Diving Courses PADI Open Water Diver
Now is the time to dive into the PADI Open Water Diver course, the most popular dive program in the world! This basic diving certification is your ticket to a lifetime of intense adventure with PADI, the dive agency that sets the standards in the global diving community.
This basic scuba diving course is designed for non-divers to be trained and certified into independent divers. This course can lead to 2 possible certifications, PADI Open Water Diver or PADI Scuba Diver. The following is about PADI Open Water Diver course, the most popular certification option.
This was my first time even attempting scuba diving. The class was fun and informative. It was great preparation for the dive. The dive itself was absolutely fabulous! This was truly one of the best experiences of my life.
Jill H (France)
Reviews from other participants >>
3 Easy Steps
This basic diving course consists of 1. Theory, 2. Practical (Pool) and 3. Open Water Dives (Sea) segments. These training segments are performance based and you can complete theory or pool in any sequence.
After completion of the theory and practical segments, you will dive in an open water environment (sea) to complete the open water course.
Step 1 & 2 (Inter-changable steps)
Step 3
Theory
Classroom
Learn Buoyancy and Pressure Concepts, Equipment Usage, Hand Signals and more! View all the full theory and knowledge topics.
Session(s) 1
Tuesdays: 6.45pm - 10.45pm (4 Hrs)
Location Gill Divers Shop
37b Hongkong Street Level 3. More >>
Practical
Pool
Learn Equipment Assembly and Familiarization, Breathing Underwater, Buoyancy Control and more! View all the practical pool training skills.
Session(s) 1
Sundays: 9.45am - 4.00pm (6 Hrs)
Location Outram Secondary School
1 York Hill (Swimming pool). More >>
Open Water Dive
Open Sea
Learn Diving off the boat or the shore, Marine Life observation and more! View the training dives during the open water (sea) section.
Open Water Dives(s) 4 - 5
Departs every Friday: 7pm
Returns every Sunday: 9pm
Location from one (1) of the following:
- Island Reef Resort - 2D2N
Tioman Island, Malaysia
departs every Friday, or; - Dayang Blues Resort - 2D2N
Dayang Island, Malaysia
departs every Friday, or; - Shanti Lodge - 3D3N
Phuket, Thailand
departs every Thursday, or; - Referral - Only includes the Theory & Practical
Meeting point is at Gill Divers Shop, 37b Hongkong Street Level 3, subject to changes.
Includes
- All equipment and material needed for the entire course
- PADI Open Water Diver Manual
- 1-2 Theory sessions (4-5 hours in total) or PADI eLearning (Top up $85)
- 1 Pool session (6 hours)
- 4 - 5 Open Water Scuba Dives
- 2D/3N Full board trip to Malaysia (Dayang Island / Tioman Island) or 4D3N Full board trip in Phuket (lunch for diving days only)
- 2-way land & sea transportation, lodging & all meals
- Instructor fees (ratio for practical sessions - 6 students : 1 instructor)
- Certification fees
- PADI Open Water Diver Certification Card (License valid life-time!)
Excludes
- Travel Insurance (recommended)
- Air fare (if any)
- Marine Park Fee (RM $5, if any)
- 4 x AA size Battery (if required for night dive)
- Gratitude for the Boat Crew / Guide
Prerequisites
- Be at least 10 years of age or older
- Able to swim 300m with mask, snorkel and fins, and
- Able to float or tread for 10min without any swimming aid(s)
Packages
Select from one (1) of the destinations below
Island Reef Resort - 2D2N
Tioman Island, Malaysia
One of the biggest island off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, Tioman island offers exceptional diving in the region. You will be pleasantly surprised by the Island Reef Resort..
Learn more about Island Reef Resort
SGD 599
no hidden cost
View Schedule
Sign Up
Dayang Blues Resort - 2D2N
Dayang Island, Malaysia
Small and cosy, Island Reef Resort sits right in the heart of the buzzing Tioman Island. With disco and pubs around the corner, experience an exciting night life.
Learn more about Dayang Blues Resort
SGD 599
no hidden cost
View Schedule
Sign Up
Shanti Lodge - 3D3N
Phuket, Thailand
Small and cosy, Island Reef Resort sits right in the heart of the buzling Tioman Island. With disco and pubs around the corner, experience an exciting night life.
