba skills, learn to manage your equipment, and build confidence underwater.
You’ll begin by learning the principles of scuba diving. Topics include:
Pressure, depth, and buoyancy
How to plan a dive
Understanding dive tables and computers
Equipment features and functions
Your PADI instructor will guide you through each topic, making complex ideas simple and practical.
In a pool or confined water environment, you’ll practice vital scuba skills in a controlled setting. These include:
Mask removal and clearing
Regulator recovery
Buoyancy control (including fin pivots and hovering)
Assembling and disassembling your gear
Emergency procedures
By practicing these skills, you’ll become more confident before heading into the open water.
The open water portion of the course includes four dives at real dive sites under instructor supervision. Here’s what you’ll do:
Descend and ascend using the 5-point method
Navigate using natural landmarks and compass skills
Maintain proper buoyancy throughout the dive
Share air with a buddy using an alternate air source
Practice emergency ascents and weight drops
As a result, you’ll be fully prepared to dive independently once certified.
Gear assembly
Pre-dive buddy checks
Weight adjustments
Surface and underwater gear removal/replacement
Giant stride entry
Controlled 5-point descent and ascent
Safety stop techniques
Hovering and buoyancy checks
Clearing flooded masks
Regulator clearing and recovery
Fin pivot practice
CESA (Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent)
Alternate air sharing
Tired diver tow
Emergency weight drop
Getting certified as a PADI Open Water Diver opens the door to a world of opportunities:
✅ Dive anywhere in the world without supervision
✅ Rent scuba equipment from dive shops globally
✅ Join guided dives and boat trips
✅ Start your journey toward advanced or specialty certifications
✅ Build confidence in the water and discover marine life up close
Furthermore, this certification never expires and is respected by dive centers worldwide.
Minimum Age: 10 years old
Duration: 3–4 days
Dives: 6 to 8 total (4 open water dives required)
Additional Dives: Free if needed for skill adjustment
Max Depth: 18 meters (60 feet)
Average Dive Time: 20–30 minutes per dive
Towel
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Swimwear
Water bottle
Before your course begins, please take the time to watch the PADI Open Water Diver video. This short video gives you a great overview of what to expect and makes your learning easier.
Most students complete the course in 3–4 days, depending on weather and performance.
You need basic swimming skills. A swim test and 10-minute float are required.
Yes, the PADI Open Water Diver certification never expires, though refreshers are recommended if you haven’t dived in a while.
If you’re ready to learn to dive, explore the ocean, and earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification, we’re here to help. Our experienced instructors provide personal attention and small group sizes for the best experience.
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