PADI Open Water Diver Course
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the first step into the world of recreational scuba diving. This training program developed by Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is the most widely recognized scuba diving course in the world and provides an internationally recognized certification.
With Underwater Academy Europe, you will learn how to dive safely while mastering the essential scuba diving skills and procedures needed to explore the underwater world with confidence.
The course is designed for anyone who wants to learn scuba diving from the beginning, guided by experienced instructors in a professional and supportive environment.
Course Overview
The PADI Open Water Diver is the entry-level certification that allows you to become an independent recreational diver.
After completing the course you will be able to:
- dive up to 18 meters / 60 feet
- plan dives with a certified dive buddy
- participate in diving activities around the world
The training program organized by Underwater Academy includes:
- scuba diving theory
- confined water training sessions
- open water training dives
The goal is to develop safe, confident, and responsible divers.
Course Requirements
To participate in the course organized by Underwater Academy, students must meet the following requirements.
Minimum Age
10 years old (Junior certification available)
Required Certification
No previous scuba diving certification required.
Swimming Ability
Basic swimming skills and comfort in the water are required.
Medical Condition
Students must complete a medical questionnaire. In some cases, a physician’s approval may be required.
What the Course Includes
The PADI Open Water Diver course with Underwater Academy typically includes:
- PADI digital learning materials
- theoretical training sessions
- confined water practice
- open water training dives
- instructor supervision and guidance
- internationally recognized PADI certification
Depending on the course package, it may also include:
- scuba diving equipment during training
- entry-level diving insurance
Skills You Will Learn
During the course with Underwater Academy, students develop essential diving skills including:
- scuba diving equipment setup and use
- underwater breathing techniques
- buoyancy control
- underwater communication
- dive planning
- safety procedures
- buddy system
These skills form the foundation for all future diving experiences.
Course Locations
Courses organized by Underwater Academy Europe are conducted in carefully selected environments to ensure safe and ideal learning conditions.
Main training locations include:
📍 Malta
📍 Italy – Mediterranean Sea
📍 Confined water sessions in swimming pools when required
Open water dives are conducted in locations chosen for visibility, safety, and quality of the marine environment.
Why Choose Underwater Academy
Choosing Underwater Academy means learning scuba diving with experienced instructors and a training philosophy based on internationally recognized PADI standards.
Our courses stand out for:
- high safety standards
- progressive and personalized training
- real diving experience
- strong respect for the marine environment
Our goal is to guide each student through their diving journey with professionalism and passion.
Book Your Course
Would you like to start your scuba diving journey with Underwater Academy?
👉 Book your course
👉 Request more information
👉 Contact our instructors
Our team will help you choose the best course date and training location.
FAQs
The course can usually be completed in 3 to 4 days, including theory, confined water training, and open water dives.
For most beginner courses, the equipment required during training is included. Some students prefer to own personal equipment such as mask or wetsuit for greater comfort.
Yes. The certification issued by Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is recognized worldwide.
Yes. After receiving your certification, you can dive up to 18 meters / 60 feet with a certified dive buddy.
Continue Your Diving Journey
Related Courses
After completing the PADI Open Water Diver course with Underwater Academy, you can continue your diving journey with additional training programs designed to improve your skills and expand your underwater experience.
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
The Advanced Open Water Diver course helps you develop new diving skills and experience different types of dives.
With this course you can:
- dive up to 30 meters
- improve underwater navigation
- explore specialty dives
PADI Enriched Air Nitrox
One of the most popular specialty courses among divers.
This course teaches you how to use Nitrox, a breathing gas mixture that allows longer dives and shorter surface intervals.
PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy
This course focuses on improving buoyancy control underwater.
Benefits include:
- reduced air consumption
- better underwater movement
- improved protection of marine environments
PADI Freediver Course
Interested in breath-hold diving?
The Freediver course allows you to learn breathing techniques, relaxation methods, and freediving skills with the guidance of Underwater Academy instructors.
