The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three main components.
The first is PADI eLearning (included in course cost) for your initial Knowledge Development, which covers everything you need to know about basic techniques, terminology and safety procedures in scuba diving and requires and average of 6-10 hours of self-study time. Your will receive this from IDC after registration and we receive some further specifics from you/the student.
The second is Confined Water (pool) Dives, which are training sessions conducted in a pool or water with pool-like conditions. The training sessions provide friendly, detailed and concise direction from our PADI Professional Instructors who will demonstrate each skill to you at which time you will be ask to perform the skill back to your instructor. During this time you will get used to the gear you'll be using and practice the skills required of SCUBA diving and techniques to keep you safe.
During the 3rd Confined Water Dive you will introduced to drysuit use in the pool for use during your OW dives, a drysuit will keep you warmer and dryer in our waters (an average of 9-10c) than a wetsuit will which mans you will enjoy your dives more and be more likely to want to continue diving and exploring our local waters.
The third is your Open Water Dives/"Practical Exams". This is what it's all about - LET GO DIVING in the ocean! During four dives over 2 days, you'll perform and show your proficiency in the various skills you learned in the pool and apply them to the ocean environment to show that you are a safe and competent diver. The training portion usually only takes up the first part of the dive, meaning that you will get to spend a big part of your time diving with your instructor and exploring the underwater world. As soon as your open water training dives are approved by your instructor you will be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver! This means you will be allowed to rent diving equipment and dive anywhere in the world down to 18 meters/60ft, lifelong!
Please do not hesitate to reach out to IDC Professional Staff directly if you have any questions about any of the above or otherwise. At IDC we are ALL PROS!
