PADI Open Water Course
Learn to Scuba Dive with Sussex Diving & Leisure
Have you ever imagined gliding weightlessly over a coral reef, watching schools of fish swirl around you, or coming face to face with a sea turtle? Thats where it starts for most people — daydreaming about the wonders of the ocean — until you sign up for the PADI Open Water Diver Course, the world’s most popular beginner scuba diving certification.
If you’re curious about learning to scuba dive, here’s what the course is like.
What Is the PADI Open Water Course?
The PADI Open Water Diver Course is your first official scuba diving certification. Once you’re certified, you can dive anywhere in the world up to 18 meters (60 feet) — without needing an instructor by your side. The best part? It’s a lifetime certification, and it’s recognized worldwide.
No prior diving experience is needed. If you can swim and feel comfortable in the water, you’re ready to begin.
Step 1: Knowledge Development.
Before you jump in, you’ll need to learn the basics of scuba. PADI eLearning makes this easy by allowing you to study online in my own time & at your own pace.
Topics covered included: How scuba equipment works Underwater communication Buoyancy control Safety and problem-solving
It may sound technical, but PADI makes it super beginner-friendly. Honestly, I was surprised by how much of it made sense once I was actually underwater.
Step 2: Confined Water Training (Swimming Pool Sessions)
This was where things get real. In a swimming pool, your instructor will guid you through essential skills like: Clearing a flooded mask Breathing calmly through a regulator Practicing emergency procedures Hovering in neutral buoyancy (like floating in space!)
At first, it may feel a little awkward, but after a few tries, your nerves will give way to excitement. Suddenly, breathing underwater will begin to feel natural & exhilarating.
Step 3: Open Water Dives (The Big Adventure)
After the pool sessions, it was time for the real thing: four open water dives.
Sliding beneath the surface for the first time, you will feel a mixture of nerves and pure wonder. Each dive will build confidence, and by the fourth one you should be relaxed and ready to go exploring.
How Long Does It Take?
The whole course took normally takes around 4 days:
Home study: eLearninng (around 8hrs in total). Day 1: Swim tests & pool training (2.5hrs)
Day 2: pool training (2.5hrs)
Day 3: 3 dives in an inland lake (9am - 4pm)
Day 4: Qualifing dive & Quick quizz
But it’s flexible. Some people take it slower, especially during the winter months or if they want more practice time.
Why PADI?
PADI is the largest scuba diving training organization in the world. With over 6,600 dive centers globally, your certification is valid everywhere — from the Maldives to Mexico. Plus, the course is designed with safety first, so you always feel supported.
What’s Next After Open Water?
Once certified, the ocean is wide open. Many divers continue with:
Advanced Open Water Diver (to go deeper and explore wrecks)
PADI Nitrox (Enriched Air Diver) (to extend bottom time)
Underwater Photography (to capture memories)
Or you can simply enjoy recreational diving on vacations — which is what I plan to do next!
Final Thoughts from the author.
Taking the PADI Open Water Course was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It didn’t just teach me how to scuba dive — it gave me a whole new way to experience the world.