Entry Level · 18m
The world's most popular scuba course and your licence to dive anywhere on Earth. Get certified in as little as three days.
Get more infoThe PADI Open Water Diver Course is the world's most widely recognised entry-level scuba certification. It takes you from never having breathed underwater to a qualified diver who can plan and enjoy dives with a buddy, without a professional leading you.
Training is built around your own progress. You master each skill in calm, shallow water before repeating it in open water, so you gain confidence at a comfortable pace and finish with skills you can rely on.
| Theory (knowledge development) | Knowledge development is usually completed through PADI eLearning at your own pace, followed by a short review with your instructor and a final knowledge assessment. |
| Pool / confined water | You complete five confined water sessions in a pool or pool-like conditions, learning and practising each skill with your instructor before moving on. |
| Open water | You finish with four open water training dives, where you demonstrate the skills you learned in the pool. You also complete a 10-minute float and a 200 m swim (or 300 m with mask, fins and snorkel). |
No previous diving experience is needed. You must be comfortable in the water, complete the swim and float test, and complete a diver medical questionnaire. A doctor's sign-off is needed if any listed condition applies.
Minimum age: 10 years old. Divers aged 10 to 14 earn the Junior Open Water Diver certification, which converts to the standard certification at 15.
Training dives: Four open water training dives, plus five confined water dives, per PADI standards.
At Scubaversity: You must be 10 years or older and comfortable in water. A basic swim and float ability is required. No prior diving experience needed.
Typically three to four days for the pool and open water portions once the eLearning is finished. PADI training is performance-based, so the exact time depends on how quickly you master the skills.
Anyone who is curious about the underwater world and wants a full, internationally recognised certification. It suits beginners of all ages from 10, including parents and children who want to learn together.
Choose the pace that suits you — 3-Day Self-Study theory online, our 7-Day Guided Course, or fully Private One-on-One training. All routes include your ONLINE PADI Open Water course material, equipment fitting, unlimited pool sessions, and certification.
Three stages, at your own pace, with a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer alongside you the whole way.
Learn the theory at your own pace and when it's convenient for you — complete it online or at the dive shop.
Develop and practise your scuba skills in our pool under direct instructor supervision, building the confidence you need for open water.
Experience everything you've learned with the freedom of open water. Once your instructor approves your dives, you're a certified PADI Open Water Diver.
Unlimited classroom time and pool sessions, max 4:1 instructor-to-student ratio, training to the highest safety standards — with one-on-one instructing available for anyone who needs extra time with a skill.
The PADI Open Water Diver course is made up of three parts:
Is it for me? The minimum age is 10 (younger divers earn a Junior certification), you should be comfortable in water and in reasonable health, and no previous experience is needed. Once certified, you can dive with a buddy anywhere in the world to 18m — and step up to Advanced whenever you're ready.
You can get certified in as little as three days on our 3-Day Self-Study route, take the fuller 7-Day Guided Course, or go fully Private one-on-one. All routes cover the same three parts — knowledge development, confined-water (pool) sessions, and open-water dives — and lead to the same internationally recognised PADI certification.
No prior diving experience is needed. You must be 10 years or older (younger divers can earn a Junior certification) and comfortable in water, with a basic swim and float ability. We'll cover everything else during training.
Knowledge development and confined-water pool sessions happen at our facility in Gauteng. Your open-water certification dives are done locally at Bass Lake or Miracle Waters — coastal trips to spots like Sodwana Bay or Aliwal Shoal are separate, optional trips you can book once you're certified.
The price shown includes your PADI learning materials and certification where applicable. Scuba equipment for training is provided — just bring your swimwear and a towel. Club members save on most courses, including this one.
Use the "Check dates & book" button on this page or head to our enquiry form to see upcoming dates for the 3-Day Self-Study, 7-Day Guided, and Private intakes. If you're not sure which route is right for you, contact us and we'll help you choose.
You need to be reasonably comfortable in the water. The course includes a continuous swim of 200 m (or 300 m using mask, fins and snorkel) with no time limit and any stroke, plus a 10-minute float or tread.
As a new Open Water Diver you are trained to dive to a maximum of 18 m (60 ft). Divers aged 10 to 11 are limited to 12 m (40 ft) and must dive with a PADI Professional or a certified parent or guardian.