Open Water Diver Course


BECOMING PADI CERTIFIED

If the mysteries of the deep and the call of the blue waves has been something you always longed to seek, then scuba diving is for you. This is the opportunity to get a scuba diving certification with the most popular diving certification, the PADI Open Water Diver Course. It is the most popular, widely recognized and well-known diving course the world over. Millions of people have learned to scuba dive and started their journey to discover the wonders of the blue world.

PRE-REQUISITES

To enroll in a PADI Open Water Diver course or Junior Open Water Diver course, you must be 10 years old or older.  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.

Though no prior experience with scuba diving is required, you need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health. You will need to complete a Divers Medical Questionnaire, (view sample) the purpose of which is to find out if you need to be examined by your doctor before participating in the recreational diver training.

Before completing the PADI Open Water Diver course, your instructor will have you demonstrate basic water skills to be sure you’re comfortable in the water, including:

  • 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.

Any individual who can meet the performance requirements of the course qualifies for certification. 

COURSE CONTENT

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WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

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.

You’ll learn this valuable information by reading it in the PADI Open Water Diver Manual or online with PADI eLearning®. At the end of each chapter, you’ll answer questions about the material to ensure you understand it. Along the way, let your PADI Instructor know if there is anything you don’t understand. At the end of the course, you’ll take a final exam that ensures you have thorough knowledge of scuba diving basics.

You’ll also watch videos that preview the scuba skills you’ll practice in a swimming pool or pool-like environment. 

BASIC SKILL DEVELOPMENT

After covering the theory section, you will move into the actual scuba experience and what it’s all about – diving. You’ll develop basic scuba skills in a swimming 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 scuba diving certification course will help you become familiar with your scuba gear and become an underwater explorer. Some of the essential skills you learn include:

  • Setting up your scuba gear.
  • How to get water out of your mask.
  • Entering and exiting the water.
  • Buoyancy control and more.

You’ll practice these skills with an instructor until you’re comfortable. When you’re ready, it’s time for your underwater adventure to begin at an Open Water dive site.

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USE YOUR SKILLS AND EXPLORE

On completion of your confined water dives and the knowledge development section, you can go over to your dive location, where you will be diving in the ‘open water’ which means an unenclosed large stretch of water. Here you and your instructor will  make the four Open Water dives, usually over a two day period. On these dives, you will repeat most of the skills you have learnt in the confined water sessions and also get the opportunity to explore the marine environment.

You can complete these Open Water dives at any of the dive locations in India, the closest being Netrani off Murudeshwar coast. Other near locations include Goa, Lakshwadeep, Maldives on the west cost and Andamans, Thailand. Malaysia on the east coast. Planet Scuba India arranges dive trips and vacations all year around, during which most of the students complete thier certifications. 

PRICE OPTIONS

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PADI Open Water Diver Referral

This option will cover all the knowledge development sessions and the confined water sessions. The approximate time needed for this is around 2 days. The PADI videos which can be watched at home will require about 5-7 hours, following which you will need to go through the knowledge reviews and complete your online exams (‘e-learning lite’). The pool sessions will require about 5-6 hours and can be completed after a short classroom review session with your PADI instructor.

Includes:

  • Classroom Session
  • Swimming Pool Sessions
  • PADI Study Materials
  • Equipment Rental

PADI Open Water Diver Referral for PADI E-learning

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Whether you want to learn to scuba dive or are already a scuba diver who is looking for a flexible way to fit another dive course into your busy schedule, PADI’s online scuba programs are the way to go. You can get started immediately with the knowledge development portion of the course and work at your own pace using the PADI eLearning® system. This convenient, interactive study option allows you to learn anytime and anywhere you have an internet connection.

PADI eLearning lets you:

  • Learn by watching, listening, reading and interacting with a dynamic instructional program.
  • Access the material for one year, plus gain unlimited access to an online version of the course manual.
  • Get in the water quickly – applying what you’ve learned – when you meet with your PADI Instructor.

PADI Open Water Diver Complete

This option will cover all the knowledge development sessions, the confined water sessions and the open water sessions. The approximate time needed for this is between 4 full days. The approximate cost is part of a package which may include cost of the accommodation at the destination dive resort. Any excess cost arising out of prevailing conditions at time of booking will be charged at time of course conduction.

Includes:

  • Classroom Sessions
  • Swimming Pool Sessions
  • PADI Study Materials
  • Equipment Rental
  • Individual Instruction for you and your party
  • Accommodation cost (partial cost and subject to conditions prevailing)

For more information contact us using the form below or send a mail to  mr@planetscubaindia.com

SOME QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE

Who can dive?

Anyone aged 10 and older (there are options for ages 8-10 as well), with a reasonable level of physical fitness, comfortable in the water and a spirit for adventure.

Is there an upper age limit for scuba divers?

There is no upper age limit on learning to scuba dive. Certain conditions my preclude those of any age from diving, temporarily or permanently, especially conditions associated with lung functions. As long as you maintain relatively good physical and mental conditioning, it’s never too late to learn scuba diving. Many divers continue into their 70’s and 80’s.

How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?

You must be at least 10 years old to receive a Junior Open Water Diver Certification. 10 and 11 year old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 meters/40 feet. 12 to 14 year olds must dive with a certified adult. At age 15, the junior certification upgrades to a regular Open Water Diver certification.

Is learning to dive difficult?

No, it’s probably easier than you imagine, especially if you’re already comfortable in the water. PADI’s entry-level course consists of pool diving, knowledge development and open water dives. The course is performance based, meaning that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill.

Do I have to be a great swimmer to be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver?

No. You need to be a reasonably proficient swimmer and comfortable in the water. You must able to swim a distance of 200 metres, without a time or specific stroke requirement. You’ll also perform a 10 minute tread/float during a swim test before or during the course.

How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver?

PADI courses are performance based, which means that you earn your certification when you demonstrate that you’ve mastered the required skills and knowledge. Because some learn faster than others, course duration varies. The PADI Open Water Diver course can be completed in as little as three days.

Are there any special qualifications or considerations to participate in a scuba class?

No. Generally speaking, anyone in good average health and at least 10 years old can participate. You will, however, complete a medical questionnaire. If anything on the questionnaire indicates a reason to be cautious about diving, you’ll need check with a physician to make sure you can dive.

What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?

If you need equipment, Planet Scuba India can help you select quality equipment that fits properly and works within your budget. Most scuba equipment is very durable, so you won’t have to replace it often.

What is the equipment I need for training dives?

During all training dives, each student diver, certified assistant and instructor must have:

  • fins, mask and snorkel
  • compressed gas cylinder and valve
  • buoyancy control device (BCD) and low pressure inflator
  • regulator and alternate air source
  • submersible pressure gauge
  • depth gauge
  • weight system and weights
  • adequate exposure protection appropriate for local diving conditions
  • at least one audible emergency surface signaling device (whistle, air horn, etc.)
  • During all open water training dives, trainees must also have a timing device, compass, knife/diver’s tool and two surface signaling device – one audible (i.e., whistle, air horn, etc.) and one visual(inflatable surface tube, flare, signal mirror, etc.)
    These can be rented or bought at our equipment store.

Is scuba diving dangerous?

No, but there are potential hazards, which is why you need proper training and certification.

Interested in the PADI Open Water Diver Course? Please send us your details to enable us to get in touch with you.

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