PADI Open Water Certification has several options for completing the educational subject matter. The old school approach was to learn in a classroom environment meeting one to two days per week over several weeks. This option now the least popular way of learning because of the long times between classes, where students retained less information making it harder to remember all the subject matter. Also with busy schedules it makes it hard to make all the classes which in return some people couldn’t finish with their class then needing private lessons to finish.
Today the most popular and effective way to learn the majority of the many dive classes is done via eLearning. Not only can you take the class at your leisure but the eLearning class has been designed to make learning easy for every type of person regardless of age or ability. You may also buy the course material with a DVD, also known as crew packs. (Sold separately but not required when using the PADI eLearning).
Once you complete the majority of your course material or eLearning class you will meet with your instructor and review modules 1-5 and then take your final exam. Next we will get familiar with the equipment you will be using during your water sessions of the class whether you’re renting or bought your own gear. We will take the gear to our pool where you will learn and practice all the skills you will need to know to pass your water portion of the class. Once you are comfortable with your equipment and perform all the skills at a satisfactory level your instructor will take you to the beach where you will perform the skills you just learned as well as learn the basics of navigation and how to control your buoyancy. You are required to complete 4 open water dives which may last 20 to 45 minutes. Your final 2 dives will be done by boat where here you will complete the remaining skills and then get to do your first adventure dive as a Certified Diver! Congratulations, you are now part of the underwater dive family. The adventure is just about to begin.
