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PADI Open Water

Academics, Pool & Ocean

5 days

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PADI Open Water Certification

The Open Water Certification starts ones journey into the underwater world and is the beginning level certification. This class consists of online academics, equipment assembly, pool skills, and four open water dives to become certified as a PADI Open Water Diver. By the end of this course you will be certified to dive to 60 ft (40 ft for Junior Padi Open Water divers)

  • We offer a few different course formats and date structures depending on your scheduling needs.

Independent Study - PADI eLearning®

Prepare for your Open Water Referral Course with PADI eLearning™. Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology whenever, wherever it's convenient for you.Use your computer or mobile device to learn diving safety fundamentals before you get in the water. Connect with your instructor whenever you have a question.

  • eLearning time commitment: 10 - 12 hours

Classroom - With Your Instructor

A PADI Professional will fit you with scuba gear and explain how to assemble, disassemble and all you need to know on how to safely use it. 

  • Classroom time commitment: 4 hours

At The Pool - With Your Instructor

In a pool or calm water environment. You’ll practice basic diving skills followed by free time to play underwater. Pacific Ocean Sports provides all equipment needed for the course

  • Pool time commitment: 2 days

Open Water Diver

This is the best part – it’s what you’ve been waiting for! The open water section of the course includes four dives in open (unrestricted) water with your instructor. This could be an ocean or even a lake or quarry.

By the end of the Open Water Diver course, you’ll have the knowledge and skills required to dive locally or abroad. Wherever you decide to begin your underwater journey, you’ll be prepared.

  • Open Water time commitment: 2 day
  • Max Depth: Dives 1/2: Up to 40 feet. Dives 3/4: Up to 60 feet 

Course Requirements

  • Online Coursework: Completed prior to the start of your course.
  • Pool Training: 24 Skills
  • Swim Test: 200 Yard Swim and a 10 Min Tread/Float
  • Four (4) Open Water Dives
  • Age Requirements: Min age: 10 years old
  • Prerequisites: Completed Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire

Equipment

  • All equipment is provided for the course
  • No additional purchase necessary

Schedule - Weekend Course

  • Friday at Pacific Ocean Sports (5:45pm - 9:30pm)
  • Saturday Pool in Walnut Creek (10:00am - 4:30pm)
  • Sunday Pool in Walnut Creek (6:45am - 11:30am)

     Following Weekend

  • Saturday in Monterey or Tahoe (7:00am -2:00pm)
  • Sunday in Monterey or Tahoe (7:00am - 12:00pm)

Price Option #1 - Standard Class Format

  • 14 + years old - $800
  • 10 - 13 years old - $1100 (Increased cost due to additional Instructor required)

Price Option #2 - Semi-Custom Format If the scheduled classroom and pool dates do not work with your schedule, you can sign up for a semi-custom course that allows you to schedule the classroom and pool dates at your convenience. You would still have to sign up for a scheduled ocean weekend to complete the ocean dives. 

  • 14 + years old - $975
  • 10 - 13 years old - $1275 (Increased cost due to additional Instructor required)

Price Option #3 - Custom Format If our schedule does not work with your schedule, you can sign up for a custom Monterey, Aquatic Park or Lake Berryessa course that allows you to schedule all sessions at the mutually agree upon times with your instructor.

  • 10 + years old - $1350

2026 Open Water Schedule

  • January 9, 10, 11, January 17 & 18 * February 6, 7, 8, February 14 & 15 * March 6, 7, 8, March 14 & 15 * April 17, 18, 19, April 25 & 26 * May 1, 2, 3,  May 9 & 10 * June 5, 6, 7, June 13 & 14 (Lake Tahoe) * July 10, 11, 12, July 18 & 19 (Lake Tahoe) * August 7, 8, 9 August 15 & 16 (Lake Tahoe) * September 4, 5, 6, September 12 & 13 * October 2, 3, 4, October 10 & 11 * November 6, 7, 8, November 7 & 8 * December 4, 5, 6, December 12 & 13