The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular dive course in the whole world. It is the first full dive certification that PADI offer and it is often the first dive course that most people choose to take. The PADI open water diver course is split up into three parts: Theory - During this part of the course you will learn about the basics of scuba diving including how to set up your equipment and how to stay safe underwater. The theory is usually done in a classroom with your dive instructor. You will be required to complete knowledge reviews, and you will need to pass a multiple choice exam. Confined Water Sessions - These usually takes place in the swimming pool and will give you the chance to get used to your dive equipment and you will learn the basic scuba skills that are needed to enter the underwater world. Open Water Dives - In order to pass the PADI Open Water Diver course you will need to complete four open water dives which usually take place in the ocean. Depending on your location they may take place in a lake or quarry. You will be expected to show that you understand the basic dive skills during your open water dives. Certified as a PADI Open water diver, now what? In order to take part in the PADI Open Water Course, you need to be at least 15 years old. If you are between 10 and 15, you can instead take the PADI Junior Open Water Diver Course. Once you have completed the PADI Open Water Diver Course, you will be eligible to dive to a depth of up to 18 meters (60 feet) deep. If you want to become a fully certified scuba diver, the PADI Open Water Course is for you - book your course today.