Open Water Scuba Diver Course

What Skills Will You Learn?

During the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course, you will gain knowledge and experience in:

• Understanding the Aquatic Environment: Learn how vision, light, sound, and heat loss differ underwater and how tides, currents, waves, and surge affect diving.
• Physics and Physiology: Grasp the principles of buoyancy, pressure, air spaces, and the implications of breathing compressed air.
• Equipment Mastery: From selection and assembly to maintenance, learn how to handle dive gear responsibly.
• Dive Planning and Safety: Develop the skills necessary for basic scuba skills, underwater navigation, buddy systems, emergency procedures, and basic rescue techniques.
• Upon completion, you’ll be equipped to conduct open-water dives, continue your education, and join the ranks of certified recreational divers worldwide.

Course Prerequisites:

• Minimum age 18; 10 through 17 with written parental consent.
• Students between the ages of 10 through 14 may obtain a SDI Junior Open Water Scuba Diver Certification if the following conditions are met: junior students are to train and dive under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or active dive professional.
• When a SDI Junior Open Water Diver reaches the age of 15, they may upgrade to a SDI Open Water Scuba Diver certification by completing the Junior Open Water Upgrade Form and submitting it to World HQ

Click here for the full Open Water Scuba Diver Standards and Procedures