how many hours of training is padi open water instructor course

by Beaulah Sipes 6 min read

Full Answer

What is the PADI Open Water Diver course?

The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three main phases: Knowledge Development ( online, independent study or in a classroom) to understand basic principles of scuba diving. Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills. Open Water Dives to use your skills and explore!

How long does it take to learn PADI?

It’s possible to complete your confined and open water dives in three or four days by completing the knowledge development portion via PADI eLearning, or other home study options offered by your local dive shop or resort. Your PADI Instructor will focus on helping you become a confident and comfortable diver, not on how long it takes.

Why become a PADI Instructor?

If you like people, have a passion for scuba diving and want an extraordinary life – become a PADI Instructor. Teaching scuba diving allows you to share your love of the aquatic world with others while doing what you enjoy – being in, around and under water.

How do I get my Padi certification?

A dive professional in good standing with another diver training organization may meet the prerequisites for the next level PADI certification. For example, a divemaster with another diver training organization may qualify to enroll in a PADI Assistant Instructor course or Instructor Development Course (IDC).

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How long does it take to complete the PADI eLearning course?

approximately 12 to 15 hoursThe PADI Open Water Diver eLearning should take approximately 12 to 15 hours to complete.

How long does it take to do PADI Open Water?

It's possible to complete your confined and open water dives in three or four days by completing the knowledge development portion via PADI eLearning, or other home study options offered by your local dive shop or resort.

How many hours do you need for PADI?

On average, the program requires eight hours to complete. At the end of knowledge development, you'll take a final exam to ensure you have a thorough understanding of scuba diving essentials. Your PADI Instructor will answer any questions you may have along the way.

How hard is it to become a dive instructor?

To become a scuba instructor with PADI you need to have been certified as an entry-level diver with any agency for at least six months before you can take the instructor course. Also you need to have an Advanced diver certification, a rescue certification, and a Divemaster or Dive Leader certification.

How difficult is PADI Open Water?

So, to answer the question, "Is the PADI Open Water certification hard?", the answer is that realistically, it is not hard at all. The average person can easily learn to dive but on the way, they will have to address psychological issues.

Is open water certification hard?

Getting your PADI Certification is not hard, it's fun and it's an incredible experience, but you do need to follow the rules to make sure that your PADI Open Water Course is also a safe experience. After you have completed the PADI course you will receive the PADI Open Water Certification Card.

What are the 4 open water dives?

There are four components to the PADI Open Water Diver course: theory, confined water work, waterskills asessement, and open water dives.

How long is PADI Advanced open water eLearning?

approximately 8 hoursWhat is the minimum amount of time it will take to complete this eLearning program? The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course online will take approximately 8 hours to complete.

How do you beat PADI Open Water?

4:3111:01How To Pass Your Open Water Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore you actually get your desired depth just inhale. And see if you can hover if you keep goingMoreBefore you actually get your desired depth just inhale. And see if you can hover if you keep going down then add a tiny bit of gas to your BCD. You don't want to thud into the bottom.

How long does it take to be a PADI instructor?

MYTH #2: It Takes a Long Time to Become a Scuba Instructor If you're already a PADI Divemaster (or hold a leadership-level certification with another training agency), you can become a PADI Instructor in about 11 days (on average). Or, you can complete your training gradually over a series of weekends.

Can you make a living as a scuba instructor?

Some Dive Instructors make as low as US$500/month while others can make US$4000-US$6000/month and others will make anything in between. A scuba diving instructor salary and how much a diving instructor can make, depends on a few important factors. For example: Fixed salary or commission based dive salary.

How long does it take to become dive instructor?

How Long Will it Take? Depending on your resources and experience level, obtaining your dive instructor certification could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. For some perspective, the fastest you could possibly go from a brand new diver, all the way to OWSA is 6 months.

What are the medical requirements for scuba diving?

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.

How many parts are required to become a dive shop?

Choosing a Dive Shop. There are three parts to certification: knowledge development, skill practice, and open water dives. You can complete all three parts locally, on holiday, or split between the two. Choose a dive shop close to home to: Support your local diving community.

Do you need a mask to dive?

Most dive shops require students to provide their own mask, fins and snorkel. If you already own a mask, snorkel and/or fins, bring them to your instructor before your first inwater session. Some snorkeling masks and fins are inadequate for scuba diving.

Can you do eLearning while on vacation?

Have the time to complete your course while on vacation. If you're not ready to try diving locally, but want to support your local dive shop, you can complete eLearning and portions of the course close to home, then complete the rest of the course while travelling.

Does a PADI certification expire?

Your PADI certification never expires, but after a long period of inactivity, you may want to brush up on diving fundamentals and safety procedures. Contact your PADI Dive Center or Resort for more information.

How many dives are required for a PADI diving course?

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

What can I do as a dive pro?

