PADI Open Water Diver
Earn the world’s most recognised scuba certification and develop the knowledge and practical skills required to dive independently with a buddy
Duration
3–4 days, 4 dives
Max Depth
18 metres / 60 feet
Level
Entry-Level Recreational Scuba Certification
Next Step
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver / Speciality Diver Training
Overview
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most widely recognised entry-level scuba certification programme and is designed to develop the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to dive safely and confidently with a buddy.
Through:
- knowledge development,
- confined water training,
- and open water certification dives,
students learn:
- scuba-diving principles,
- equipment configuration,
- buoyancy control,
- underwater communication,
- dive planning,
- and emergency procedures.
Upon successful completion of the course, divers are qualified to:
- dive independently with a certified buddy,
- within recreational limits,
- without direct professional supervision.
At N9BO℠, Open Water Diver training is conducted in a relaxed and supportive environment focused on:
- safety,
- confidence-building,
- comfort underwater,
- and developing strong diving fundamentals.
This course is ideal for:
- complete beginners,
- travellers,
- ocean enthusiasts,
- and anyone wishing to begin lifelong underwater exploration.
Course Facts
- Course name: PADI Open Water Diver
- Level: Entry-Level Recreational Scuba Certification
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 10, Adequate swimming skills
- Ratio: Maximum of 8 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: mask, fins, snorkel, buoyancy control device (BCD), regulator system, scuba cylinder, alternate air source, weights, submersible pressure gauge, and exposure protection appropriate to local conditions. (All equipment is provided by N9BO℠)
- Depth / environment: 18 metres / 60 feet, Swimming pool, Confined water, Calm tropical open water environments, Shallow reef sites, Beginner-friendly dive conditions
- Format: Knowledge development + confined-water training + open water certification dives
- Duration: Typically completed in 3–4 days (Minimum 4 open water dives)
What You’ll Learn
- Learn scuba-diving fundamentals, dive planning, equipment setup, underwater communication, buoyancy principles, emergency procedures
- Practice mask clearing, regulator recovery, hovering, buoyancy control, alternate air source procedures, controlled emergency swimming ascents
- Complete confined-water training sessions, and 4 open water certification dives
- Develop confidence underwater, situational awareness, and safe diving habits
- Prepare for independent buddy diving, continuing education, and speciality training
Prerequisites
- Be at least 10 years old.
- Adequate swimming skills.
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
Upon successful completion, students receive:
- PADI Open Water Diver certification.
This certification allows divers to:
- dive worldwide,
- with a certified buddy,
- within recreational depth limits.
The course requires 4 open water dives.
Training dives are conducted progressively:
- Dives 1 and 2:
- maximum 12 metres / 40 feet
- Dives 3 and 4:
- maximum 18 metres / 60 feet
Yes.
The course is specifically designed for individuals with no previous scuba-diving experience.
Most divers continue into:
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver,
- Enriched Air Diver,
- specialty courses,
- and continuing diver education.
Ready to Become a Certified Diver?
Whether you are beginning your underwater journey or preparing for a lifetime of diving adventures, our team will help you build strong foundational skills in a safe, professional, and supportive environment.
Go Pro with the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Become a PADI Instructor through the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and develop the teaching capability, leadership skills, and operational confidence required to train divers at the professional level.
