Open Water Diver

The Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification at El Mar Diving Center is your foundational step into the vast underwater world. This comprehensive program is designed to build your confidence and skills progressively, ensuring you become a safe and competent diver. You'll begin with digital academic materials, allowing you to learn the theoretical aspects of diving at your own pace. Following this, you will transition to practical pool training sessions held in their on-site heated pool, where experienced instructors will guide you through mastering essential skills and safe diving procedures.

El Mar Diving Center emphasizes hands-on learning throughout the Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification. The course culminates in certification dives, where you will apply your newly acquired abilities in a real diving environment. The center provides the complete diving system for these crucial sessions, including tanks, weights, and buoyancy control devices, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the learning experience. This structured approach ensures a solid understanding and practical application of diving techniques.

To enroll in the Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification, participants must meet certain prerequisites. A minimum age of 18 years is required (or 10 for Junior SCUBA Diver). Candidates should be comfortable in the water, possess the ability to swim 200 yards, and float for 10 minutes. A completed medical statement is also mandatory. Additionally, students will need to create a DiveSSI profile and have a smartphone with the DiveSSI app for accessing course materials. It is important to complete the academic portion before the first class night.

El Mar offers flexible scheduling options for the Open Water course, including accelerated programs and two-week sessions, to accommodate various student needs. For those seeking an enhanced experience, there is an option to upgrade your certification dives to San Carlos, Mexico, offering the opportunity to explore the unique marine environment of the Sea of Cortez. The center is certified by IDEA, PADI, and SSI, providing a recognized standard for your diver training.