Open Water Diver (OWD)

The PADI Open Water Diver (OWD) certification is your gateway to exploring the underwater world independently, and Grande Polpo offers this foundational course in the beautiful Shakotan Sea. This program is designed to build your confidence and eliminate any fears associated with diving by covering essential knowledge and techniques. You will gain the fundamental skills needed to safely enjoy scuba diving in various conditions.

This comprehensive course spans a minimum of three days, integrating academic sessions, confined water training in a pool, and open water dives. The academic portion includes self-study using PADI digital materials followed by classroom instruction and a quiz. Pool sessions focus on mastering crucial skills like mask clearing and buoyancy control in a controlled environment. Subsequent open water dives, potentially including Lake Shikotsu depending on sea conditions, allow you to apply these newly acquired skills in real diving scenarios.

Grande Polpo prioritizes personalized attention with small-group instruction, ensuring each student receives ample support. They are particularly accommodating to individuals who are not strong swimmers, dedicating extra time for practice until comfort is achieved. The option to use dry suits is available, making year-round diving possible even in colder water temperatures. This accessibility ensures you can pursue your certification regardless of the season.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, you will be eligible to apply for your PADI Open Water Diver certification, recognized globally. The course fee of 77,000 JPY covers teaching materials, application fees, transportation, and facility usage. Rental equipment is available for an additional daily charge, and discounts may apply for participants purchasing their own gear during the course. To be eligible, you must be at least 10 years old and able to speak Japanese.