PADI Open Water Diver
Learn to dive with PADI Open Water Diver
Build your diving skills and confidence through theory, confined-water practice and open-water training, with support from our club instructors.
Minimum age: 10+ (as published in our FAQs)
Prerequisites: No previous scuba qualification required.
Published total price: Contact us for the current course price and a full breakdown of what is included.
Typical schedule: Knowledge development, confined-water sessions and four open-water dives. Completion timing depends on attendance and open-water scheduling.
Ask About PADI Open Water
What Is the PADI Open Water Diver Course?
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the first step toward becoming a certified scuba diver. This globally recognized certification allows you to dive to depths of 18 meters in open water environments.
What Will You Learn?
The course is divided into three main components:
1. Knowledge Development
Learn diving theory, including underwater pressure, buoyancy, and dive planning. Choose between classroom sessions or online learning with PADI eLearning.
2. Confined Water Dives
Practice key skills in a controlled environment, such as clearing your mask, sharing air, and achieving neutral buoyancy.
3. Open Water Dives
Apply your knowledge and skills during four dives at local dive sites, exploring the underwater world under instructor supervision.
Why Choose the PADI Open Water Diver Course?
1. International Recognition
The certification is accepted worldwide, allowing you to dive with confidence anywhere.
2. Comprehensive Training
The course covers everything you need to dive safely and confidently.
3. Pathway to Advanced Training
After completing the course, you can advance to the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course for deeper and more specialized dives.
Who Can Join?
Anyone aged 10 or older who is in good health and has basic swimming skills can enroll in the PADI Open Water Diver course.
What does it cost?
Total course price: Contact us for the current course price and a full breakdown of what is included.
We do not currently publish a single package figure on this page. Please ask for an up-to-date breakdown covering learning materials, certification, pool sessions, open-water instruction, site entry, gas fills, equipment use and any mandatory extras.
How does the training work?
Theory: Course theory is completed as part of your chosen agency route with instructor guidance.
Pool practice: Practical skills are developed in pool or confined-water sessions before open-water qualification dives.
Open-water training: Open-water dives are arranged with instructors and can be affected by weather, attendance, venue access, instructor availability and individual progress.
Progression: Theory → Pool practice → Open-water training → Qualification and continued club diving.
Where will I train?
Pool venue: Wolgarston High School Pool, Cannock Road, Penkridge, Stafford, ST19 5RX.
Open-water locations: Club training and diving often includes inland and coastal locations such as Capernwray, Stoney Cove and Pembrokeshire.
Open-water sessions usually involve travel and are arranged around suitable conditions and instructor availability.
Find our club locations and meeting details
What equipment do I need?
Equipment requirements vary by course stage and current club arrangements. Please ask for a current equipment breakdown before buying anything.
- Club-supplied or arranged kit: Availability can vary and should be confirmed when you enquire.
- Items to bring: Basic swim kit is usually needed for pool sessions.
- Items to buy or hire: Personal kit choices depend on your progress and preferences, and hire charges may apply where relevant.
We're happy to advise before you buy personal equipment.
