how long does the open water diver course take?

by Rosalia Jaskolski Jr. 3 min read

PADI Open Water
You can typically gain your Open Water qualification in three to four days. This course involves elements of theoretical study, practice dives in a pool or pool-like environment, and four dives in open water.
Mar 9, 2022

What is the best Open Water Diver course to take?

You have a MINIMUM of four open water dives to complete and three dives can be done in one day however, we find two is more than enough for most students. Two should take 5 hours maximum from arriving at the dive site which allows for briefings and equipment preparation, dive one, debrief and surface interval.

What happens during a PADI Open Water Diver course?

May 09, 2022 · Open Water Certification is a lifetime certification to dive anywhere in the world to a maximum depth of 60 feet. How long does it take? The entire course takes approximately 16 hours to complete. Included are: Independent study 4 hours academic instruction 4 hours confined water skills training in the pool (two 2-hour sessions)

How many days do you need to train to become a diver?

Mar 09, 2022 · You can typically gain your Open Water qualification in three to four days. This course involves elements of theoretical study, practice dives in a pool or pool-like environment, and four dives in open water. PADI Advanced Open Water. To reach the Advanced Open Water certification, you need to complete five adventure dives. The course focuses on in-water …

How long does it take to learn to scuba dive?

May 17, 2018 · One of the beauties is that you can go at your own pace and you can always go back if you want to go over a particular section again. However in our experience it normally takes 10 to 12 hours to complete the PADI open water online learning. Our best advice is don’t leave it until the last minute!

How long does it take to complete PADI Open Water?

4 days
The PADI Open Water Diver course takes 4 days to complete, it consists of 2 half days and 2 full days of classroom and diving (theory and practical).Oct 3, 2016

How long does the online PADI Open Water course take?

approximately 12-15 hours
The PADI Open Water Diver Course online will take approximately 12-15 hours to complete.

How long does the PADI exam take?

The PADI Open Water Diver eLearning should take approximately 12 to 15 hours to complete. How do I document that I've completed the knowledge development portion of the program?

How long does an open water diver certification last?

for life
Will my certification expire? No, your certification will not expire. As an PADI Open Water Diver, your certification is good for life. If you do not actively participate in scuba for an extended period of time, however, it's a good idea to refresh your skills through the PADI ReActivate class.

How difficult is PADI Open Water exam?

A lot of people worry about the exam, but I can tell you now that the PADI Open Water Exam questions are very easy. Especially if you have a great Dive Instructor, you will have nothing to worry about. Great PADI Dive Instructors spend lots of time explaining all the Open Water Dive Theory to you.

How long is PADI eLearning good for?

12 months
PADI eLearning programs are valid for 12 months from the time you first log on. Prior to the end of this 12-month period, you're reminded via email at 90 days and again at 60 days before the expiration date.

Do PADI courses expire?

Your PADI certification never expires; but if you haven't been diving in a while, it's better to be over-prepared than risk a problem because you forget something important. Dive shops also appreciate seeing a recent ReActivated date on your certification card.

How long is the PADI final exam?

The PADI Open Water Diver (OWD) final exam consists of 50 questions, so we have included these practice questions (and answers) to help you study for this test.May 5, 2021

What does PADI stand for?

Professional Association of Diving Instructors
Professional Association of Diving Instructors | PADI.

How fast can you get scuba certified?

The number of dives needed to complete the course means it can take anywhere between six weeks and six months to attain the certification.Mar 9, 2022

Can you scuba dive without certification?

It is not illegal to dive without certification, but no reputable dive center or club would allow someone to dive with them without first being certified to scuba dive. Can I be Scuba diving without certification? It's not that diving is difficult, it just requires a specific set of skills.

Can I dive without my PADI card?

Do I Need My PADI Card To Dive? Technically, you do not need your physical card to scuba dive. Dive centers will need to verify and check that you are a certified diver, but most dive centers can do this online within the PADI system.Aug 11, 2021

How many dives do you need to complete for a PADI vacation?

