The PADI Open Water Diver course is the first full scuba certification. It is a PADI licensed course, and the international card it leads to is recognised by dive centres all over the world. You train with NexGen Divers in Hurghada, on the Red Sea.
Who it suits
Beginners who want to dive on their own with a buddy, without a professional at their side. Children can start at 10 and earn the Junior Open Water Diver card: ages 10-11 may dive to 12 metres with a PADI professional or a certified parent or guardian, and ages 12-14 may dive to 18 metres with a certified adult.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age: 10 years
- Able to swim
- Medically fit for diving
How the course works
The course is done in two stages, theory and practical:
- Theory: e-learning lectures and exams online. Time commitment: 5-10 hours.
- Practical: 5 confined water dives and 4 open water dives during 2 days of practical training at our dive centre.
Before certification you swim 200 metres non-stop (or 300 metres with mask, fins and snorkel) and float or tread water for 10 minutes. It is not timed and you can use any stroke.
What you receive
An international PADI Open Water Diver certification that lets you dive all over the world to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
Before you book, download and review the Diver Medical form to check whether you need a physician's approval to dive. This avoids disappointment on the day.
Not sure you are ready for the full course? Try the Discover Scuba Diving boat dive first. Already certified? The next step is the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course.
