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  Dive Courses - PADI Open Water Diver traditional method  
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Course Info At A Glance
    
   
Cost
£325
For information on learning the theory online click here
 
   
Duration
 Minimum 4 days  
 

 
Price Includes
 All learning materials, full use of major equipment, all pool fees, all tuition, certification    
     
 
 
 
  
  
     
 

Scuba diving - fun, relaxing, and a privileged opportunity to visit the underwater world. Whether you fancy floating weightless over a tropical reef, or exploring the historical wrecks in the English Channel, the PADI Open Water Diver Course is the first step to experience this world.  PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the largest system of diver education in the world and is a fast, comprehensive way of learning, with PADI qualifications recognised all over the world.

Starting off with home study with the PADI Open Water Diver manual & DVD, you'll complete the study in your own time, before attending the informal classroom theory sessions.  These sessions include instructor-led computer presentations, quizzes & a final multiple-choice exam (pass mark 75%).

From there you progress to the warm waters of the swimming pool to learn lots of essential skills needed to scuba dive safely & comfortably.  You will also need to complete a 200 metre swim and 10 minute float whilst at the pool. We usually use the onsite 4 metre deep, heated pool.

To finish your journey, you complete four open water qualifying dives, held over two days, where you put all you learnt into practice.  You can complete these here in the UK with us or you have the option to complete dives abroad (see referral course info below).  After this you're qualified to dive anywhere in the world to a depth of 18 metres (12 metres for juniors).

 

Use of all equipment is included for the pool sections. You will need to purchase/provide your own mask & snorkel for the open water qualifying dives. As a student you will receive a discount on these and any purchases you make from us.

 

Course requirements

 

Anyone from the age of 12 with a good degree of fitness and no serious medical conditions can learn to scuba dive with us.  If you have any questions about medical issues click here.  You don't have to be a fantastic swimmer, though you do need to feel comfortable in water and be able to swim 200 metres in your own style, at your own pace.

  
     
 

Why learn with us? ......back to Top

  • Small groups of 6 maximum
  • Top quality equipment that is maintained properly and replaced for new every couple of years.
  • Comprehensive, fun &, above all, safe tuition.
  • We use pools that are 15-25 metres long so each student gets plenty of space.
  • Discount on equipment purchases.
  • Male & female instructors.
  
     
 

Course cost ......back to Top

 

  • To complete the entire course with us in the UK the price is £325.  Our price includes all tuition, pool costs, use of major equipment and learning materials.

Not provided - transport arrangements, use of mask & snorkel for open water dives, dive site entry fees.

 
     
 
Course Dates
Medical Q&A
Booking & Cancellation Terms
 
     
 

Course structure ......back to Top

  1. The first stage of the course consists of home study and completion of the 'Knowledge Reviews' from the PADI Open Water Diver manual & viewing the Open Water Diver DVD in your own time, prior to the start of your scheduled course dates.
  2. Next comes the informal classroom sessions, including instructor-led computer presentations and elaboration, where you will further develop your knowledge of the theory of safe and enjoyable diving.  All theory work takes place at the centre's purpose built classroom.  Upon completion of the theory work you will sit multi-choice quizzes and a multiple-choice exam (pass mark 75%).
  3. The next stage consists of swimming pool sessions, where you will become familiar with the scuba equipment and master many important skills you will need as a diver, in clear warm water.  You'll spend a total of 6 hours in the pool, spread into various sections, to ensure plenty of time to demonstrate and practice skills.  You'll also complete a 200 metre continuous swim and 10 minute deep water float. We usually use the onsite 4 metre deep, heated pool.
  4. Finally you will take your four open water qualifying dives spread over 2 days, where you will apply all that you have learnt and have fun in the process!  The dives take place at Horsea Island in Portsmouth, a navy-diver training facility specially converted for recreational divers, which is a safe, comfortable sea like environment, with no tidal movement and has a limited depth of six metres.  Facilities at Horsea Island include food & drink (weekends only) and changing facilities with hot showers & toilets.  More information about Horsea Island can be found by visiting their website www.horseadivecentre.com
  
     
  Once qualified with us, you will receive the PADI Open Water Diver (or junior equivalent) certification card which you can use to dive world-wide, up to a depth of 18 metres (12 metres for juniors).  
     
 

Schedules ......back to Top

 

Weekend intensive course - consisting of two full consecutive weekends in which theory and pool work is completed on the first weekend, and the qualifying dives are completed on the second weekend. These courses are run once a month from March to November.  Please note: due to the intensive nature of these courses we ask that you have completed a Discover Scuba taster session or resort dive prior to booking.

  
     
 

All courses are run dependant on numbers. We prefer smaller class numbers of 6 maximum, with a minimum of 2.  Courses are run as group sessions, but if you need extra time or tuition, additional sessions can be arranged at an additional charge of £25 per session. 

We cannot provide travel arrangements to the pool or Horsea Island. You will need to purchase/provide your own mask & snorkel for the open water qualifying dives - advice on this is given on the course. Dive site entry fees are payable direct to the dive site.

 
     
 

One-to-one courses ......back to Top

 

If you would prefer a private course, 1-to-1 weekday courses are available.  These can be scheduled on mutually convenient dates to suit you.  Prices are as follows:

1-to-1 course (one person) £650
1-to-1 course (two people) £345 per person
1-to-1 referral course (theory & pool) £295
1-to-1 referral course (two people) £225 per person

Prices are fully inclusive as above.

  
     
 

How to book ......back to Top

 

You can book by email here.

 

For directions to find us please contact us here

 

A learning agreement, medical statement & liability release will need to be completed at the time of collecting your learning materials. If you are booking by telephone or in person you can opt to pay a deposit of £125 at the time of collection, with the balance due on the first day of your course.

We can post your books to you if you wish, which will be charged at £12.00 per shipment.  The paperwork will need to be completed and returned to us first if you are receiving the materials by post.
Please note that last minute cancellations or failure to attend the course will result in loss of deposit & an extra rebooking charge.  Terms of cancellations are issued upon collection of course materials.

  
     
 

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