The Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification, the one that opens the door to the sea. Let’s look at how it’s structured, how much time it takes and what you’ll learn.
Updated: August 2026
The Open Water Diver course is made up of three stages: the theory, the pool sessions (or confined water) and the open-water dives, that is, in the sea. Each one prepares you for the next, step by step.
The theory is flexible: you can follow it online at your own pace or in the classroom. The practical part takes place between the pool and a few days at the sea, usually over the weekend. The course is generally completed in a few weeks, but you set the pace.
You’ll learn to dive independently with a buddy down to 18 metres deep, managing your equipment, buoyancy, breathing and safety procedures. By the end you’ll be a certified diver, ready to dive all over the world.
You need very little: being able to swim and being in good health (you fill in a medical questionnaire). No previous experience is required and the equipment is provided on rental for the whole duration of the course.
With your certification in hand you can keep growing: the Advanced Open Water course and the specialties let you explore deeper, at night, on wrecks and much more.
The Open Water course includes 4 open-water dives, in addition to the pool sessions.
Yes. The SSI theory can be followed online at your own pace, with the support of our instructors whenever you need it.
It depends on your pace: many people complete the course in a few weeks, between theory, pool and weekends at the sea.
You need to be able to swim and feel comfortable in the water; you don’t need to be a competitive swimmer.