Open Water Diver

The PADI Open Water Diver certification from Ocean Turtle Diving is your passport to exploring over 70 percent of our planet's underwater realms. This globally recognized entry-level qualification is structured for flexibility, allowing you to complete theory and pool sessions separately from your open water dives. You will learn essential scuba principles and safety skills under the guidance of experienced PADI Instructors, preparing you for the exciting world beneath the waves. The course culminates in four open water dives, reaching depths of up to 18 meters, where you'll apply your newly acquired skills in a real dive environment.

Ocean Turtle Diving offers a blended learning approach for the PADI Open Water Diver course. You'll begin with PADI eLearning, dedicating 5-10 hours to mastering diving theory at your own pace. This is followed by an in-person orientation at the dive centre, including a comprehensive gear fitting with modern equipment. Practical skills are then honed in a swimming pool, with depths up to 5 meters, building your confidence through controlled 'mini dives'. This structured progression ensures you are well-prepared for the open water phase.

The open water training takes place over two days at a dedicated dive site, allowing you to experience the thrill of diving in natural conditions. These dives are conducted to a maximum depth of 18 meters, adhering to PADI standards for entry-level divers. While the provided data does not specify exact UK locations or Spanish dive centre details, these sessions are designed to apply the skills learned in confined water and introduce you to the underwater ecosystem. The total course duration is approximately four days, with options to condense the theory and pool sessions into a single intensive day in London or spread them over two days in Hampshire for a more relaxed pace.

To embark on this adventure, you must be medically fit for diving and comfortable in the water. Essential prerequisites include the ability to swim 200 meters without aids and to tread water for 10 minutes. The minimum age for certification is 10 years, with divers aged 10-14 receiving a Junior Open Water Diver certification. While basic scuba gear is provided, students are required to supply their own mask and snorkel. Additional costs may include entry fees for inland open water dive sites, typically ranging from £15 to £24 per day, which are not included in the course price.