Learn more about Shanti Lodge
SGD 650
no hidden cost
View Schedule
Sign Up
Referral
Theory & Practical Only
Small and cosy, Island Reef Resort sits right in the heart of the buzling Tioman Island. With disco and pubs around the corner, experience an exciting night life.
Learn more about Referral details
SGD 330
no hidden cost
View Schedule
Sign Up
PADI Open Water Diver Theory & Knowledge Segment
When you enroll in the PADI Open Water Diver course, a rich and informative manual will be given. The manual allow you to preview into the course while you do the independent study and it serves as a livelong reference after you have completed the course.
In the 5 chapters of PADI Open Water Diver manual, each ends with a knowledge review and they are to be completed as independent study.
This was my first time even attempting scuba diving. The class was fun and informative. It was great preparation for the dive. The dive itself was absolutely fabulous! This was truly one of the best experiences of my life.
Jill H, France, April 2008
Reviews from other participants >>
Independent Study
The major hindrance with independent study tends to be student diver(s) do not have time to complete it. Undoubtedly, the PADI Open Water Diver course is one of the most fun and exciting adventure you will ever experience, but it is a course, and that means it involves some reading and learning.
In the theory classroom
The topics are also included in 4 fun videos which you will view them when you are at Gill Divers, after completing each video, there will be short and fun quizzes to recap what you have just learned.
The theory lesson will be concluded after 1 simple exam of 50 straightforward multiple choice questions.
You will get to learn
- Duration
- Title
- Fun Factor
- 35mins
-
Chapter 1
The underwater world
- Buoyancy and buoyancy control
- Understanding pressure
- How pressure affect you while underwater
- The most important rule in Scuba Diving
- Depth effects on air supply and breathing techniques
Dive equipment
- Features and selection of scuba diving mask
- Features and selection of snorkel
- Features and selection of scuba diving fins
Scuba systems
- Features and selection of buoyancy control device (BCD)
- Features of scuba tanks
- Features and selection of scuba diving regulator system
The Buddy system
- Good practices of the buddy system
-
- 45mins
-
Chapter 2
Adapting to the underwater world
- Water effects on vision and hearing
- Managing body heat lost
- Movement and water resistance
Respiration
- Breathing, airway control and overexertion
Dive equipment
- Exposure suit (wetsuit)
- Exposure protection – hood, gloves and booties
- Weight system and important feature
- Alternate air source
- Low pressure inflator
- Dive knife, equipment bag, dive gauges and dive compass
Buddy communication and pre-dive checks
- Hand signals
- BWRAF – Begin With Review And Friend – BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final OK
-
- 35mins
-
Chapter 3
The dive environment
- Dive environment and affects on marine lift
- Thermocline – Temperature changes at depth
- Underwater visibility and effects on diver
- Water current and effects on diver
- Aquatic bottom compositions and management
- Aquatic life and interaction
- Surge, wave, rip current and tidal movement effects
Dive planning
- Dive planning and preparation
Boat diving
- Benefits and consideration of boat planning
- Parts of a boat
Problem management
- Identify and problem management
- Assisting another diver
- Problem prevention
- Procedures for unresponsive diver
-
- 15mins
-
Break
- 55mins
-
Chapter 4
Dive accessories
- Surface buoy (Diver Surface Marker Buoy), Dive flag
- Underwater collecting bags, dive light, underwater slate
- Spare parts
- Dive logbook
Health for diving
- 3 substances to avoid prior to diving
- Physical examination by a physician
- Menstruation, pregnancy and diving
Breathing air at depth
- Air dynamics
- What is contaminated air?
- Oxygen and effects under pressure
- Nitrogen Narcosis
- Decompression sickness
Dive tables and dive computers
- Importance of Recreation Dive Planner (RDP)
- General rules, understanding and usage of RDP
-
- 45mins
-
Chapter 5
Special dive table and computer procedures
- Safety stop and requirements
- Exceeded the No Decompression Limit (NDL)
- Diving at altitude, flying after diving rules and cold water/ strenuous condition diving
Using a dive computer
- Procedures and recommendation when using a dive computer
Basic compass navigation
- Features and handling an underwater compass
- Navigating with a compass
-
- 20mins
-
Theory Review
-
PADI Open Water Diver Practical Skill Segment
The excitement will accelerate at the confined water training section, the first time you will be experiencing breathing and staying underwater. The instructor(s) and professional assistant will prepare all necessary equipment and be there throughout the training section to ensure you learn and master all the practical skills.
