Use our handy web questionnaire to find out which course is most suitable for your skills and experience.
PADI Open Water Diver qualification
The PADI Open Water Diver qualification is recognised world-wide, and as a qualified Open Water Diver you are entitled to dive with a qualified buddy anywhere in the world, and explore places that non-divers can only dream of. Here at the Oxford Dive Centre we believe in not only teaching you to meet the requirements that PADI lay out, but also in making you a great diver with the skills needed to safely enjoy our fantastic sport anywhere in the world.
Pre-requisites
- 10 years of age
- Be certified medically fit to dive by completing the PADI Medical questionnaire, including sign-off from your GP if required.
- Able to swim 200 metres
- Able to float or tread water for 10 minutes
- Have completed the Home study as detailed in the PADI learning materials
What can I expect?
If you choose to complete the PADI Open Water Diver course with the Oxford Dive Centre, you will required to:
- Complete E-Learning in the comfort of your own home
- Complete three Pool Sessions - Check Schedule for dates. In these sessions you will be applying the knowledge gained through home study, and learning the theory and skills needed to become an Open Water Diver.
- This will be followed by four open water dives at Vobster Quay On these dives you will apply the skills learnt in the swimming pool, as well as experiencing an exciting dive site and completing your first ‘real’ dives!
It is our aim that on completion of the course you will feel confident diving with any PADI Dive Centre anywhere in the world, with a buddy of the same or higher qualification.
As an alternative, you may wish to take the PADI Open Water Referral course. This involves completing one evening and one weekend with the Oxford Dive Centre (as detailed above). You can then complete your four Open Water dives with any other PADI Dive Centre in order to gain your certification. This is a popular option if you wish to learn to dive whilst on holiday, but would rather not spend your valuable holiday time in a classroom!
If your time is limited and you may not be able to commit to the schedule outlined above, call us to discuss your options to combine our practical sessions with PADI’s e-Learning programme.
*Drysuit is an optional extra. See below for prices.
How much will it cost and what do I need to bring?
Students need to bring their swimming gear for both the Referral and Open Water parts of the course. In addition you will need to purchase your own mask and snorkel.
- PADI Open Water: £615 - Book here
- PADI Open Water Referral: £400 - Book here
- PADI Open Water Diver in Drysuit: £675 - Book here
- PADI Open Water Dive with Drysuit or PPB Speciality Course: £750 - Book here
Additional costs not covered by the course fees:
- Entrance to the Open Water dive site: £23 per day
- Purchase of Mask and Snorkel: typically between £50-£125
What can I do after this course?
- PADI Advanced Open Water
- Escorted Dives
- PADI Drysuit Speciality, PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Speciality and many others. See our speciality page for more details on courses available.
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