PADI Open Water Course

Learn to dive with Adelaide Scuba's professional dive instructors. This course takes approximately 4 days, with eLearning to be completed at your own pace (approximately 8 hours) then three days with a highly-trained PADI Instructor. Using our onsite private heated pool you learn how to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment, then we hone those skills in the ocean, including dives from our dive boats.

By the end of the course, you'll have the skills and knowledge to dive at home or abroad and be an ambassador for the underwater world!

Prerequisites: Able to swim 200m, float for 10 minutes, and medically fit for diving

Total time commitment: 4 days (8 hours eLearning, 3 days with an instructor)

Minimum age: 15 years (12–14 years please see Junior Open Water Diver)

Depth: expect shallow dives (12m), the maximum allowed depth is 18m

If you choose a course staring on a Wednesday, the course will run: Wednesday–Thursday–Friday.

If you choose a course staring on a Friday, the course will run: Friday–Saturday–Sunday.

If you choose a course staring on a Saturday, the course will run: Saturday–Sunday–Saturday.

Standard course schedule:

Pool Day: 9am start, approx 3pm Finish

Shore Day: 9am start, approx 3pm Finish

Boat Day: 8/9am start, approx 3pm Finish

Open Water Referrals

Want to get a head start on your upcoming scuba holiday? Book an PADI Open Water Diver referral, and complete your theory and pool session dives here in Adelaide, and complete your ocean dives on holiday! This handy alternative route allows you to eliminate study time from your vacation while maximizing dive time. Here's how it works:

1. Book the PADI Open Water Diver referral course at Adelaide Scuba.
2. Once you’re signed up, use the PADI website to access your PADI Open Water Diver course eLearning (Part 1).
3. Work through the knowledge development, reading the information and completing the knowledge reviews and tests along the way. If you have any questions or issues, contact us for help.
4. Once you complete the PADI Open Water Diver course eLearning, you can move on to the confined water skills (Part 2).
5. Come in to Adelaide Scuba on the chosen date to complete your in-water skills.
6. Once Part 1 and Part 2 are complete, your instructor will provide you with your PADI Open Water Diver course referral form. Now you can take this form to any PADI Dive Center around the world within 12 months from the last training segment to complete the remaining part of your scuba course — the open water dives. This final portion of the course typically takes a day and a half to complete. 
7. Once certified, you can use the rest of your holidays time exploring and gaining additional dive experience.