PADI Open Water Diver Course
Discover the underwater world with the PADI Open Water Diver Course at Sea Explorers Philippines.
This is the world’s most popular beginner scuba diving course and the first full scuba certification level. No previous scuba diving experience is required.
With guidance from a Sea Explorers PADI Instructor, you will learn the knowledge and practical skills needed to dive safely and confidently. After completing the course, you can dive with another certified diver to a maximum depth of 18 metres or 60 feet, within the limits of your training.
As a PADI 5 Star Career Development Center, Sea Explorers offers professional instruction, practical training, and personal support throughout your course.
Learn to dive in the Philippines—and learn to Dive with a Smile.
What You Will Complete
The PADI Open Water Diver Course includes:
- Knowledge development and quizzes
- Confined-water training sessions
- Water-skills assessment
- Four open-water training dives
- Final knowledge assessment
- PADI Open Water Diver certification
You will learn important skills such as equipment setup, buoyancy control, underwater communication, safe ascents and descents, mask clearing, regulator recovery, and dive planning.
Course Duration
The course usually takes three to four days, depending on your chosen learning option and how much theory you complete before arrival.
Your schedule may vary based on your progress, local conditions, group size, and dive center operations.
PADI eLearning Option
PADI eLearning allows you to complete the knowledge-development section online before your holiday.
After your booking and course registration are confirmed, you will receive access to the digital learning materials.
With eLearning, you can:
- Study before arriving in the Philippines
- Learn at your own pace
- Complete quizzes and knowledge reviews online
- Spend less holiday time in the classroom
- Focus on confined-water training and open-water dives after arrival
Divers who complete the required theory before arrival can usually finish the practical part of the course in a minimum of three days.
Instructor-Led Learning Option
An instructor-led learning option may also be available.
You will complete the required knowledge-development sessions with support from your Sea Explorers Instructor before continuing with confined-water training and open-water dives.
This option usually requires approximately four days.
Learning materials and availability may vary by location. Please confirm the available option when booking.
Who Can Join?
To begin the course, you must:
- Be at least 10 years old
- Be medically fit for scuba diving
- Complete the required medical questionnaire
- Meet the course water-skills requirements
- Be comfortable in the water
Divers aged 10 to 14 receive a PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification. Additional depth and supervision limits apply based on age.
No previous scuba certification or diving experience is required.
Water-Skills Requirements
Before certification, students must demonstrate basic comfort in the water.
This normally includes:
- Swimming 200 metres without swimming aids, or 300 metres with a mask, snorkel, and fins
- Floating or treading water for 10 minutes
Your instructor will explain and assess these requirements during the course.
Start Your Scuba Diving Journey
Your PADI Open Water Diver certification opens the door to dive destinations around the world.
Learn essential skills, complete four open-water dives, and discover the incredible marine life of the Philippines with Sea Explorers.
Contact us for current course rates, schedules, learning-material options, accommodation, and availability at your preferred Sea Explorers location.
Learn to dive. Explore a new world. Dive with a Smile!
