PADI Open Water Diver Course
The PADI Open Water Diver diving course is the most recognized and popular first level of recreational diving certification in the world. Here is a detailed explanation of what it consists of:
The PADI Open Water Diver course is much more than just a course: it is the beginning of a new way to explore the world. With this internationally recognized certification, you will be able to dive to 18 meters / 60 feet anywhere on the planet and discover the ocean in a safe and responsible way.
At our dive center, we have designed the course so you can combine adventure, learning, and comfort, progressing step by step from online theory to your very first dives in the ocean.
1. Theory – The base of your underwater adventure
Before diving into the ocean, it is essential to understand how diving works and why certain procedures are followed. For this reason, the course includes a clear, well-structured theory section designed specifically for beginners.
The theory is completed through the official PADI eLearning program, fully online. This allows you to study at your own, from home and before arriving in Dauin, so once you are here you can focus on the most exciting part of the course: diving.
The 5 Study Sections
The PADI Open Water Diver theory is divided into 5 study sections, each focused on essential aspects of recreational diving:
🔹 Section 1 – Introduction to Diving
What recreational diving is
How the course works
Basic safety rules
First contact with scuba diving equipment
🔹 Section 2 – Recreational Diving
Fundamental principles of diving
Pressure and its effects underwater
Equalization of ears and sinuses
Basic concepts of depth and time
🔹 Section 3 – Your Diving Equipment
Function and use of scuba equipment
Regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), tank, and weights
Care and handling of the equipment
Importance of pre-dive safety checks
🔹 Section 4 – Dive Planning
Safe dive planning
Air management
Use of the dive computer
Procedures and problem prevention
🔹 Section 5 – The Aquatic Environment
Buddy system
Underwater communication
Responsible buoyancy
Respect for the marine environment and underwater life
Knowledge Reviews
At the end of each of the 5 sections, students must complete a knowledge review.
These reviews are not difficult exams, but a simple way to:
Check that the concepts are clear
Reinforce what has been learned
Prepare naturally for the final exam
During the practical sessions, we review these concepts in person, answering questions and helping everything make sense once you are in the water.
Final Exam
Once all five sections and their reviews are completed, students must take a 50-question final exam.
It is important to note that:
It is not a difficult exam
It is directly based on the material studied
Its purpose is to ensure that the student has the necessary knowledge to dive safely and confidently
Most students discover that the theory is much easier and more interesting than expected, and that it is key to fully enjoying diving.
2. Confined Water – Your first underwater experience
Confined water sessions are conducted in a swimming pool and are where everything truly comes to life. Here you will learn how to use the equipment, control your buoyancy, and gain confidence breathing underwater in a controlled environment.
First Day Schedule
We pick up our guests from their hotel (if they are staying in the Dauin area)
Transfer to the swimming pool
Full confined water session
Practical review of the online theory
If the student is not too tired and time allows, we complete the first open water dive on the same day
In some cases, guests begin the course immediately upon arriving in Dauin, meaning confined water training starts later and it is not always possible to complete the first open water dive before sunset.
Confined Water Skills
During this session, you will practice, among others, the following mandatory PADI skills:
Equipment assembly and disassembly
Breathing with the regulator
Regulator recovery and clearing
Partial and full mask clearing
Buoyancy control
Use of the buoyancy control device (BCD)
Underwater communication signals
Safety procedures
Sharing air with a buddy
Controlled descents and ascents
The goal is for you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and in control before moving on to the ocean.
3. Open Water – The real adventure begins
The open water portion consists of 4 ocean dives, where you will put everything you have learned into practice and begin exploring the natural environment with your instructor.
Dive Schedule
Day 1:
Pool session (confined water)
Possible 1st open water dive (if the student is not tired and there is enough time)
Day 2:
2 open water dives
Day 3:
2 open water dives
Day 4 (if applicable):
Final open water dive, only if the first one was not completed on the pool day
The course always includes 4 open water dives, as required by PADI standards.
Open Water Skills
During the ocean dives, you will practice skills such as:
Descents and ascents in a natural environment
Buoyancy control at depth
Basic navigation
Planning and executing real dives
Air management
Safety procedures
All of this while you begin exploring the real underwater world, surrounded by marine life.
4. Transfers Included – Just focus on diving
To make your experience as comfortable as possible:
We pick up and drop off our guests at their hotel every day, provided they are staying in the Dauin area
We take care of all logistics so you can focus entirely on enjoying the adventure
At the end of the course
Once the course is completed:
You will receive your PADI Open Water Diver certification
You will be certified to dive up to 18 meters / 60 feet
Your certification will be valid for life and recognized worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Do I need previous experience to take the PADI Open Water Diver course?
No. The course is designed for complete beginners. We start from zero and progress step by step, combining online theory, pool training, and ocean dives, always under the supervision of a certified instructor.
❓ What is the minimum age to take the course?
The minimum age is 10 years old.
From 10 to 14 years old, the certification will be PADI Junior Open Water Diver, with some depth limitations.
From 15 years old, the certification is the standard PADI Open Water Diver.
❓ Are there any medical requirements for diving?
Yes. Before starting the course, all students must complete a PADI medical questionnaire.
If you answer “NO” to all questions, no additional documentation is required.
If you answer “YES” to any question, you must complete a second questionnaire. If you answer “YES” to any question on the second form, a medical certificate confirming that you are fit to dive will be required.
We recommend reviewing this form in advance to avoid delays at the start of the course.
❓ How does the booking and payment process work?
To confirm your reservation, we require a 50% deposit of the total course price, payable one month before the start of the course. The remaining 50% is paid at the start of the course.
This deposit allows us to:
Register the student in the PADI eLearning program
Activate the PADI certification credit (PIC), included in the course
Once the payment is made, you will receive an email directly from PADI with access to all the course theory.
❓ What happens if I need to cancel the course?
In case of cancellation, you will not lose your investment.
You will retain full access to the PADI eLearning
You will remain the owner of the PADI certification credit (PIC)
This credit has an approximate value of over €100
You will be able to complete the practical part of the course at any PADI dive center worldwide, where a large part of the course price is usually discounted since you already hold the PIC.
❓ What if I cannot dive on one of the course days?
If for any reason you cannot dive on a certain day (for example, if you are not feeling well), do not worry. Whenever possible, we will reschedule the dives, always taking into account our availability to reorganize the day and time.
❓ What if I cannot finish the course with you?
If for any reason you are unable to complete the course:
We will complete a PADI referral form
This form will record all the parts you have already completed (theory, pool sessions, and/or open water dives)
With this document, you can finish your course at any PADI center worldwide, without repeating the parts already completed.
❓ Can a certified diver accompany me during the course?
Yes. If an accompanying person holds a diving certification and wishes to dive:
✔️ They may accompany the student on the open water dives, paying for their dives
❌ In the pool (confined water), they may observe but cannot dive, as this part is reserved exclusively for student training
❓ What is included in the course?
The course includes:
Full access to PADI eLearning
Knowledge reviews and final exam
Confined water session in the pool
4 open water dives
Full scuba diving equipment during the course
PADI Open Water Diver certification
Daily hotel transfers (within the Dauin area)
Water, coffee or tea, juice, pastries, and fruit between dives
❓ What do I need to bring for the course?
You only need:
Swimsuit
Towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
A desire to learn and enjoy a new underwater adventure 🌊