What's it all about?

The PADI Open Water course is the first diving qualification you receive from PADI that lets you dive with a buddy independently. Provided that your buddy is suitably qualified to scuba dive while applying the knowledge and skills you have learnt on your Open Water course. Remember you must dive within the limits of your training and experience. You can receive air fills, purchase Scuba Diving equipment and other services on production of your certification card. You can plan, conduct and log open water no stop non decompression dives when properly equipped and when accompanied by a buddy in conditions with which you have training and/or experience.

Open Water Course.

The open course consists of three sections.
(1) Knowledge Development. In this section you learn from a qualified Instructor about diving. This takes place in a classroom environment. There are five Knowledge development sections, with quizzes and a final multiple choice exam.
(2) Confined Water Training. In this section (which takes place directly after each knowledge section) you go to the swimming pool to learn all about scuba diving. Here you are taught the scuba skills you will need to become a qualified diver. You do five confined training sessions or more if you need to, remember this course is performance based not time based. You must also complete a 200 meter swiml, you also must complete a 10 minute water treat.
(3) Open Water Dives. Once all your confined water and knowledge development sections are completed satisfactory the last requirement is for you to complete Open Water dives 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the open sea. Once completed and you have mastered all skills you will be awarded your Open Water Certificate.

Who can do the course?

You must by 10 years of age or older on the start date of the course. You must be in reasonably good health and be able to swim. All participants must complete a medical statement prior to entering the water. Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification. If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Open Water Diver program available.

What do I need?

All you need is your swimming togs and a towel. We supply everything else.

How much does this cost?

The Open Water Course costs € 620 this includes all course materials including all scuba equipment you need to enable you to complete the Open Water program. The course price does not include the recommended training weekend away. We suggest that you take this weekend as you get to dive different dive sites, visit a really beautiful part of the West of Ireland, meet new divers and best of all you really get to know you fellow students. So, once qualified, you have ready made diving buddies that you know and you can then dive with.

How long will it take?

Our PADI Open Water course takes just 6 weeks and a weekend away to complete. However this course is performance based. You proceed as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Book your place on the next course!

To book a place on our next PADI Open Water Certificate Course just check out our 2006 schedule and call or e-mail us with your preferred course date. You may also use our on line booking form. Don't forget to mention the course date with your booking. A deposit of € 150 secures your place on the course. If dates are not convenient for you please ask and we may be able to arrange a special course for you. We also run private courses for groups of 4 or more.

E-mail Discover Scuba for more information