PADI Open Water Diver Manual_00

Introduction 1

It feels strange the first time. Your mask. Yourawkward gear, a bit heavy. You ease into the waterand your face slips below the surface. Inhale; theair comes with a reassuring hiss, and for the firsttime, you breathe underwater. In moments, you for-get your mask. Your equipment transforms to lightand agile, and you’re free like you’ve never experi-enced before. With that first underwater breath, thedoor opens to a different world. Not a world apart,but different nonetheless.

Go through that door. Your life will never be the same.

No one but you can say what calls you to scubadiving. If you seek adventure, you’ll find plenty,whether it’s in a sunken ship as you uncover itssecrets, in a far corner of the world amid other peo-ples and cultures, or in your backyard — closerthan you imagined possible.

If you love nature, you’ve come to the right place.No other environment approaches the abundance,diversity and vibrance of a pristine coral reef. Youcan see more different species in ten minutes therethan in ten hours in the most unspoiled wilder-nesses above water. But with time, you’ll discoverthat even unlikely places that seem empty and

INTR

OCoursePrerequisites

PADI

Open Water DiverCourse Structure

How to Use This Manual and Succeed in the Course

Introduction

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2 Open Water Diver Manual

sterile to the inexperienced eye — like alake or flooded quarry — teem withintriguing organisms — a reminder thatnature’s imagination exceeds ours.

If discovery drives you, welcome to innerspace. It’s somewhat cliché, yet true, thatwe know the surface of the moon betterthan we know the bottoms of the oceans.Even at the most popular dive sites, you’llsee things most people never see and gowhere most people never go. Even withhundreds of dives under your belt, visiting

a new dive site thrills you with discovery, and visit-ing a familiar site is a bit like coming home.

And scuba diving means rising to newchallenges. It’s one of those rare activitiesthat delivers adrenaline and intensity, orserenity and peace. You can take on chal-lenges that require training, planning,equipment and focus: searching for andrecovering lost objects, descending to 30metres/100 feet (if your diving level per-mits) or exploring your favorite dive siteafter sunset. Or you can drift along insome of the world’s most tranquil andbeautiful settings, with your biggest imme-diate worry whether you want to stop andphotograph that starfish or not. Eitherway, diving grows with you — there’salways something new to see, somewherenew to explore, some new way to enjoy theexperience. No other endeavour so easily

matches exactly what you’re up for, right now, tomor-row and ten years from now. You cannot outgrow it.

You’ve probably seen photos, television and filmsabout diving, but until you do it yourself, you can’treally understand what it’s like. Nothing on earthmatches the sensations you experience — the thrill ofbreathing underwater, the freedom of “weightless-ness,” and unique sights and sounds.

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Introduction 3

The PADI Open Water Diver course leadsto two possible certifications: PADI ScubaDiver and PADI Open Water Diver.

Open Water Diver certification is a fullentry level certification you earn by success-fully completing the entire Open WaterDiver course. The PADI Open Water Divercertification qualifies you to:

• Dive independently while applying theknowledge and skills you learn in thiscourse, within the limits of your train-ing and experience.

• Procure air fills, scuba equipment andother services.

• Plan, conduct and log open water nostop (no decompression) dives whenequipped properly and accompanied bya buddy in conditions with which youhave training and/or experience.

• Continue your diver training with a spe-cialty dive in the PADI Adventures inDiving program, and/or in PADISpecialty courses.

You earn the PADI Scuba Diver certifica-tion by completing only a portion of theOpen Water Diver course. The Scuba Divercertification is a pre-entry level certificationand qualifies you to:

• Dive under the inwater supervision of aPADI Divemaster (or someone with ahigher level professional rating) whileapplying the knowledge and skills youlearn in this course, within the limits ofyour training and experience.

• Procure air fills, scuba equipment andother services for use while divingsupervised.

• Plan under supervision, conduct and logopen water no stop (no decompression)dives when equipped properly andaccompanied in water by a certifieddivemaster, assistant instructor orinstructor in conditions with which youhave training and/or experience.

