Open Water Checkout Dives
This is the final phase of getting your PADI Open Water Diver certification. You will demonstrate the skills you've learned during confined water training to one of our highly experienced instructors in the open water, and complete your first four real dives under the supervision of dive professionals. After your fourth dive of the weekend, you will walk away a fully certified PADI Open Water Diver!
Rental Gear: You will pick up any needed rental gear on the Wednesday or Thursday prior to your Open Water Checkout weekend. Rental equipment includes buoyancy compensator device (BCD), regulator system, 2 tanks, and weights and weight belt (if necessary). We do not rent mask, fins or snorkels.
You Will Need to Bring: Mask fins, snorkel, and booties (the dive sites are rocky areas). Wetsuit, hood, and gloves are recommended for cooler water temperatures. And, don’t forget your swimsuit, towel, and logbook.
Other Recommendations: Sun screen, snacks, water/beverages, lunch for Saturday at the dive site, lawn chairs (or you
can sit on a rock), and a light jacket or sweatshirt depending on the weather.
Weekend Equipment Rental Cost: $100.00 (BCD, Tanks, Wetsuit, and Weights)
Availability: In Stock
What You Learn
- Open Water Dives (something other than a swimming pool) to review your skills and explore!
Prerequisites
To enroll in the Open Water Diver course or Junior Open Water Diver course
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Minimum Age:
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10 years old (for Junior Open Water Diver)
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Ages 10–11 can only dive with a PADI Professional or a parent/guardian certified as a diver.
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Ages 12–14 earn the Junior Open Water Diver certification and have limited depth and supervision requirements.
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15 years or older earns the standard Open Water Diver certification.
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Swimming Ability:
Students must demonstrate basic water skills by: -
Swimming 200 meters/yards (or 300 meters/yards with mask, fins, and snorkel) — no time limit and any stroke allowed.
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Floating or treading water for 10 minutes, using any method.
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Medical Fitness:
Students must complete the PADI Medical Questionnaire to ensure they are fit to dive. Download the PADI medical form here -
Comfort in the Water:
While not a formal requirement, students should be comfortable in water deep enough to stand over their head.
The Scuba Gear you Use
In the PADI Open Water Diver course, you learn to use basic scuba gear including a dive computer, and standard accessories. The equipment you wear varies somewhat, depending upon whether you’re diving in tropical or cooler waters.
Check with The Dive Shop about the gear you’ll use during this course. You can find most everything at The Dive Shop.