As a dive pro, you could become a scuba diving instructor in a remote and beautiful location. You could find diving work as part of a marine research and conservation team, and use your skills to contribute to science. Or, you could run your very own dive shop.

What is a PADI certification?

A PADI certification is your licence for adventure. As well as making it possible for you to discover underwater worlds, PADI courses can help you to enter the dive industry professionally. Here is a breakdown of the core PADI courses and how long you can expect each of them to take.

What is a divemaster?

Divemasters are leaders who can teach and inspire other divers. This is the first level of PADI professional training, giving you the skills you need to supervise dives and assist dive instructors.

What does PADI stand for?

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.

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.

What is a rescue diver course?

The Rescue Diver course gives you valuable skills in emergency management. You’ll be trained to deal with scenarios where you may need to rescue a panicked or unresponsive diver, or even yourself.

How to start scuba training?

Start your scuba training digitally whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you. PADI eLearning is the easiest way to fit scuba lessons into your busy schedule. Work at your own pace, online or offline, using your computer or mobile device. Schedule in-water training whenever you’re ready.

What is a dry suit diver?

Becoming a dry suit diver allows you to expand your boundaries and dive more places, more often. This suit seals you off from the water and keeps you comfortable, even in surprisingly cold water.

Can you change your PADI dive center?

If you lose access, don’t worry, you can still complete your training. Contact a PADI Shop to discuss your options. Once registered, you can’t change the PADI Dive Center or Resort associated with your online program; however, you may complete your training with any PADI Dive Center, Resort or Instructor worldwide.

Do I need a PADI app?

For the ideal experience, devices should be no more than 3 models old and updated with the most current OS. You don’t need the PADI Training app to access your online material, only offline.

Can you use the PADI app without internet?

If you plan to be somewhere without internet access, use the PADI Training app to download course content in advance. Use the app to study offline, and when your internet connection is restored, upload your progress. The PADI Training app is available for Android and iOS.

How old do you have to be to become a PADI diver?

The minimum age is 10 years old (in most areas). Student divers who are younger than 15 earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, which they may upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. Children under the age of 13 require parent or guardian permission to register for PADI eLearning.

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.

How many yards do you need to swim in PADI?

Your PADI Instructor will assess this by having you: Swim 200 metres/yards (or 300 metres/yards in mask, fins and snorkel). There is no time limit for this, and you may use any swimming strokes you want.

What are the problems that divers face?

Sunburn, seasickness and dehydration, all of which are preventable, are the most common problems divers face. Injuries caused by marine life, such as scrapes and stings, do occur, but these can be avoided by wearing an exposure suit, staying off the bottom and watching where you put your hands and feet.

How long can you swim without stopping?

Swim 200 metres/yards (or 300 metres/yards in mask, fins and snorkel) without stopping. There is no time limit for this, and you may use any swimming strokes you want. Float and tread water for 10 minutes, again using any methods you want.

Where do you learn scuba?

You'll develop basic scuba skills in a pool or in confined water – a body of water with pool-like conditions, such as off a calm beach. The basic scuba skills you learn during your certification course will help you become familiar with your scuba gear and become an underwater explorer.

Can you run out of air while scuba diving?

You’ll learn to check it regularly, so it’s unlikely you’ll run out of air while scuba diving. However, if you run out of air, your buddy has an extra regulator (mouthpiece) that allows you to share a single air supply while swimming to the surface.

Do some research

Think about where you would like to go diving, and when. In some parts of the world the water is warm all year round; others, less so. Learning to dive in colder waters will provide excellent training and diving experience, but also requires more equipment, such as thick wetsuits and boots, and maybe even hoods and gloves.

Prepare for the Open Water course mentally AND physically

The open water course is a lot of fun, and very rewarding! But it’s challenging too, so you should expect a little physical exertion – carrying heavy gear in a hot climate, for example, and plenty of action in the water! Try these easy exercises for divers before your course.

How many PADI courses are recommended for college credit?

The American Council on Education (ACE) through its College Credit Recommendation Service has evaluated and recommended college credit for 25 PADI courses and the Emergency First Response Instructor course. ACE is the major coordinating body for all the nation’s higher education institutions.

What is the NZQA?

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) manages the accreditation and approval of nationally recognized courses. The PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Rescue Diver courses all qualify for the National Certificate of Diving: Foundational Skills.

What is the JASA diving school?

Those who want to teach diving in Japanese school systems (colleges, universities, vocational schools, etc.) undergo general and specialized course work and testing to become authorized by the Japan Sports Association (JASA), under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Can I get PADI credit for scuba diving?

Scuba divers may be awarded credit for PADI courses from an educational institution, or through the military, in Europe based on the institution’s specific recognition of prior learning. Check with your school or military group about requirements for credit accumulation and transfer.

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