Hey there, ready to dive into the PADI Open Water Diver program, brought to you by Scuba Dogs – Diver’s Best Friend? This scuba certification course is recognized worldwide and will have you geared up to explore the depths with a buddy, no babysitters needed. Plus, you can wrap it all up in just four days or take your sweet time over a year.

Let’s break down the three main phases:

1. Knowledge Development: Here, you’ll get the lowdown on scuba diving basics. You can jump straight into it online here: PADI.COM. We’ll dive into topics like how pressure affects your body, picking the right gear, and dive planning. At the end, you’ll face a final exam to make sure you’ve got the scuba essentials down pat.
2. Confined Water Dives: Now, we’re diving into five sessions of controlled waters with PADI certified instructors. It’s like your own underwater playground, usually in a swimming pool. You’ll learn the nitty-gritty of setting up gear, mastering buoyancy, diving with your partner, and other cool and essential skills. These skills are your ticket to acing the open water dives coming up.
3. Open Water Dives: Here’s where the rubber meets the road. You’ll have four open water immersions, usually spread over at least two days. It’s time to put all that knowledge and skills you’ve soaked up into practice. Each dive is like a mini adventure, building your confidence and making you a water pro. The instructor keeps an eye on your skills checklist. Some skills are dive-specific, while others are flexible and can be done whenever you fancy a dip.

Last but not least, all that knowledge development and dive skills you’ve acquired will now be put to the test in those four open water immersions. We typically dive from the shores of the Escambrón Marine Park, where we’ve got all the gear and facilities. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can choose to do some or all of your training on a boat at GuánicAmazing in Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa.

Once you’ve rocked these three phases, you’re officially a PADI Open Water Diver. That means you can dive down to 18 meters (60 feet) with your buddy, rent or buy scuba gear, join dive boat adventures, and get your tanks filled at local dive shops.

Now, if you’re thinking of signing up, here’s the scoop: You gotta be at least 10 years old, fit for diving, and a decent swimmer. If you’re between 10 and 14, you’ll score a Junior Open Water certification. And everybody, no matter their age, needs to fill out a medical waiver to make sure you’re all set for your underwater adventures.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive on in with Scuba Dogs and become a certified Open Water Diver!