If you've always wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater and discover the wonderous world beneath the waves, this is where it starts. The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular diver training certification in the world. Can’t wait to get started? Click here to book

Your PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three stages:

Knowledge Development - Involves home study & classroom presentations Confined Water Dives - Skill development in the pool Open Water Dives - Review your skills, qualify and explore!

The Fun Part about this course is… ALL of it!. During the course, you will complete five pool dives, then four dives at local dive sites under the supervision of your PADI Instructor. The Deluxe package requires an extra pool dive, and one additional dive at open water to complete the Dry Suit specialty qualification.

The Scuba Gear You Use For the PADI Open Water Diver course, we provide a full set of basic scuba gear, including a dive computer.

The Learning Materials You Need PADI offers a choice of learning materials for your course. Traditional manual, or the option of Digital materials,(eLearning). Simply choose which method suits your learning style.

Talk to us at  DIVEWORLD to personalise the best study option for you!

What does it cost? The PADI Open Water Diver course is £450, which includes all equipment, PADI ultimate learning pack and PADI certification fee. Add £150 to upgrade to the Deluxe package and become a Dry Suit Specialty diver too. Travel, site entry fees and accommodation not included, please ask for details.

Want to do your qualifying dives on holiday - PADI Referral Course

Prerequisites To enroll in the PADI Open Diver course or Junior Open Water Diver course, you must be: 10 years or older: Swim 200m continuously & Tread water (float) for ten minutes. Complete a medical form.

Book now to start your adventure    Trustpilot Reviews Need a refresher? - PADI Reactivate

Open Water Training Weekends are held at Jackdaw Quarry, Capernwray, Lancashire, LA6 1AD

Our favourite dive site for the Open Water Diver course, and the vast majority of our courses, is at Capernwray, a beautiful fresh water quarry, nestled in the countryside near Carnforth, Lancashire. The site is easily accessible from Junction 35 of the M6, on the edge of the Lake district, close to beautiful villages, the famous seaside resort of Morecambe, and not far from the historic city of Lancaster.

We often refer to the site as an Underwater Theme Park. It has so many interesting attractions for divers to see, adding to the fun and excitement of their dive courses. Don’t be surprised to see Thunderbirds 4, a couple of horses, aeroplanes, boats and a large variety of novel items placed here and there. The water is home to an abundance of marine life too, with large friendly sterlets and sturgeon frequenting the training platforms to the amusement of divers. Recent additions to the quarry were some playful Koi Carp that can be seen chasing each other around in the shallows. Here’s and example from our Facebook Albums for pictures of the site.

Capernwray hosts beautiful views over the water from their Porthole Restaurant for divers, or non diving family and friends accompanying you on your course. They serve excellent hot and cold food made fresh to order, BBQ’d burgers, hot drinks and delicious cakes. 

Divers need to register to dive at the site, details of memberships and prices can be found here. There is the option to buy day passes or become a member at a cost of £30 for 2 years.