• Continue your diver training to complete the PADI Open Water Diver certification and some select spe-cialty courses.

PADI Open Water Diverand Scuba Diver CertificationCertification

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The PADI Open Water Diver course opens thisworld for you. During this course, you’ll learn whatyou need to know to explore the underwater world,whether simply snorkeling in the shallows withmask, fins and snorkel, or visiting longer anddeeper using scuba (a word derived from self con-tained underwater breathing apparatus). Mostpeople find learning to dive a fun challenge that’sneither effortless nor overly arduous.

Welcome to a world of discovery and adventure.This course is only the beginning.

To become a scuba diver, you need to demonstratethat you’re comfortable in water and have somebasic swimming skills. Your instructor will haveyou float/tread water for 10 minutes and swim 200metres/yards (no time limit) or swim 300metres/yards in mask, fins and snorkel (no timelimit) – nothing extreme, just enough to determine


As the world’s largest diver training organization, PADIenjoys the most diverse professional membership in theentire dive community. This is the world’s most culturallyand ethnically diverse group of recreational dive profes-sionals. At this writing, more than 100,000 PADIInstructors, Assistant Instructors and Divemasters teachdiving and offer dive services in more than 180 coun-tries and territories. You can find PADI diver materials inmore than 20 languages. Today, virtually anyone whowants to learn to dive can find a PADI Instructor nearbywho speaks the same language and who comes fromthe same culture.

What does this mean for you? It means wherever yourdive travels take you, you can be confident that thelocal dive community will recognize your diver creden-tials – even if “PADI” is the only word you can speak inthe local language.

Marks of distinction.The professionalism of PADI Instructors, Dive Centersand Resorts has made PADI certifications the world’smost respected and sought-after dive credentials. Youcan be confident that your certification will be recognizedvirtually any place you go diving, and that PADI’sreputation stands behind it.

For your safety.The information you put on the Medical Form willremain confidential. Because it identifies medicalconditions that may be affected by diving, for yoursafety and health it’s important that you completeit completely and accurately. Course Prerequisites

All WalksAll Walks

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Introduction 5

you have basic swimming abilities. You don’t need tobe an athlete, but you should be in good overallhealth, particularly your respiratory and circulatorysystems. Mentally, you need a mature attitude, goodjudgment and the self-discipline to follow the guide-lines and principles required for safe diving.

Before any confined water dives or water skills, yourinstructor will have you complete a medical state-ment. The information you put on it will remain confi-dential. Because the statement identifies medical con-ditions that may be affected by diving, for your safetyand health it’s important that you complete it com-pletely and accurately. If any of the conditions listedapply to you, as a prudent precaution, your instructorwill ask you to consult a physician before participat-ing in any water activities. Also, in some areas localregulations or laws require that all prospective scubadivers receive medical clearance prior to diving.

The minimum ages for scuba certification are 10 forthe Junior Open Water Diver or Junior Scuba Divercertification (adult supervised diving), and 15 for theOpen Water Diver or Scuba Diver certification. Thesecertifications show that you successfully completedthe course according to the training standards andrequirements established by PADI. Dive centers andresorts require a person to be a certified diver or intraining before they will rent or sell you scuba equip-ment, fill scuba tanks for you, or let you participate inscuba diving activities.

PADI is the Professional Association of DivingInstructors, the world’s largest diver training organi-zation. PADI establishes training programs, materialsand standards, monitors their quality, certifiesinstructors, and provides support services for PADIprofessional members. The professionalism of PADIInstructors, Dive Centers and Resorts has made PADI certifications the world’s most respected andsought-after dive credentials. You can be confident

Dive today! You’ll become comfortable handling yourequipment and maneuvering underwater by divingwith your instructor in a pool or confined water andalso in open water. You’ll learn the basic diveconcepts and principles by interacting with thecourse materials and through review with yourinstructor.

PADI

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that your certification will be recognized virtually anyplace you go diving, and that PADI’s reputationstands behind it.

The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of threesegments: Confined water dives, knowledge develop-ment, and open water dives. Each plays an importantrole in learning to dive and in meeting the perfor-mance objectives you need to qualify as a diver.

