As a certified PADI Open Water Diver, the most widely recognized and respected rating in the world, you have the freedom to dive with a buddy independent of a professional. If you already tried a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience or are PADI Scuba Diver certified, check with your instructor to see how credit from these courses may apply to the open water program.
Virtually anyone 10 years of age or older 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
- A PADI Jr. Open Water Diver between the ages of 10 and 12 years may only dive with a PADI Professional, a certified parent or certified guardian to a maximum depth of 12 meters/40 feet
Throughout the course, you’ll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques. You will complete five knowledge development sessions and five pool dives, followed by making four open water (ocean or lake) dives.
PADI programs are 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. Typically classroom and pool work are completed in one weekend, followed by 4 open water dives over another weekend. See our
schedule. You can also take a referral (classroom and pool completion paperwork) and complete your 4 open water dives on your vacation. You have a year to complete these before you classroom and pool work expires.
Continue your scuba adventure with PADI’s Adventures in diving program, your next step in exploring the underwater world. Stop by Flatirons Scuba and Travel or call us at 303-469-4477 for more information on the PADI Adventures In Diving program.
Sign up for PADI eLearning now!
*Important Note: Any student under the age of 15 doing PADI eLearning will be required to participate for the full duration of the classroom session
