Anyone who has learned to scuba dive will tell you: It is an incredible, life-changing experience. But how do you get started? What is the right course to take, and where should you learn? As a newcomer to the world of diving, it can be hard to know where to begin.
In this article, we will provide everything you need to know about PADI courses, so you can begin planning those all-important first steps on your journey to become a certified diver. Are you ready? Let’s dive in.
What is the PADI Open Water Diver Course, and why do I need it?
PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is a worldwide dive training organization, with more than 30 million divers on its books. PADI courses are designed to be fun and informative, teaching you about the ocean and showing you how to stay safe in its waters.
After completing a PADI Open Water Diver course, you will receive a scuba qualification that never expires and is recognized all over the world. Better yet, it opens the door to a lifetime of adventures in the wild blue yonder.
What to Expect During the PADI Open Water Diver Course?
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the first level of diving certification. On this course, you will learn how to become a safe, competent, and confident diver, certified to explore depths of up to 18 meters (59 feet).
The course has three main components: Knowledge development, confined water dives, and open water dives. Let’s look at each of these steps in more detail.