Open Water

Now is the time to dive into the PADI Open Water Diver course, the most popular dive program in the world! This is your ticket to a lifetime of intense adventure with PADI, the dive company that sets the standards in the global diving community.

Why PADI Open Water?

As a certified PADI Open Water Diver, the most widely recognized and respected rating in the world, you have the freedom to dive with a buddy independent of a professional. If you already tried a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience or are PADI Scuba Diver certified, check with your instructor to see how credit from these courses may apply to the open water program.

What do I need to start?

Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification. You must be older than the age of 14 to begin the PADI Open Water Diver program. For those of you who are not above the age of 14 and would like to participate in the PADI Open Water Diver Program, then the PADI Jr Open Water Diver program is available to you. If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Open Water Diver program available.

A PADI Jr Open Water Diver between the ages of 10 and 11 years may only dive with a PADI Professional, a certified parent or certified guardian to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet.

What will I do?

Throughout the course, you’ll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques. You earn this rating by completing five pool dives and knowledge development sessions and by making four open water (ocean or lake) dives.

How long will it take?

PADI programs are performance based. You proceed as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable for you.

What will I need?

• PADI Open Water Crew-Pak
• PADI Open Water Video or DVD
• Log Book

Start diving today with one of our Open Water training options

Bubbles Below will provide a PADI referral to take with you to your destination. We can also help coordinate your travel plans and make arrangements for your open water dives.

If you would rather travel with your own instructor we can do that too! Packages include local training, destination open water and advanced certification or beyond.

Welcome to the PADI Open Water Course! We know that you will have a great time with lots of fun, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge and love of the underwater world with you.

The standard Open Water course is completed in 3 weeks, typically meeting on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Class begins at 6:30 PM promptly in the Bubbles Below classroom. We use a local pool for all our confined water pool sessions, and all evenings will include pool time. You are welcome to bring something to eat during the classroom sessions if you are just getting off work. We do also offer Private Lessons for those who need it done NOW or their schedule does not work with the above format.

The class will make 4 dives in Puget Sound to complete your Open Water Certification. You will really enjoy all the new experiences and sights of Puget Sound underwater! The store staff will identify which two weekend days will be scheduled for the open water dives.

You can begin your SCUBA instruction right now by reading the first two chapters of the textbook/CD-ROM before you come to class. Please be prepared to for a quiz at each class session to evaluate your understanding of the information. You will also need a PADI video to watch at home to help complete your training. The video is included on disk if you purchase the CD-ROM version of the textbook. Your instructor will be happy to work with you to answer any questions or help with any difficulties you may encounter.

Bubbles Below will provide a SCUBA tank, regulator, buoyancy compensator (BC), dive computer, weight system, and a warm wet suit for Puget Sound. We also offer a Dry Suit Option. You will need to provide a high quality mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and gloves, which are suitable for diving in Puget Sound waters, and your PADI textbook and video or CD-ROM. A thin wet suit is recommended for use in the pool to help keep you warm. Our store staff and instructors can provide help with your equipment selections, and exchanges are easy at Bubbles Below if you find your equipment doest not fit correctly in the pool.

The first night you will be diving in the pool with SCUBA gear! Bring your bathing suit, towel, mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and gloves. You will have wet gear to take home, so bring a large plastic tub or lots of towels to catch the water from your gear so it does not damage your car. Please have all your personal dive gear BEFORE the first night of class. You will be transporting yourself and your SCUBA gear to the pool and back to the store after the pool session. Please inform your instructor if this will not be possible so arrangements can be made.

When you have met the requirements of the course and completed the open water dives, you will be awarded the PADI Open Water Diver Certification, which allows you to purchase and use SCUBA equipment and dive throughout the world. We would encourage you to continue your diving education by signing up for the next course in the PADI learning progression - the Adventure Diver class! This will provide you with 3 more supervised open water dives in Puget Sound, and is a natural continuation of your Open Water course. This is where the fun really is! You will learn many more things that you need to know to become a more skilled and competent SCUBA diver.

Bubbles Below also offers a full range of continuing education classes, weekend fun dives, specialty certifications, equipment training seminars, travel information, and local and international trips. We want you to keep diving and enjoying the underwater world we love so much.

Please sign up early so you will have time to read the first two chapters, complete the Knowledge Reviews, and watch the video prior to coming to class. You will have a great time learning to SCUBA dive with Bubbles Below! We look forward to having you join us.