PADI Open Water
Diver
The world's most popular dive course. Become a fully certified PADI Open Water Diver and dive to 18 metres anywhere in the world. Over 80% of new divers worldwide qualify with this course.
Course Syllabus
Knowledge Development
Complete the PADI eLearning or study the manual at home. Covers dive theory, physics, physiology, equipment, and dive planning.
Confined Water Dives (Pool)
5 confined water sessions in our heated pool. Learn 24 core scuba skills including buoyancy control, mask clearing, and emergency procedures.
Open Water Dive 1 & 2
Apply your skills in real open water. Practice what you've learned in the pool in a controlled open water environment with your instructor.
Open Water Dive 3 & 4
Demonstrate your skills independently. Navigate underwater, manage your air supply, and complete your certification requirements.
Certification
Receive your PADI Open Water Diver certification card, recognised at over 6,200 dive centres worldwide. Valid for life.
What You Need
Prerequisites
- Must be 10 years or older
- Able to swim 200 metres (or 300m in a mask, fins & snorkel)
- Float/tread water for 10 minutes
- Complete a medical questionnaire
- No prior diving experience required
Schedule & Inclusions
Pool sessions: Monday evenings, Padiham Leisure Centre
Open water dives: Arranged at convenient times, UK quarry or lake sites
Included: All equipment hire, PADI crew pack, certification card, travel to dive site
eLearning: Option to complete theory online before pool sessions
Who Will Teach You
Eddie Thorne
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
10+ years experience
Eddie is a PADI MSDT with 18 speciality instructor ratings. A qualified TEC 50 diver who has dived across England, Scotland, Wales, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, Thailand, Egypt, Greece, Malta, and Gozo. He thoroughly enjoys teaching students to scuba dive.
Richard Spicer
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
15+ years experience
Richard is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer with extensive experience across recreational and technical diving. His methodical, patient approach ensures every Open Water student reaches certification feeling confident and safe.
Why Train With East Lancs Diving
PADI Certified Course
Internationally recognised Beginner certification, valid at 6,200+ dive centres worldwide
PADI Elite Instructors
Taught by PADI-rated instructors with 55+ years combined experience and an outstanding safety record
Safety First Standards
Full PADI safety protocols, emergency oxygen on site, and small student-to-instructor ratios for maximum safety
Globally Recognised
PADI is the world's leading scuba diver training organisation. Your certification is accepted everywhere
Become a Certified
Open Water Diver
Contact us today to discuss course dates, pricing, and availability. We'll arrange everything around your schedule.