During a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water course, participants learn the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for safe recreational scuba diving. Here's what typically happens during the course:

eLearning: Participants begin with being sent their open water eLearning where they learn about diving theory, equipment, safety procedures, and dive planning. This often includes watching videos, and completing knowledge reviews and quizzes.

Confined Water Training: In confined water (typically a pool or shallow water area), students learn essential scuba skills under the guidance of a certified instructor. They practice tasks such as setting up equipment, buoyancy control, regulator recovery, mask clearing, and emergency procedures. This phase allows students to become comfortable with diving equipment and basic techniques in a controlled environment.

Open Water Dives: Students apply what they've learned in the classroom and confined water sessions during open water dives. These dives typically take place in a natural body of water, such as a lake, quarry, or ocean. Under the supervision of an instructor, students demonstrate their skills and gain experience diving in real-world conditions. Depending on the course, students may complete a series of open water dives over a few days.

Skill Assessment: Throughout the course, students are evaluated on their mastery of diving skills and understanding of dive theory. They must demonstrate competence in skills such as buoyancy control, mask clearing, regulator recovery, and emergency procedures to pass the course.

Certification: Upon successful completion of the course requirements, including eLearning, confined water sessions, and open water dives, students receive a PADI Open Water Diver certification. This certification allows them to dive independently (with a buddy, adhering to dive limits and safety protocols) to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet) in conditions similar to or better than those in which they were trained.

Overall, the PADI Open Water course provides a comprehensive introduction to scuba diving, equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to explore the underwater world safely and responsibly

‍