The fun begins in the confined water dives, duringwhich you apply dive principles, and learn and prac-tice dive procedures and skills. You’ll do this in eithera swimming pool, or a body of water with pool-likeconditions, under your instructor’s guidance andsupervision. There are five confined water dives thatcorrespond with five knowledge development sections(three of each for Scuba Diver).

Knowledge development establishes the principlesand basic information all divers need to have fun div-ing safely. It’s divided into five segments that you’llcomplete primarily on your own time at your conve-nience using this manual and the PADI Open WaterDiver Video. (In some instances you may view orreview the video in a classroom setting.) For each seg-ment, your instructor reviews and elaborates on thematerial, applying what you’re learning to your spe-cific needs, interests and the local dive environment.A short quiz confirms that you’ve picked up the infor-mation you need from that section.

The open water dives complete your training as anentry-level diver by applying and further developingyour knowledge and dive skills in a dive environmentunder your instructor’s supervision and guidance.You’ll make at least four scuba dives, and perhaps anoptional skin dive, during this part of the Open WaterDiver course. Prior to certification, you’ll meet specific


Open Water Diver Course Structure

As a scuba diver, you’ll learn youhave some responsibilities asso-ciated with this exciting activity.As a savvy consumer, one ofyour first responsibilities is toverify that the individual conduct-ing your program is an autho-rized PADI Instructor. You can dothis by asking to see his or herinstructor card. Check the photoand make a note of the individ-ual’s instructor number, next callPADI or visit www.padi.com toverify that the individual is autho-rized to conduct the program youare enrolled in or plan to take. Ifat any time during your programyou have questions about theinstructor conducting your pro-gram please contact PADI.Contact information for the PADIOffice nearest you is located onpadi.com.

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learning objectives that you’ll read about in this man-ual, and that your instructor will discuss with you.

You’ll be learning in a sequence that establishes skillsand knowledge from the simple to the complex, withlater skills and knowledge building on what you learnfirst. For this reason, it’s important to successfullycomplete each section before moving on to the next.For example, you need to successfully complete

Introduction 7

Learning to dive means meeting specificperformance requirements necessary forenjoyable and safe diving. Your instructor,this manual and the Open Water DiverVideo suggest methods for meeting thoseperformance requirements, but they’re notthe only methods.

People differ in their talents and strengths,limits and weaknesses, and PADI coursesflex to accommodate these differences,including those caused by physical andintellectual challenges. This makes divingaccessible to the widest range of peoplewithout compromising the requirementsnecessary to dive safely.

For example, while most divers might enterthe water by stepping in, an individualwith limited leg use may not have thatoption. But there are many ways to enterthe water that meet the performancerequirements; such an individual mightenter the water by rolling in backward.

Performance BasedLearning and a Philosophy of Access

So if a suggested technique for meeting aperformance requirement doesn’t workbecause of your personal situation, ask yourinstructor to help you attain your goal tobecome a diver by adapting or developingtechniques that meet the requirementssome other way. You need to meet the per-formance requirements to receive a PADIcertification, but there are many waysbesides those listed in this manual.

Challenges limited, not limited by challenges.Learning to dive the PADI way empowerspeople to meet their goals.

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you’ll see, in scuba diving what you don’tknow can hurt you, but don’t worry – whenyou’re properly informed and follow whatyou’ve learned, you can avoid or minimize therisks of diving.

Dive TodayThe emphasis in the Open Water Divercourse is to learn to dive by diving. Your

instructor will get you in the water diving asquickly as possible because that’s what div-ing’s all about. Nonetheless, diving involveslearning some basic principles and guide-lines. You’ll normally cover these throughindependent learning and reviews with your instructor.

Independent LearningDepending on your course schedule, you maycomplete your independent learning by com-pleting a section, meeting with your instruc-tor for a review and a confined water dive,and then going on to the next one.

