Dive Certification Guide

What is an Open Water Certification?

The "Open Water Diver" course is your entry ticket to the underwater world. Upon completion, you will be licensed to dive anywhere in the world down to 18 meters (60 feet) with a buddy.

Theory

Learn the physics of diving, equipment usage, and safety rules. Usually done via e-learning before your trip.

Pool Skills

Practice emergency procedures, clearing your mask, and buoyancy in a safe, shallow pool environment.

Open Water

Complete 4 training dives in the ocean or a lake to demonstrate your skills in a real-world setting.

PADI vs SSI vs NAUI?

When you start researching, you'll see acronyms like PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), SSI (Scuba Schools International), and NAUI. The honest truth? For a beginner, the agency does not matter.

All major agencies conform to the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC) standards. An Open Water license from SSI is universally accepted exactly like one from PADI.

Choosing your instructor is more important than choosing your agency.Look for dive centers with small class sizes, well-maintained rental equipment, and patient instructors.

Ready to take the plunge?

Use our Dive Center Directory to find highly-rated schools near you, or in the tropical destination of your next vacation. Filter by courses offered and languages spoken.