If you are going on vacation, complete your academic and pool instruction with Scuba World and complete your four training evaluation dives at a PADI facility when you reach your vacation destination.

How old do you have to be to scuba dive?

Virtually anyone in good health who’s comfortable in the water can learn to scuba dive. Participants as young as 10 with no upper age limit may take the course. Open Water Certification is a lifetime certification to dive anywhere in the world to a maximum depth of 60 feet. How long does it take?

How long does it take to get an open water certification?

You can typically gain your Open Water qualification in three to four days. This course involves elements of theoretical study, practice dives in a pool or pool-like environment, and four dives in open water.

How long does it take to become a divemaster?

The number of dives needed to complete the course means it can take anywhere between six weeks and six months to attain the certification.

How many dives are required for a PADI diving course?

These PADI diving specialities usually require between two and four dives.

Why do I need a PADI certification?

One great reason to get a PADI dive certification is to access scuba diving jobs. Aim for your Divemaster certification to open a world of opportunities.

What is the best qualification for a marine conservation diver?

If you choose to go on a marine expedition in Mexico, Fiji, or Seychelles with GVI, you can achieve a Coral Reef Research Diver speciality. This is the ideal qualification for pursuing a career in marine conservation.

What is a PADI course?

PADI, which stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors , offers a range of diving courses. Each training course is designed to improve and build upon your diving skills, helping you work toward your chosen goal. The courses are carefully structured in a progressive manner.

How many speciality courses do you need to become a rescue diver?

As well as having your Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver certificates, you will need to complete five speciality courses.

How many questions are asked in the PADI Open Water exam?

At the end of each section you will need to complete a knowledge review and quick quiz. At the end of section 5 there is a link to take the PADI open water exam. This consists of 50 questions and is multiple choice and is relatively simple once you have completed the previous section.

Can you stop open water?

You can stop and start the open water e-learning whenever you complete a section. Therefore it really depends on how many sessions you complete the online learning over as well as how fast you learn . One of the beauties is that you can go at your own pace and you can always go back if you want to go over a particular section again.

What equipment do you need for a PADI Open Water Diver course?

During your PADI Open Water Diver course, you’ll learn to use a regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), dive computer or dive planner, scuba tank, wetsuit or dry suit and weight system. Check with your local PADI Resort or dive shop to confirm what equipment is included in your course package. Consider investing in all your own scuba equipment when you start your course because:

What are the phases of scuba certification?

Scuba certification includes three phases: 1. Knowledge Development. During the first phase of your scuba lessons, you'll learn the basic principles of scuba diving such as. What to consider when planning dives. How to choose the right scuba gear for you. Underwater signals and other diving procedures.

What is OWSI in diving?

An instructor in good standing from another diver training organization may be eligible to enroll in an Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. This program is shorter than a complete IDC and focuses building upon your teaching skills by introducing you to the PADI System. You must also successfully complete a PADI Instructor Exam (IE) to become a PADI Instructor.

What is a scuba medical questionnaire?

All student divers complete a brief scuba medical questionnaire that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while diving. If none of these apply, sign the form and you’re ready to start. If any of these apply to you, your doctor must, as a safety precaution, assess the condition as it relates to diving and sign a medical form that confirms you’re fit to dive. In some areas, local laws require all scuba students to consult with a physician before entering the course. Download the scuba medical questionnaire.

How does a PADI instructor help you?

Your PADI Instructor will focus on helping you become a confident and comfortable diver, not on how long it takes. You earn your certification based on demonstrating you know what you need to know and can do what you need to do. This means that you progress at your own pace – faster or slower depending upon the time you need – to become a competent scuba diver.

How deep can you dive?

With the necessary training and experience, the limit for recreational scuba diving is 40 metres/130 feet. Beginning scuba divers stay shallower than about 18 metres/60 feet. Although these are the limits, some of the most popular diving is shallower than 12 metres/40 feet, where the water’s warmer and the colors are brighter.