This was my first time even attempting scuba diving. The class was fun and informative. It was great preparation for the dive. The dive itself was absolutely fabulous! This was truly one of the best experiences of my life.
Jill H, France, April 2008
Reviews from other participants >>
Visualize the practical skills
In the PADI Open Water Diver manual page 55-71, 111-120, 162-169, 208-214 and 241-244 display and describe all the practical skills that you will learn during the course. Using the manual you could visualize (mentally performing) those skills, it will greatly aid your learning and hence you will dig up all the fun during course.
In the training pool
Usually it begins with water skills assessment – 300m swim with mask, snorkel and fins and 10min float on the water surface. The instructor(s) and/or professional assistant(s) will introduce all skills by 1. Description, 2. Demonstration and 3. Practice, every now and then the instructor(s) and/or professional assistant(s) will debrief and discuss with you regarding the skills.
You will get to learn
- Duration
- Title
- Fun Factor
- 65mins
-
Session 1
Equipment Management
- Assembly and adjustment
- Inflate/deflate of the BCD
- Predive check and buddy check
- Locate, read and communicate the air supply (SPG) while underwater
- Manage a leaking low pressure inflator
- Proper weighting adjustment
- Remove, replace and secure the scuba unit underwater
- Remove, replace and secure weight belt or weight system underwater
- Orally inflate the BCD
-
- 75mins
-
Session 2
Entry and Exit
- Deep water entry
- Proper Descent (SORTED – Signal, Orientation, Regulator, Time, Equalize and Deflate)
- Proper Ascent (STALK – Signal, Time, Arms, Look and Kick)
- Maintain control of direction and depth, equalize the ears and mask for depth changes
Surface Skill
- Remove weights using quick release mechanism
- Remove weights, scuba unit and fins, and exit water
- Remove, replace, and secure the scuba unit and weights
- Cramp removal technique for self and buddy
- Clear the snorkel and resume breathing
- Exchange snorkel for regulator and regulator for snorkel repeatedly
- Swim while wearing scuba and breathing through the snorkel
- Tired diver tow
Breathing and Air Management
- Breathing habits, natural and never hold the breath
- Clear the regulator while underwater
- Recover the regulator while underwater
- Air depletion exercise and share air from an alternate air
- Breathe from the free-flowing regulator
- Simulate a controlled emergency swimming ascent
-
- 55mins
-
Session 3
Mask
- Clear partially and fully flooded mask
- Remove, replace and clear the mask of water
- No mask breathe and swim
-
- 30mins
-
Break
- 65mins
-
Session 4
Buoyancy and Moving Underwater
- Establish neutral buoyancy by pivoting on the fin
- Swim underwater while maintaining neutral buoyancy
- Using buoyancy control hover without kicking or sculling
-
- 20mins
-
Practical Review
Standard hand signals
- Stop, Hold it, Stay there
- Ok / Ok?
- Something is wrong, Not Ok
- Distress, Help
- Ok / Ok? on surface
- Out of Air
- Low on Air
- Danger
- Go up, going up
- Go down, going down
- Buddy breathe or share here
- Come here
- Me or watch me
- Level off
- Go that way
- Which direction?
- Ears not clearing
- I am cold
- Slow down, take it easy
- Hold Hands
- Get with your buddy
- You lead, I will follow
-
PADI Open Water Diver Open Dives Segment
All the preparation, all the endeavor were to get ready for the big day, for your first descend into blue water, your first natural encounter with fascinating aquatic animals. The experience is simply amazing accompanying by the breathtaking scenery.
This was my first time even attempting scuba diving. The class was fun and informative. It was great preparation for the dive. The dive itself was absolutely fabulous! This was truly one of the best experiences of my life.
Jill H, France, April 2008
Reviews from other participants >>
Get ready, unwind and have fun!
Pack your bags, bring the necessities as you would when planning for a short trip. During the trip, instructor(s) and professional assistant(s) will be present to ensure not only you receive proper training but also your first trip is unforgettably enjoyable.
