What should I expect in my PADI Open Water Course
- Purple Dive
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Taking the first step in any new adventure can be a scary process, mostly because it is unknown. So if you are thinking of doing your Open Water Course, let us ease those worries by explaining exactly what the course will involve to answer your question of "What should I expect in my PADI Open Water Course"
The PADI Open Water Diver course will certify you to dive independently with your buddy without professional supervision. You will be trained to dive to a maximum depth of 18m and can dive anywhere in the world!
There is quite a large amount of theory in the course, but lots of in-water time also. You can expect to have a lot of fun, conquer some fears (at times might be a bit scary) and be introduced to a world you will want to continue to discover again and again! You will also become part of the coolest group of people in the world… :)
The Open Water Course (OWC) consists of 3 sections; theory, confined sessions and open water dives.
The PADI Open Water Diver Course Theory
Gone are the days of sitting in a classroom with a textbook and pencil...Today, the theory is usually done as a fully online course, accessible via the PADI app. This allows you to make your way through all the theory in your own time at your own pace. It provides the option to complete the theory at home first and then head to a holiday destination for the dives.
The PADI e-learning consists of 5 chapters and a final exam. The app will take you through each chapter, having to pass a quiz for each section before the next becomes unlocked. Finally, once all chapters are completed and passed, you will then have access to a 50 question final exam. PADI have also created instruction videos to assist with your learning.
The theory covers; physics and diving theory, diving equipment, tides, currents and diving conditions. You will also learn diving procedures, problem management and the risks of diving. You can generally expect to spend between 5 and 10 hours on the theory section.
The PADI Open Water Diver Course Confined Water Sessions
This is also divided into 5 “chapters”, which depending on your time limitations and where you do the course can either be spread over several sessions or done as a singular lesson completed in a day. You will learn all the practical skills of the course in a safe environment, either a pool or confined water setting. Each skill you have to perform will be demonstrated slowly by your instructor first, before you have a go. The purpose of this section is to become confident in performing the skills before repeating them in open water. Not all of the skills you practice in the pool will be repeated in the open water, but all skills done in the open water will have been practiced and perfected before being attempted in the open water.
You will learn several skills and techniques including; how to assemble and check your diving equipment, mask skills, removing and replacing the regulator, procedures for out-of-air emergencies and many other problem-solving techniques, as well as learning and practicing controlling your buoyancy and swimming under the water. Each skill will be introduced gradually, broken down step by step and then built upon, to reach the more complex skill. You will also have to complete a waterskills assessment which includes both a 15 minute float without swim aids and a 200 meter swim (or 300 meters using mask, fins and snorkel)
The PADI Open Water Diver Course Open Water Dives
To complete the course, you must do 4 open water training dives. You will be under the direct supervision of your instructor at all times and will progressively get deeper. Dives 1 and 2 will be to a maximum depth of 12m and dives 3 and 4, to a maximum depth of 18m. On each dive, you will be tasked with a few skills, which you will have already mastered in the confined sessions. During these training dives you learn skills such as basic compass navigation and how to use and follow a dive computer. As you dive, you will be asked to perform the skills and your instructor will help with your diving position and buoyancy as you go. After each dive you will then log your dives with your instructor.
Certification: Once all sections (theory, waterskills & confined sessions and all 4 dives) are completed, your certification can be processed. You will then receive your PADI e-card, which is accessible and available to download on your PADI app. You also have the option to purchase a physical card at padi.com, and although PADI states these are made from 70% recycled materials, we would recommend sticking with the ecard and saving the production of yet more plastic! Your PADI certification card does not expire, however, if you go for more than 6 months between dives, it is recommend to have a refresher session before diving again.
If you're not sure whether you are ready to commit to the whole PADI Open Water Course, many dive centers will offer a Discover Scuba Dive (DSD). This is a great option and gives you a taster of diving without the commitment of an entire course. The DSD consists of a short pool session with only a couple of the basic skills and a bit of practice swimming under water, then you go for a real dive in the ocean, no skills just fun and up to a maximum depth of 12m.
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