Can you get a PADI certification for diving?

Any individual who can meet the performance requirements of the course qualifies for certification. There are many adaptive techniques that allow individuals with physical challenges to meet these requirements. People with paraplegia, amputations and other challenges commonly earn the PADI Open Water Diver certification. Even individuals with more significant physical challenges participate in diving. Talk to your PADI Instructor at your local PADI Dive Center or Resort for more information.

How long does a dive course take?

The course is designed to fit around you, you can take as long or as little as you want provided you have completed all the necessary requirements and objectives of the course. The variation depends on the dive centres, if you are wanting one or two dives a day and how quickly you can get through the five dive theory chapters, knowledge reviews and quizzes to go with them.

How many dives are required for an open water course?

In your open water course you are required to do a minimum of five dives. The first set will be ‘confined dives’. These consist of learning the skills and the gear mentioned above water and below.

How much does it cost to dive open water?

The cost of the Open Water varies depending on the country you are in or the facility you enquire with. Often within the costing of the course there are considerations on pricing such as accommodation, included meals, being on a liveaboard and equipment hire. The higher costing countries are generally Europe, Australia and North America (USA, Canada and the more tourist-y areas of Mexico), running from $400 upwards. If you are wanting to dive on a shoestring, the best countries to head to are Indonesia, The Philippines, Malaysia Thailand, Cambodia, Honduras and Belize.

What is the first session of SCUBA?

The first session is all about getting used to the SCUBA equipment, taking your first breath, getting in and out the water, remaining calm, and buoyancy. How is this all done under water you ask? Before heading to your three confined dives to learn these basic skills, you will be surprised by how many underwater hand signals you understand and apply to communicate throughout the course that are discussed in the beginning land based education. Think ‘I have a problem’ ‘What is your air?’ ‘Watch me’ and numbers.

How long is a dive theory course?

Generally however the course lasts between three to seven days. If you feel you may be pushed for time to get everything completed, you can even do your four dive theory chapters online to speed all things up, making lack of time an even smaller issue!

Where to dive on a shoestring?

If you are wanting to dive on a shoestring, the best countries to head to are Indonesia, The Philippines, Malaysia Thailand, Cambodia, Honduras and Belize.

How many dives are there in the Advanced Open Water course?

The Advanced Open Water course is made up of five adventure dives. The Deep Adventure Dive and the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive are compulsory and will give you some essential skills to become a more competent diver. You also get to choose another three Adventure Dives to help build your skill set.

What is an advanced open water diver?

The Advanced Open Water Diver course gives you more experience diving under the supervision of an instructor. You’ll learn new skills, meet new people and of course go diving! This course is also a great way to sample the different specialties on offer to see what interests you.

What is the difference between PADI Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver?

During the PADI Open Water Diver Course you learn the critical skills needed for scuba diving during your Knowledge Development, confined water dives and open water dives. During your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, you will complete 5 Adventure Dives which focuses on a particular activity or skill. We’ve outlined the differences between these two courses in more detail in this blog here.

How many dives are there in PADI?

The other three Adventure Dives however can be any of the 26 PADI Adventure Dives that you choose. Options range from Digital Underwater Imaging, to Peak Performance Buoyancy or Night Diver. The choice really is yours! Speak with your local PADI Dive Centre to see what Adventure Dives are on offer.

Do you need to complete a theory dive?

Well, for each Adventure Dive, you will be required to complete a theory portion – this can be done at home via PADI eLearning or in a classroom setting. You’ll also need to complete some basic knowledge reviews to ensure you have a sound knowledge of the theory behind each dive.

How long does it take to become a scuba diver?

