Learn to Dive
PADI Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification level that allows you to dive independently (with a buddy but without an Instructor or other scuba diving professional).
A highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach you to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment.
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There are three phases to learning how to dive;
Phase One: Knowledge Development
This is the studying component of the course in which you learn the theory of diving, the effects of pressure, how to communicate underwater, the role of scuba divers in marine and ocean conservation, oceanic eco-systems, tides, currents, diving skills, safety, equipment and a whole lot more.
This might sound overwhelming, but it’s not because the theory is broken down into manageable-sized sessions which are accompanied by videos and visual aids, it’s easy and fun! You can opt to learn in the classroom or with PADI eLearning at your own pace from home or wherever you are.
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Whichever method you choose, our instructors are never more than a zoom call / teams session away from helping you through and our classroom is open seven nights a week to help you through anything!
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Phase two: Confined Water
During your five confined sessions, you will practice the skills that you learned about in your Knowledge Development, these skills practiced in confined water, at The SCUBA Group we use a swimming pool for comfort and convenience.
By practicing the skills in calm conditions and the confines of a pool, you will build confidence. Your PADI Instructor will explain the skills to you again, as well as give you a step-by-step demonstration before you try them for yourself.
The pool sessions are great fun and are possibly the first time you take a breathe underwater!
Phase Three: Open Water
This is the best part – it’s what you’ve been waiting for!
The open water element of your course includes four dives in open (unrestricted water), including bodies of water such as the sea, lake, or flooded quarries. We use one of several training centres where there are ample facilities and plenty to see; during your two days (two / three dives a day) you will demonstrate you're skills, experience Open Water diving and show the instructor everything you have learned before finishing the weekend as a qualified SCUBA diver with a globally recognised certification!
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PADI Open Water Referral
Putting the theory into practice at home, instead of spending 4-5 days of your holiday studying and practicing skills in a pool, you’ll arrive with the majority of your open water course done.
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You’ll complete some or all of the two phases (knowledge development and confined water) with an open water referral before leaving home.
You can finish the final part of your scuba course, the open water dives, aka ‘check out dives,’ anywhere in the world.
The final portion of the course typically takes a day and a half to complete as opposed to taking your Open Water certification abroad which can be up to 5 days out of your holiday.
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Once certified, you can spend the rest of your time exploring and gaining additional dive experience.
PADI Open Water
As with the referral, you will conduct all of your theory in advance of your 'check out' dives, you'll complete all of your confined water sessions with one of our experienced instructors.
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The final phase of the course, the Open Water dives typically takes two days and is most often scheduled over a weekend, once completed you will be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver.
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Once certified, your qualification lasts a lifetime and you can start exploring and gaining additional dive experiences.
PADI Open Water & Drysuit
As part of the Open Water Course, The SCUBA Group are able to bolt on the drysuit specialty. In the UK where the average water temperatures are slightly lower than the exotic holiday destinations we dream of!
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A drysuit ensures you can dive all year round in the UK in comfort and safety! This specialized piece of equipment requires an extra dive to be made on the Open Water Phase of the course and results in an additional qualification.
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Whilst there is an extra 2hrs of theory and an extra dive to make, you will see all of our instructing staff wearing drysuits.
This is our most popular course and the one we would advise you to consider if learning to dive in the UK.
Note: Due to policy and legislative changes, it is our policy to refuse to hire a drysuit to someone who is unable to show the appropriate qualification.
Where will your adventure take you?
