The Padi Open Water Diving License

ation is something we’ve been wanting for years. While we’ve enjoyed snorkeling, especially in tropical locations like the Maldives and French Polynesia – diving offers a completely different experience. The marine life is much more visible and you feel as if you are part of it.

We finally completed the PADI Open Water Certification in fall 2022.

What is the PADI OPENWATER DIVER Certification:

Open Water Diver is PADI’s first scuba certification for beginners. It allows you to dive up to 18m deep without an instructor and to rent diving gear worldwide.

What documents must I present to obtain a diving license?

You will need a diving medical certificate to prove your diving fitness.
This is done to prevent diving complications and to rule out pre-existing conditions.

What are the parts of the PADI OPEN WATER DIVE COURSE?

Theoretically,
Two pool diving sessions
Four open water diving sessions

THE THEORY

Scuba diving is a combination of theory and practical experience. The theory portion of the certification can be completed anywhere and at your own pace. Both the material and quiz are available online. The theory can even be completed using the PADI app. Each of the eight segments can be completed within an hour. After that, you must complete an online survey, completing at least 80% correctly. This is not an issue if you read the material thoroughly. There are practice questions after each segment to help you reinforce your knowledge. These questions are similar to those on the test and will help you pass.

THE POOL SESSIONS

The first two lessons are usually held in a pool to familiarize yourself with the equipment, and do some of the first exercises. Two dives can easily be completed in two days. On a weekend and in parallel with the theory.

Many safety exercises are taught, especially during the second dive in the pool. In an emergency, you can learn how to share your air supply with a dive partner. Special situations, like losing the regulator, or having water enter the mask are also practiced to help you solve them in real life.

OPEN WATER SESSIONS

The most thrilling dives are those in open water. These dives are usually done in lakes or gravel pits, if you’re not in tropical regions. It is possible to complete the open-water dives on a trip, at “more exciting locations”. We had already booked a Maldives trip, but decided to complete all the sessions in Germany. This was for two reasons. First, because we were very satisfied with the diving school we chose and wanted “everything to be done in one place”. Second, so that we could focus on our Maldives diving experience.

Even in the winter, it is possible to dive in open water in the colder regions. Dry suits will keep you dry and warm for a long time.

The four open-water dives required for your scuba certificate can be completed within two days. You can finish your certification in four days, or over two weekends.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RIGHT SCUBA DIVING SCHOOL FOR ME?

You can search for a PADI diving school in your area on the -official PADI website! On the PADI Facebook page, you can find a wealth of information!

In the Dresden-Meissen region of Germany, I highly recommend the diving school. The support and diving locations were excellent. We felt well looked after and professionally, but we also had fun.

It is possible to deepen and expand the diving certification after obtaining your first PADI Open Water Diver Certificate. You can dive with Nitrox for longer dives, or get the ADVANCED DIVE certification to go deeper.

It was a fantastic first dive! We decided on the spot to take a course for diving with mantas (Manta Specialty Course). The experience of diving with these creatures is unmatched!