THE PADI OPEN WATER DIVING COURSE

To find out more about the PADI Open Water Diving Course, please call 908-379-8220 or fill out the contact form above.

THE PADI Open Water Diving Course

What Is PADI?

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is one of the largest diver training institutions that offer a wide range of diving courses as well as instructor certifications.  Being a PADI member of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council, it adheres to the global-set training standards and regulations.

Open Water Certification

Open water diving is a basic requirement as an entry-level course in order for one to get scuba diving certification. The PADI open water diving course consists of a combination of theoretical coursework, practical training (dives are undertaken in relatively shallow water and/or pools) and open water dives to gain the much needed experience.

Three Stages Of The Course

The open water diving course therefore is a 3-stage course which involves:
1. Knowledge Base Development-This involves class work whereby one is given most if not all the basics of scuba diving, its principles and how the entire body is affected upon being submerged in the water, equipment to use, the advantages and disadvantages of the various equipment used. A manual and CD containing all the learning materials and needed information on open water diving is provided upon registration. The syllabus should be read at one’s pace depending on his/her schedule and understanding capacity then once fully covered and when one feels ready, the instructor will examine one by administering exams so as to confirm all the concepts have been well understood.
2. Confined Water Diving-This involves visualizing the theory learned and putting it into actual practice. Confined water diving represents a simulation of diving in open water conditions and it is carried out in a pool or in shallow water which provide pool-like conditions. At this stage one is expected to slowly develop his/her scuba diving skills. Once the skills are fully mastered, then the student is considered ready to move forward to a more challenging and final course which is in the open water (sea, lake or ocean).
3. Open Water Diving-At this point, one is considered ready for testing in the open water after rigorous training in confined conditions. Therefore, one’s skills are put to test in the open water under strict supervision from a PADI Instructor or professional. This is the last and final stage of the open water diving course where one truly experiences the adventures of being a diver.

FAQ’s

Some of the frequently asked questions about the course include:
• What are the Requirements for Certification? There are no restrictions except that one needs to be at least 15 years to qualify for certification.
• Are there Open Water Diving Certifications for Children? Yes. For children aged 10-14yrs, PADI has a Junior Open Water Diving course which allows them to dive only up to a depth of 40 feet under the supervision of PADI certified professional, parent/ guardian.
• What can one expect after enrolling? One will safely learn to be a good and responsible diver and certification will be earned on completion of all knowledge development classes, 5 confined water dives and 4 open water dives.
• How long will does it take to become a certified Open Water Diver? The course is not time bound and completion depends on one’s performance and schedule.

To find out more about the PADI Open Water Diving Course, please call 908-379-8220 or fill out the contact form above.