PADI Open Water Diver

PADI Open Water Diver

Learning to dive is one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Earning your PADI certification will forever change the way you see the world, both above and below the surface!

The PADI Open Water Diver course is where it all begins. Have you always wanted to learn how to scuba dive and discover new adventures? Do you want to see the wondrous world beneath the waves? Then you are in the right place! The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world's most popular scuba course. It has introduced millions of people to the adventurous diving lifestyle.

Quick Course Overview

There are 3 steps you need to complete in order to become a certified diver:

• STEP 1: Knowledge development
• STEP 2: Confined Water Dives
• STEP 3: Open Water Dives 

STEP 1. Knowledge Development

The Knowledge Development portion of the course is designed so you can learn at your own pace and when it’s convenient for you. This part of your course will teach you the basic principles of scuba diving, and you will cover things like basic dive theory, equipment, skills and dive planning. 

If you want to complete this step first and upgrade to the rest of the course later on, you can book the PADI Open Water Diver eLearning separately here!

STEP 2. Confined Water Dives

Develop and practice scuba skills in a pool under direct instructor supervision. As you learn new skills, you’ll build the abilities and confidence needed for diving in open water, such as in a quarry or the ocean. 

You will complete 5 pool sessions altogether, including a drysuit orientation, which will prepare you for using a drysuit during your open water dives. 

STEP 3. Open Water Dives

Get ready to experience everything you’ve learned with the freedom of open water! You will do 4 open water dives altogether, plus one additional dive if you choose to complete the drysuit specialty.

Our open water training dives are usually held at Capernwray, check out this blog post to learn more about this great dive site! 

As soon as your open water training dives are approved by your instructor, you will be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver, ready to embark on unforgettable adventures!

What you need to know

Course prerequisites

• You must be at least 10 years of age
• You must have adequate swimming skills
• You must be in good physical health
• No prior scuba diving experience is required

You will also be required to complete:

• Medical Statement - Please ensure you are fit to dive by checking this form.
• Standard Safe Diving Practices Statement of Understanding
• Statement of Risks & Liability

If you answer YES to any of the questions on the PADI Medical Statement, you will need to get a medical physician to sign the form to confirm fitness to dive prior to any in-water activities. You will not be able to participate in any pool or open water sessions without confirming your fitness to dive.

Essential Gear 

The fit and comfort of your personal equipment are key to having an enjoyable diving experience. As a minimum, you should own your own mask and snorkel, however, we’d recommend you owned your own fins as well when you first begin your course (included as part of the Holiday Diver & UK Diver package).

Kit hire of all other core dive gear is included in your course.

Course Packages

At Scuba Leeds we offer three course options for the PADI Open Water Diver Course. All the options include the same level of training, the same course materials, and the same certification at the end. You get to choose the appropriate kit bundle based on the type of diving you want to do. The bundles are as follows:

Basic

The Basic PADI Open Water Diver course option is ideal for those wanting to learn how to dive but don’t want to invest in their own gear just yet. It includes: 

• PADI Open Water Diver course & digital materials
• Mask and snorkel

Holiday Diver

The Holiday Diver package is perfect for those who are planning on diving mainly on holidays or occasional UK diving in warmer months. It includes: 

• PADI Open Water Diver Course & Digital Materials
• Mask and snorkel
• Fins and 3mm boots

UK Diver

We highly recommend the UK Diver package for anyone who is planning on diving regularly both in the UK and abroad. It includes: 

• PADI Open Water Diver Course & Digital Materials
• Mask and snorkel
• Fins and 3mm boots
• Waterproof 5/7mm Hood and 5mm Gloves 

Upgrade from eLearning 

This option is only aimed at students who have already completed the eLearning part separately and now wish to upgrade to the practical steps of of the course. If you have not previously completed the PADI eLearning for the Open Water Diver course, please select the “Full Course” option. 

PADI Drysuit Specialty

If you plan to scuba dive in temperate or colder water environments such as the UK, northern Europe or the Mediterranean in winter, then you will require a drysuit to keep you warm. This specialty is essential for UK diving and will give you more experience and confidence when diving in a drysuit. It will also allow you to hire a drysuit if you don’t own one. 

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