Open Water Diver Course
Learning to dive could not be easier with the PADI Open Water Diver course and your choice between private or small group classes. This is the foundation diving course that has been developed over decades, and allows practically anybody to become a safe, knowledgeable and confident diver. The course allows a seamless transition from complete novice to qualified diver. With the help, guidance and knowledge of your SCUBA Heroes' Instructor, you’ll finish your course in two to three days knowing you’ve been trained by one of the best in the business. You can start today with your online learning taking just 12-15 hours and the water skills taking just 2-3 days.
7 Days a Week
Hours: 9AM - 9PM EST
The PADI Open Water Course is split into three steps; 1 Gaining the Knowledge, 2 Gaining the skills in the water, and finally 3 Gaining the experience in the water. Some people take a little longer than three days to complete their water skills, and that's okay. SCUBA Heroes will not charge any additional fees, beyond your instructor's cost, if you need more time.
Step 1: Gaining the Knowledge.
The course includes a comprehensive and very informative online training program that introduces you to all of the important concepts of diving, along with the equipment you’ll be using, a description of the skills, dive planning and much, much more. You will work your way through completing the small quizzes and knowledge reviews and then complete a final exam. The online learning includes audio, video and full interaction on phones, tablets and desktops. As soon as you book, your online learning will be available to you the same day. This portion takes between 12-15 hours and must be complete prior to step 2.
Step 2: Gaining the skills in the water
Diving is made easy by having the skills and knowing when to use them. We’re going to show you all of the key skills by first giving you a description, followed by a demonstration of each skill, and finally you’ll have chance to perform the skill until mastery is achieved. The skills development session is more than the sum of its parts as you’ll start to develop a routine of safe and efficient equipment assembly, safety checks, dive planning and adherence to the ‘Buddy System’. This training is carried out in a swimming pool or calm, shallow waters where the focus is on learning the skill in a safe and benign environment. This portion takes just 1-2 days and can be be done on the same days as step 3.
Step 3: Gaining the experience in the water
Putting the previously acquired skills and knowledge into practice you’ll then conduct four dives in waters deeper than fifteen feet but not exceeding forty feet. Each dive allows you time to explore and further demonstrate proficiency of your diving skills. The focus now becomes the ability to think about your dive plan, work as a ‘Buddy Team’, show good control of your buoyancy and that you can demonstrate your competence underwater. With each dive, your confidence grows and by the fourth and final dive you would have earned your PADI Open Water Diver certificate! This portion takes just 2 days and can be done on the same days as step 2.
Prerequisites: You will need to be at least 14 years of age and make sure you’re happy with our terms & conditions. Now you are ready to call 1-813-586-4942 or send an e-mail. Be sure to fill out and bring this medical questionnaire with you to class. If you answered YES to any medical question, ensure that a doctor has completed the remainder of the form prior to diving with us. If you do not have a doctor's release and you answered YES to any questions, we will be unable to take you diving when you show up.
Why PADI: PADI Divers carry the most respected and sought after scuba diving credentials in the world. No matter where you choose to dive, your PADI certification card will be recognized and accepted. In fact, on most scuba diving adventures, you’ll be surrounded by other PADI Divers who made the same certification choice you did – to train with the world’s largest and most respected scuba diving training organization.
Read: "The PADI Difference" for an in depth look as to why SCUBA Heroes has teamed up with PADI
