Scuba Diving Courses

Open Water Diver Course

To become an Open Water Diver, students must complete the five modules of the course. These modules develop fundamental scuba skills and knowledge while preparing students for further adventure. Each module consists of a knowledge development class, a quiz and a skill session.

The Open Water Diver Course builds upon the concept of performance-based learning. This means student divers progress through the course by demonstrating that they meet measurable learning objectives. The course's instructional design sequences these objectives from simple to complex, so students build upon previous learning as they progress.

The Knowledge Development portion establishes a foundation of principles, procedures and general information divers need. Students answer exercise questions within the reading, and complete a Knowledge Review for each section that is then checked for completeness and understanding. Students demonstrate mastery by completing the appropriate quiz, and, following the fifth module, a comprehensive final exam.

Confined water training establishes the basic skills that all divers need in a relatively low stress environment. It also reinforces and supplements Knowledge Development training by having student divers practice and apply what they learn in theory. There are five confined water dives that correspond to the five Knowledge Development sections.

Students are also required to make four Open Water Dives in an unconfined environment after completion of knowledge development and confined water skills.

This completes the integration of the principles learned in Knowledge Development and the skills learned in the Confined Water dives by having student divers apply both in an open water dive environment.

Receiving an Open Water Diver certification card upon completion of the course and the open water dives recognizes their accomplishments.

Minimum Age for Junior Open Water Diver Course: 10 years old
Minimum Age for Open Water Diver Course: 15 years old