Alternatively, you may complete independentlearning for all sections prior to your firstmeeting with your instructor. Either way, usethe following steps to prepare:


How to Use This Manualand Succeed in the Course

Knowledge Development Section Two beforeyou complete Knowledge DevelopmentSection Three, and you must successfullycomplete Confined Water Dive 2 before youbegin Confined Water Dive 3.

Nonetheless, your instructor has tremendousflexibility to accommodate differing schedulesand still meet course requirements. Yourinstructor will review the schedule and read-ing requirements for your course.

All PADI courses apply the concept of perfor-mance based learning, which means that youprogress based on meeting specific perfor-mance requirements under your instructor’sguidance. If you have difficulty, you don’t“fail” — you just keep working until you meetthem — but likewise, you won’t get certifiedjust because you show up. Your PADIInstructor is a trained professional commit-ted to helping you attain your goal of becom-ing a scuba diver by guiding you in meetingthe course performance requirements.

You’ll find learning to dive fun and exciting,but it is a learning experience and you aretaking a course. This means a bit of indepen-dent study and preparation with this manual,the PADI Open Water Diver Video or the CD-ROM. It’s very necessary that you prepareadequately for each session with yourinstructor; failure to do so makes it difficultor impossible to progress, usually requiringsome rescheduling until you can complete theneeded learning. What you need to accom-plish isn’t especially complex or excessivelylong — and hopefully you’ll get a smile orchuckle along the way. But it is important: as

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1. Begin by skimming the headings inSection One of this manual. This quick scanaids learning by giving you a basic idea ofwhat you’ll be studying. You’ll also notice thatthis manual isn’t simply a text, but an inter-active tool that guides and confirms yourlearning with objectives, quick quizzes andknowledge reviews. More about these shortly.

2. Next, read Section One and watch thecorresponding first section of the PADI OpenWater Diver Video. It really doesn’t matterwhich you do first, so take your choice. Peoplediffer in how they learn, so whichever wayyou like best is probably best for you.

3. At the beginning of each subsection inSection One, notice the study objectives, eachstated as a question. To succeed in thiscourse, you need to be able to answer all ofthese questions. So as you read, guide yourlearning by looking for the answers. Whenyou find the answers, highlight or underlinethem. It’s important that you actually high-light/underline in the manual to do this —not just mentally note it — because theaction of stopping and writing reinforces your learning.

4. Following each subsection you’ll find aQuick Quiz, which checks and reinforceswhat you’ve read. Again (important!) actuallywriting in the book, answer each question,then check the answers supplied at the bot-tom of the quiz. If you missed any and don’tunderstand why, flip back to that section andreview it until you do.

5. At the end of Section One, you’ll find aKnowledge Review. Fill it out to turn in toyour instructor when you meet for that sec-tion’s review and elaboration session. If

Introduction 9

IndependentLearning

IndependentLearning

Watch for this symbolAs you read the Open Water DiverManual, you’ll notice this symbol. Italerts you to important safety infor-

mation. Pay close attention when you seethis symbol and consult your instructor if youdo not understand the material.

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there’s a question you can’t answer, review that por-tion of Section One until you can. If there’s somethingyou don’t understand even after rereading, you mayunderstand it better after watching the video (if youhaven’t already) or by reviewing the video (if youhave). If you still don’t get it, ask your instructor toexplain the material until you’re both satisified thatyou do.

If you’re completing all your independent learningahead of time (or just like getting ahead), repeatSteps 1-5 for Sections Two through Five. If yourcourse schedule distributes your study throughout thecourse, you can start on the next section after youcomplete the section One elaboration and review andConfined Water Dive One. Be sure to complete thenext section’s video, reading, Quick Quizzes andKnowledge Reviews before the elaboration and review session.

Confined Water DivesYou’ll find the confined water dives a lot of fun. A fewtips will help you get the most out of your practice:

1. Think of confined water dives as simulations ofopen water dives; use them to develop good openwater habits. For instance, an ocean or quarry won’thave sides you can hang onto, so don’t hang onto thepool sides. A dive boat rocks and an unattended scubatank will fall over, so get in the habit of laying yourtank down when preparing for your confined waterdives. Your instructor will ask you to develop habitsfor quite a few things that aren’t necessary for con-fined water dives, but are for open water dives.

2. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to let yourinstructor know. If you can see adequately to readgauges and watch your instructor, it’s best if you canpractice without them. But if you need your contacts,wear them. Your instructor will simply have you close your eyes when you’re underwater with yourmask off.


Success is in the details.During your instructor’s demonstrations, payattention to the details – especially those thatyour instructor exaggerates or emphasizes. Thefaster you pick these up, the faster you’ll masterthe skill.

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Introduction 11

3. Your instructor will demonstrate skills youneed to learn before you practice them. Duringthe demonstration, pay attention to the details— especially those that your instructor exagger-ates or emphasizes. The faster you pick theseup, the faster you’ll master the skill.

4. If you don’t understand why you’re practic-ing or doing something, be sure to ask yourinstructor. There are no arbitrary skills inthe PADI Open Water Diver course —everything you learn has a real, practicalpurpose. So, it’s important that you understandwhen and why you would use a skill you’relearning.

5. Remember that throughout the course, thereare no silly questions. If you have a question,ask it.

Open Water DivesDuring the open water dives you learn by apply-ing the knowledge and skills you pick up duringyour independent learning and in the confinedwater dives, plus you’ll develop some new abili-ties that you can’t practically learn in confinedwater. You’ll also have time to explore and get toknow the underwater world with your instructorguiding you.

1. Your instructor will probably make recom-mendations about preparing for your open waterdives, such as what to wear, whether you needsunscreen, etc. Ask the PADI professionals atyour local dive centers and resorts for assistancewhen purchasing equipment. Pay attention tothese details – your instructor knows your localdive environment well and is trying to help youavoid problems and have an enjoyable experi-ence. Diving with your own equipment is mucheasier and more fun due to fit and familiarity.

What does it take to create a divertraining program? PADI believes itrequires applying established instruc-tional system design theory, educa-tional psychology and cognitive psy-chology to create valid, state-of-the-art courses and materials. Apparently,mainstream bodies in higher educa-tion agree: Increasingly, institutions ininternational governments and educa-tion recognize the instructional qualityof PADI training. The AmericanCouncil on Education (ACE) indepen-dently evaluated PADI courses, andrecommends several for collegecredit. In Canada, PADI Courses arerecognized for academic credit by theOpen Learning Agency, CanadianLearning Bank. In Australia, PADIcourses are recognized by theAustralian National Training Authority(ANTA), which provides educationalcredits for competency that can betransferred to other fields.

These acknowledgments corroboratethe educational validity of PADIcourses, and the PADI organization’s ability to meet its edu-cational goals. PADI is the only diver training organization toreceive recognition from ACE andmany similar organizations internationally.

Leading EdgeEducation

Leading EdgeEducation

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2. If you’re prone to seasickness andwill be diving from a boat, consultyour physician as necessary regardingan appropriate seasickness medica-tion. Seasickness can ruin an other-wise fabulous outing — but for mostpeople it is easy to prevent. You don’thave to let seasickness come betweenyou and enjoying your first underwa-ter adventure.

3. You don’t have to be an athlete todive, but it is a physical activity. You’llhave a lot more fun if you’ve restedand eaten adequately before your openwater dives.


The PADI Scuba Diver certification is a limited certification intended forthose who will only dive accompanied by a PADI professional-level diverto a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet. The Scuba Diver course is asubcourse within the Open Water Diver course. Scuba Divers follow theOpen Water Diver course structure and sequence, but complete only:

▲ Knowledge Development Sections 1-3▲ Confined Water Dives 1-3▲ Open Water Dives 1-2

It’s easy to upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver any time after complet-ing your Scuba Diver course simply by completing the remaining coursesections.

The PADI

Scuba Diver Course

Optimum condition for diving.You don’t have to be an athlete to dive, but it is aphysical activity. You’ll have a lot more fun if you’verested and eaten adequately before your open water dives.

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PADI Open Water Diver Manual_00

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