You will get to do
- Duration
- Title
- Fun Factor
- 50mins
-
Dive 1 – Depth: <12m
- Dive briefing and planning discussion
- Dive equipment setup with dive buddy
- Water entry as practiced during the pool practical training (Giant Strike)
- Buoyancy check – Lead weight estimation
- Controlled descend using the descent line (5 point descent – SORTED)
- Underwater exploration, aquatic life observation
- Cramp release exercise for self and buddy
- Controlled ascend (5 point ascent – STALK– <18m/min)
- Exit the water to dive boat, sequentially remove weight then fins
-
- 50mins
-
Dive 2 – Depth: <12m
- Dive briefing and planning discussion
- Dive equipment setup with dive buddy
- Buddy predive safety check – BWRAF (BCD, Weights, Releases, Air and Final OK)
- Water entry as practiced during the pool practical training (Giant Strike)
- Controlled descend with descent line as a reference (5 point descent – SORTED)
- Neutral buoyancy (Fin Pivot) by inflating the BCD with power inflation
- Clearing a partially and fully flooded mask
- Regulator Recovery (Sweep and Reach methods)
- Out of Air management – Ascend and breathing from an alternate air source
- Oral inflation at the surface
- Underwater exploration, aquatic life interaction
- Controlled emergency swimming ascent (6-9m) and Oral inflation at the surface
- Tired buddy tow on the surface with scuba equipment
- Establish buoyancy by removing weights using the quick release method
- Exit the water to dive boat, sequentially remove weight then fins
-
- 50mins
-
Dive 3 – Depth: <18m
- Dive briefing and planning discussion
- Dive equipment setup with dive buddy
- Buddy predive safety check – BWRAF (BCD, Weights, Releases, Air and Final OK)
- Water entry as practiced during the pool practical training (Giant Strike)
- Remove and replace the scuba and weight system at the surface
- Controlled descend (5 point descent – SORTED)
- Neutral buoyancy (Fin Pivot) by inflating the BCD with oral inflation
- Underwater exploration, aquatic life interaction
- Controlled ascend (5 point ascent – STALK – <18m/min)
- Perform a 50 metre/yard surface snorkel swim in a straight line keeping the face in the water and using the compass only for direction reference
- Perform a navigation swim with a compass underwater in a straight line out and back on a reciprocal course (each diver navigates out and back)
- Exit the water to dive boat, sequentially remove weight then fins
-
- 1 day
-
Rest
- 50mins
-
Dive 4 – Depth: <18m
- Dive briefing and planning discussion
- Dive equipment setup with dive buddy
- Buddy predive safety check – BWRAF (BCD, Weights, Releases, Air and Final OK)
- Water entry as practiced during the pool practical training (Giant Strike)
- Controlled descend (5 point descent – SORTED)
- Buoyancy control and hover underwater (in midwater)
- Mask remove and replacement while underwater
- Underwater exploration, aquatic life interaction
- Controlled ascend (5 point ascent – STALK – (18m/min)
- Exit the water to dive boat, sequentially remove weight then fins
-
Course Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions by most, in fact all of our yet-to-be divers. Take a minute to see if they addresses most of your concerns, else you can always drop us a call at (+65) 6734 9373, or email us (24 Hrs) at gillmen@gilldivers.com and our friendly customer service executive will send you a reply within 24 Hrs.
PADI Open Water Diver Course Experiences
Now is the time to dive into the PADI Open Water Diver course, the most popular dive program in the world! This basic diving certification is your ticket to a lifetime of intense adventure with PADI, the dive agency that sets the standards in the global diving community.
This basic scuba diving course is designed for non-diver to be trained and certified into independent diver. This course can lead to 2 possible certifications, PADI Open Water Diver or PADI Scuba Diver. The following is about PADI Open Water Diver course, the most popular certification option.
This was my first time even attempting scuba diving. The class was fun and informative. It was great preparation for the dive. The dive itself was absolutely fabulous! This was truly one of the best experiences of my life.
Jill H, France, April 2008
Reviews from other participants >>
Upcoming Trips
Here are the upcoming trips scheduled for the coming weeks. If nothing here fits you or your group, you can always drop us a call at (+65) 6734 9373, or email us (24 Hrs) at gillmen@gilldivers.com and our friendly customer service executive will be at your assistance shortly.
