SDI Open Water Scuba Diver
The SDI Open Water Scuba Diver certification is the foundational, entry-level course offered by Scuba Diving International (SDI). It is globally recognized and serves as your "passport" to independent recreational diving.
Because SDI was originally founded by technical diving professionals (as the sister agency to TDI), the course puts a modern, safety-first spin on training—such as requiring the use of dive computers from day one and emphasizing horizontal trim and buoyancy right out of the gate.
Pre-Requisites:
Minimum Age: 15 years old (Junior certification is available for ages 10–14).
Fitness: Basic swimming skills and a standard medical questionnaire/clearance.
What you will learn:
The course is built around three core phases:
- eLearning & Theory
- confined water training
- open water training
1. eLearning & Theory
You will complete the academic portion online at your own pace.
Topics include:
- The Aquatic Environment: How light, sound, and temperature change underwater, as well as understanding waves and currents.
- Physics & Physiology: How pressure affects your body, buoyancy principles, and the mechanics of breathing compressed air.
- Dive Planning: Learning how to map out a safe dive using modern dive computers.
2. Confined Water Training (Pool Sessions)
Completed in a controlled pool or pool-like environment.
You will master essential underwater survival and comfort skills:
- Mask clearing and regulator retrieval.
- Achieving neutral buoyancy (hovering effortlessly).
- Emergency out-of-air protocols and buddy breathing.
- Equipment assembly, disassembly, and maintenance.
3. Open Water Dives
To secure your certification, you will complete a minimum of 4 open-water dives in an ocean, lake, or quarry under the direct supervision of an SDI Instructor. Here, you will demonstrate the skills you learned in the pool in a real-world setting.
Privileges upon certification:
Once you pass the practical tests and log your checkout dives, you are certified to:
- Conduct open-water dives to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet) in conditions similar to your training.
- Rent or buy scuba gear and get cylinder air refills at dive shops worldwide.
- Dive with a buddy independently without instructor supervision.
- Advance your training by taking specialty courses (such as Wreck, Night, or Deep Diving) or moving on to the SDI Advanced Adventure Diver level.
Course Cost:
The SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course costs £499 total. A deposit of £50 is required to secure your spot.
This price includes your online learning materials, 1 closed water dive, 4 open water dives as well as all heavy-duty life-support equipment (regulators, BCD, cylinders, and weights).
Please note: You are required to bring own suitable wetsuit for the course. We do have a limited selection available for hire on a first-come, first-served basis—please contact us early if you need to reserve one.