Open Water Diver

Open Water Diver (OWD) is a scuba diving certification level provided by several diving training agencies, such as Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Scuba Schools International (SSI), and National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). The OWD certification allows divers to undertake independent dives (with a buddy) up to a certain depth, typically 18 meters (60 feet).

Training

The Open Water Diver course consists of three main parts: knowledge development, confined water dives, and open water dives. The knowledge development portion is designed to understand the basic principles of scuba diving. This can be done online, with a textbook, or in a classroom setting.

Confined water dives are conducted in a pool or body of water with pool-like conditions. Here, students learn and practice scuba skills. Finally, open water dives are where students apply what they've learned in a real diving environment.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, students are awarded the Open Water Diver certification. This certification is recognized worldwide and does not expire. However, if a diver does not dive for an extended period, a refresher course is recommended.

Safety

Safety is a paramount concern in the Open Water Diver course. Students are taught how to manage their buoyancy, navigate underwater, and what to do in case of emergencies. They are also taught the importance of dive planning and the use of dive tables or dive computers.

Equipment

Open Water Divers are trained to use basic scuba gear, including a dive mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), dive computer, and scuba tank. They may also use other specialty gear related to the specific dive conditions, such as a dive light or underwater camera.

See Also

• Advanced Open Water Diver
• Rescue Diver
• Dive Master
• Scuba Diving

Open Water Diver Resources
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