Now is the time to dive into the PADI Open Water Diver course, the most popular dive program in the world! As a certified PADI Open Water Diver you have the freedom to dive with a buddy independent of a professional.

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 12 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Open Water Diver program available

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?
The PADI Open Water Certification consists of 2 basic components - Confined Water and Open Water.   These components are typically offered separately so as to offer the students maximum schedule flexibility. 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.

The Confined Water portion at Erie Scuba is regularly scheduled once each month.  The students arrange with an instructor to meet for a short time at the pool to demonstrate water skills and then the pool and classroom sessions are on a Thursday and the following Saturday and Sunday.

The Open Water certifications can be done over Erie Scuba’s regularly scheduled 3 day weekend trip, on a trip with Erie Scuba, or by referral from Erie Scuba to another PADI facility if you have another trip planned.

What will I need?
* PADI Open Water Crew-Pak
* PADI Open Water Video or DVD
* Log Book
* Mask/Snorkel/Fins

Where can I go from here?
Continue the adventure with PADI’s Adventures in diving program, you next step in exploring the underwater world.