PADI Scuba Diver Course
The PADI Scuba Diver course is a subset of the PADI Open Water Diver course. If you’re short on time but really want to become a diver, the PADI Scuba Diver rating might be right for you ̶ particularly if you expect to go scuba diving primarily with a dive guide. This course is an intermediate step for earning an Open Water Diver certification, if that’s your ultimate goal. PADI Scuba Divers are qualified to: Dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet. Obtain air fills, rent or purchase scuba equipment and participate in dive activities as long as properly supervised. Continue dive training by completing the PADI Open Water Diver certification and taking certain specialty diver courses.
Prerequisite
- Individuals aged 10 and above
- Basic swimming skills and Capable of maintaining buoyancy for at least 10 minutes in water too deep to stand in
- Medically fit (May require a medical clearance)
- Participants aged over 50 must obtain medical clearance for participation in scuba diving activities.
You Will Learn...
- What to consider when planning dives
- How to choose the right scuba gear for you
- Underwater signals and other diving procedures
- Setting up your scuba gear
- How to get water out of your mask
- Entering and exiting the water
- Buoyancy control
- Basic underwater navigation
- Safety procedures
Academic
The PADI Scuba Diver course consists of three main phases: Knowledge Development eLearning, independent study or in a classroom) to understand basic principles of scuba diving – just the first three of five sections of the Open Water Diver course. Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills – j first three of five dives of the Open Water Diver course Open Water Dives to use your skills and explore – just two of four dives of the Open Water Diver course.
What Next...
The PADI Open Water Diver certification, undoubtedly! This credential grants you the freedom to dive to depths of 18 meters / 60 feet without the direct oversight of a dive professional, as long as you have a buddy
PADI Advance Open Water Diver
The Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about advancing your skills. You’ll practice navigation and buoyancy, try deep diving and make three specialty dives of your choosing (it’s like a specialty sampler platter). For every specialty dive you complete, you can earn credit toward PADI® specialty certifications.Here are a few of the many options: Deep, Digital Underwater Photography, Dive Against Debris, Dry Suit, Enriched Air Nitrox, Fish Identification, Night, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Search & Recovery, Underwater Naturalist, Underwater Navigation, and Wreck Diver.
How to become an Advanced Open Water Diver
Learn about underwater navigation, deep diving and three types of specialty diving that interest you. After some skill practice with your instructor, you’ll make five open water dives. There’s no exam because this course is truly about having fun and gaining experience.
1. PADI e-Learning
- Advanced Open Water Diver eLearning includes interactive lessons on 13 popular specialty dives: altitude, boat, digital underwater imaging, drift, dry suit, fish ID, night, buoyancy, search and recovery, underwater naturalist and wreck diving.
- You’ll study deep and navigation diving plus three specialties of your choosing.
- e-Learning time commitment: 6-8 hours
2. With your Instructor
The course includes five dives: a deep dive below 18m/60f, a navigation dive, and three specialty dives. Gain experience, build confidence and discover your diving abilities.
- Prerequisites: Open Water Diver/Junior Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification)
- Total time commitment: 2-3 days
- Minimum age: 12 years or older
- Depth: The maximum depth depends on your age, but maximum depth is up to 30 metres/100 feet
PADI Open Water Diver Course
PADI Open Water Diver course is the first scuba certification level. A highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach you how to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment.By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to dive at home or abroad and be an ambassador for the underwater world.
How to earn your Scuba Diving Certification
Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology (either offline or online), then learn basic scuba skills in a pool (or pool-like environment) with a highly trained PADI Instructor. When you’re ready, make four dives in an open water environment (the ocean, a lake) with your instructor supporting you every step of the way.
1. PADI e-Learning
- PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you.It’s your course on your time. Study offline, or online using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor whenever you have a question.
- e-Learning time commitment: 5-10 hours
2. With your Instructor
Practice using scuba gear in a pool (or pool-like environment) until you’re comfortable. PADI training includes practice “mini dives” to help you build confidence in your new abilities before making four dives in open water.
- Prerequisites: Able to swim; medically fit for diving
- Total time commitment: 4-7 days
- Minimum age: 10 years or older
- Depth: expect shallow dives (12m/40ft), the maximum allowed depth is 18m/60ft
