PADI Open Water Course

About the Course

PADI® Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification level. A highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach you how to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment.

By the end of the course, you'll have the skills and knowledge to dive at home or abroad and be an ambassador for the underwater world.

Take This Course If You Want to

Explore the other 70 percent of our planet
Support ocean protection
See things you've never seen before
Learn from a scuba diving expert
Carry the world's most recognized scuba certification

Learn How to

Be a confident and skilled diver
Assemble and use scuba gear
Manage your buoyancy
Respectfully approach marine life
Handle common problems

How to Earn your Scuba Diving Certification

Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology (either offline or online), then learn basic scuba skills in a pool (or pool-like environment) with a highly trained PADI Instructor. When you're ready, make four dives in an open water environment (the ocean, a lake) with your instructor supporting you every step of the way.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

PADI eLearning®

PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology whenever, wherever it's convenient for you.

It's your course on your time. Study offline, or online using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor whenever you have a question.

eLearning time commitment: 5-10 hours

AT THE DIVE SHOP

With Your Instructor

Practice using scuba gear in a pool (or pool-like environment) until you're comfortable. PADI training includes practice "mini dives" to help you build confidence in your new abilities before making four dives in open water.

Prerequisites: Able to swim; medically fit for diving

Total time commitment: 4-7 days

Minimum age: 10 years or older

Depth: expect shallow dives (12m/40ft), the maximum allowed depth is 18m/60ft.

The PADI Difference

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For over 50 years, PADI has undeniably been the Way the World Learns to Dive®, setting the standard for the highest quality dive training, underwater safety and conservation initiatives while evolving the sport of diving into a passionate lifestyle.

30,000,000+

(and counting) PADI certified divers to date!

6,600

PADI dive centers and resorts across the globe

128,000

PADI Professional members worldwide