PADI Open Water Diver eLearning STEP 1

How to Earn your Open Water Scuba Diving Certification in 3 easy steps

Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology, then learn basic scuba skills in a pool with a highly trained PADI Instructor. When you are ready, make four dives in an open water environment with your instructor supporting you every step of the way.

Step 1

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

Step 2

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONALCOST: fees for training and gear rental.

Practice using scuba gear in a pool until you are comfortable. PADI training includes practice "mini dives" to help you build confidence in your new abilities before making four dives in open water.

Confined water time commitment: In as little as 1 day

Step 3

With Your Instructor

ADDITIONAL COST: fees for 2 separate day trips, training and gear rental.

Improve your skills in open water during the 4 open water dives on the Great Barrier Reef

Total time commitment: In as little as 2-4 days

 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.

 What You'll Learn

Be a confident and skilled diver

Assemble and use scuba gear

Manage your buoyancy

Respectfully approach marine life

Handle common problems

 Certification Requirements

Prerequisites: Able to swim; medically fit for diving

Time: PADI eLearning: 5-10 hours / Entire course: In as little as 2-4 days

Age: 10 years or older

Health: Good physical health

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

 More Info

Medical Requirements

Scuba diving requires a minimum level of health and fitness. Chronic health conditions, certain medications and/or recent surgery may require you to get written approval from a physician before diving. Avoid disappointment, download and review the Diver Medical form to ensure you won’t need a physician’s approval to dive before enrolling in a scuba course.

Instructors, divemasters and dive shop staff are not physicians and should not be asked for medical advice; only medical professionals can give medical clearance to dive. If you (or

your physician) have questions about medical fitness to dive, contact the experts at Divers Alert Network (DAN).