Open water scuba diving is an exhilarating underwater adventure that allows individuals to explore depths to 60 feet and observe diverse environments and marine life. SDI, a renowned scuba diving training agency, offers comprehensive courses designed to equip divers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to safely enjoy the activity.
The course consists of a self paced e-learning module, a weekend session in the pool, and a weekend session at one of our local quarries. The e-learning module must be completed before the pool session. Unlike the industry norm of requiring students to purchase a mask, snorkel, fins, and boots; Liberty Divers provides students all the necessary gear to complete the course. Students are highly encouraged to start shopping for their own gear before or after their pool session to get comfortable in their own gear and receive any needed assistance from an instructor.
Introduction:
This certification course is designed to give students the necessary skills to conduct open water dives in conditions similar to their training without the direct supervision of an instructor.
Qualifications
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may:
Conduct open water dives in conditions similar to their training to a maximum depth of 60 feet.
Conduct dives with other certified divers at the same or higher level of certification.
Conduct dives that do not require decompression.
Enroll in the Advanced Adventure Diver program, individual SDI Specialties, or the SDI Advanced Diver Development program.
Student Prerequisites:
Minimum age 18; 10 through 17 with written parental consent.
Students between the ages of 10 through 14 may obtain a SDI Junior Open Water Scuba Diver Certification if the following conditions are met: junior students are to train and dive under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or active dive professional.
When a SDI Junior Open Water Diver reaches the age of 15, they may upgrade to a SDI Open Water Scuba Diver certification by completing the Junior Open Water Upgrade Form and submitting it to World HQ.
In order to complete this course, students must:
Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution.
Satisfactorily complete the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Knowledge Quest or equivalent SDI electronic / online learning exam. Instructors may use additional exams that can be found on the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor Resource CD.
Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently.
SIGN UP
Select the dates for the pool and the dates for the open water dives. The pool session must be completed prior to attending the open water dives. Once signed up and payment has been received, we will issue the e-learning code. If you are looking for a private course, please contact us at sales@liberty-divers.com.
Knowledge Development: The training begins with theoretical learning, usually through online modules, manuals, or classroom sessions. Divers learn about dive theory, including the physics and physiology of diving, dive planning, equipment usage, and safety procedures. SDI emphasizes a thorough understanding of diving principles to ensure safe and responsible diving practices.
Confined Water Training: Once divers have a foundational understanding of dive theory, they progress to confined water training. This typically takes place in a controlled environment such as a swimming pool. Under the guidance of certified instructors, divers practice essential scuba skills, including equipment assembly, buoyancy control, regulator recovery, mask clearing, and emergency procedures. Confined water sessions focus on building comfort and proficiency in fundamental diving techniques.
Open Water Dives: After mastering skills in confined water, divers advance to open water dives in natural environments such as oceans, lakes, or quarries. These dives provide hands-on experience in real-world conditions while under the supervision of instructors. Divers practice applying their knowledge and skills while exploring underwater environments, interacting with marine life, and gaining confidence in their abilities. Typically, a series of open water dives are conducted to meet certification requirements.
Certification: Upon successful completion of the knowledge development, confined water training, and open water dives, divers are eligible for certification. SDI offers various levels of certification, including Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and more. Each certification level signifies an increasing level of proficiency and allows divers to undertake more challenging dives.
Continuing Education: SDI encourages divers to pursue continuing education to enhance their skills and knowledge. Advanced courses cover topics such as deep diving, wreck diving, navigation, night diving, and underwater photography/videography. Specialized courses are also available for those interested in technical diving, cave diving, or other specialized areas.
Throughout the training process, safety is paramount, and SDI emphasizes adherence to established protocols and best practices. Additionally, environmental awareness and conservation principles are integrated into the curriculum to promote responsible stewardship of marine ecosystems.