Open Water Diver Manual

Welcome to your PDA Open Water diver course.

Over two thirds of our planet’s surface is covered by water. You are about to discover a new world and we are looking forward to guide you on your first steps into this wonderful and adventurous world. We will teach you all the knowledge and skills you need for your under water adventures. We wish you lots of fun and unforgettable experiences.

Your PDA

Team Who or what is PDA?

PDA is an international diving education organization, which means that your diving certification is recognized worldwide. We certify divers internationally through our different training programs, we provide teaching materials to students and instructors, set standards and monitor these and we teach and certify instructors, focusing on safe diving practices and fun.

What are you qualified to do after passing the Open Water Diver course?

After successfully completing your Open Water Diver course, you are certified to:

• Dive with a partner using scuba equipment to a depth of 20 meters
• Rent equipment
• Continue your dive training and participate in further dive activities

Course structure

The Open Water Diver course consists of three parts: the Knowledge development (8 to 10 hours), which supplies you with all the theoretical knowledge about diving that you need to know, the Pool training (2 to 3 sessions 3 hours each) where you will learn all relevant skills in the pool that are needed to follow safe diving procedures, and practice these until you have sufficiently mastered them. And lastly the Open water training (4 to 5 dives) where you will apply your knowledge and skills you have learned in a real under water environment. At the end of your knowledge development you will take a final exam, this is a multiple choice exam following up on the most important aspects about diving that you have to know. The pass mark is 75% but you may retake the exam if you should score below that mark. After you have successfully participated in all three segments of the Open Water Diver course and have passed the final knowledge exam you will receive you internationally recognized certification in form of a PDA picture ID dive card. We well store your records and you can request a new ID card any time should your card get lost.

Requirements for certification

Here is a check list of all the requirements and prerequisites for your certification.

Administrative prerequisites:

• Complete and sign course sign-up
• Pay course fee
• Determine course scedule and dates
• Complete and sign release form
• Complete medical statement or hand in doctor’s physical
• Fill out equipment record file
• Set up record file

Requirements for certification and issuing of PDA dive ID card:

• Participation in all knowledge development classes
• Mastering all the practical scuba diving skills in the pool
• Conducting at least four open water dives under the direct supervision and guidance of a PDA instructor
• Passing the final exam
• Course fee paid in full
• Completed certification application including a passport picture
• Completed and signed release form
• Completed medical statement or a current doctor’s physical