This certification level enables you to dive independently (with a buddy) to a maximum depth of 18 metres/60 ft and rent dive equipment anywhere in the world.

It takes 4/5 days to complete an open water course, which involves some self study, skill development sessions in the swimming pool, and 4 open water dives.

If you have the opportunity it could be a good idea to buy the PADI Open Water manual at home before you come on holiday, read it and complete the knowledge reviews before you come – it doesn’t take too long, and means that you don’t feel like you are working on holiday – just having fun!

The number of students on our certification courses is deliberately limited. Unless by special request, no more than 4 students means that everyone gets plenty of time with the instructor to get comfortable and relaxed with their skills, and plenty of actual diving time on their certification dives.