Open Water Diver

 Course that certifies students to conduct recreational scuba dives within agency depth limits (typically 18 m / 60 ft). Covers safety procedures, underwater navigation, and proper use of scuba equipment.

Objectives:

• Teach basic scuba diving principles and underwater safety.
• Enable students to plan and perform buddy recreational dives.
• Develop practical skills: buoyancy control, equalization, air management, and emergency procedures.

Course content:

• Theory: diving physics and physiology, hazards and prevention, equipment, dive planning, hand signals, and basic regulations.
• Confined-water training: gear assembly, entries/exits, breathing underwater, equalization, buoyancy exercises, and emergency skills.
• Open-water dives: usually 4 supervised dives to practice skills, basic navigation, and buddy communication.

Methodology: Classroom or e-learning theory, confined-water practice (pool), and supervised open-water dives (ocean, lake, or quarry) with continuous practical assessment.

Prerequisites:

• Minimum age per agency (commonly 10–12 for junior, 15 for full certification).
• Basic swimming ability and reasonable physical fitness; medical clearance recommended or required.
• Valid ID.

Certification: International certification from the chosen agency (e.g., PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS) upon completion of theory, confined-water skills, and required open-water dives. Allows buddy diving to the certification depth limit.

Basic equipment (provided or rented): Mask, snorkel, fins, BCD, regulator, tank, pressure gauge; wetsuit as needed.