In most holiday destinations courses are set up to take only 2 to 3 days. In other areas, you may need to plan a trip to a lake or adhere to specific pool times (not to mention your work schedule) and an Open Water course can spread out over two weeks. And of course, it all depends on how you get along with your skills. Don’t be embarrassed to speak up if you don’t feel confident in mastering any of the required skills! Some people just need a little more practice time and may feel rushed in a course that is designed to be completed within three days or less. Ask your instructor for help, an extra skill session, and don’t worry – you’ve got this!

What is a dive course?

The course includes a mix of dive theory, waterskills, and actual diving where you will learn how to apply those skills. It is conducted by an instructor who belongs to a dive agency and teaches according to certain standards and rules to ensure your utmost safety. But more on those details in a moment…

How to become a certified diver?

If you do know that you want to become a certified diver eventually you can choose to do an SSI or PADI Scuba Diver course. This course is technically the first part of the Open Water course as it includes 3 confined water sessions and 2 open water dives. Once you have completed all your assignments you will be a certified diver however, you can only dive to a maximum depth of 12m/40ft under the direct supervision of an instructor or divemaster. mind you, it is quite easy to upgrade from a Scuba Diver to an Open Water diver – you will just need to sign up for the missing sessions and dives as well as pass your theoretical exam.

How deep can you dive in confined water?

While these two options vary greatly when it comes to depth – PADI will include one open water dive to 12m/40ft while SSI will only take you down to 5m/16ft in confined water – they are a great way to get an idea of what diving is all about. Both courses include a minimum of theory and skills, alas you will not be a certified diver afterward. However, they are a great way to breathe some air underwater and get a feel of whether diving is for you, and if you may want to become a certified diver.

How old do you have to be to get a scuba license?

To do get your SSI or PADI Open Water scuba certification, you will need to be at least 10 years old. Divers age 10-14 years will first receive a so-called Junior Open Water cert. Children will also need written permission from a parent or legal guardian.

What skills do you need to be confined to open water?

Skills for both confined water and open water include things like mask clearing, ascending and descending, keeping neutral buoyancy at various depths, and what to do in an emergency. You will also learn how to communicate with your buddy via hand signals, do a buddy check, and how to set-up and use your scuba gear.

What is open water?

Open water is a body of water significantly larger than a swimming pool offering conditions typical of a natural body of water encountered by divers.

How long should I take a diving course?

Secondly, if you’re a nervous diver, try to book a 4-day or even 5-day course. The intensive 3-day courses run through the practical tests very quickly with little time to coach weak swimmers. A longer course means more time for hand holding (which I needed – literally).

How many open water dives are required for a PADI Open Water Diver course?

Open water dives: you must complete four open water dives in which you demonstrate your skills. See ‘PADI open water tests’ below for more. In choosing a course, firstly, make sure your dive centre is certified by PADI . There are centres all over the world that advertise the PADI Open Water Diver course but which aren’t actually certified.

What is the difference between dive 1 and dive 4?

Dive 1 will orientate you , get you comfortable with the scuba gear and test a few of the above skills. Dives 2 and 3 will rigorously test the above skills while Dive 4 is usually a more relaxed affair allowing you to use and enjoy your newly developed skills.

What score do you need to take the PADI test?

This is reviewed in a final test in which you must score 75% or higher . If you fail, you can retake the test. See ‘PADI test questions’ below for more.

How many chapters are there in a dive book?

You will find the practical side of diving much easier if you read through the theory first. Your dive centre will supply you with a book and a DVD comprising five different chapters. If you can confidently answer the tests within the chapters and the knowledge reviews at the end of each, you will likely pass the exam without difficulty.

How long do you have to breathe from a free flowing regulator?

Breathe from a free-flowing regulator for 30 seconds (air blasts out of the regulator forcing you to ‘sip’ air from it)

How to recognize hand signals underwater?

Recognise and respond to hand signals underwater. Clear a partially flooded mask. Clear a fully flooded mask. Remove mask and breathe for one minute while stationary, replace and clear mask. Remove mask and swim for at least 15 metres, replace and clear mask.

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