LEARN TO DIVE

The Open Water Diver Course

After completing the Open Water Diver course, you’ll be certified to dive independently up to 60 feet, anywhere in the world (with certain exceptions for 10-15 year-olds). This course is highly informative and very rewarding.

The Open Water course is a 3-4 day activity that can be spread out to your convenience. It consists of Knowledge Development (involving video lessons, knowledge reviews, quizzes, and a final exam) that can be done on your own time from anywhere you like; a water-skills assessment; Confined Water practice sessions; and four Open Water checkout dives. You’ll also learn how to assemble and disassemble SCUBA gear (rental gear is provided by Athens Scuba), and how to care for it properly. In both the Confined Water and Open Water dives, you will be expected to master a series of essential skills which we will demonstrate and teach you step by step.

Athens Scuba uses brand new, state of the art SCUBA equipment from the best manufactures. Rental gear is provided and included in the prices of all beginner SCUBA diving courses conducted by Athens Scuba.

All of our highly knowledgeable SCUBA professionals will make sure that you feel safe and looked after from the moment of signing up for the course to the date you are certified.

STEP 1 – KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT (eLearning)

The first step towards your Open Water Diver certification is to develop your basic knowledge about SCUBA diving. This can be completed online through eLearning at your own convenience and pace or in person with your Athens Scuba instructor.

STEP 2 – SKILL DEVELOPMENT
(Pool Training)

After you have completed the knowledge development online or with your Athens Scuba instructor, it’s time to get wet and learn the skills that are required to dive. This part is called confined water dives usually conducted in a pool, likely to be at Oconee Aquatics and Recreation. The other option is to do it in pool like conditions, such as the dedicated SCUBA cove at Lake Jocassee. Athens Scuba offers both ways. You decide what works best for you.

STEP 3 – CHECK OUT
(Open Water Dives)

The Open Water checkout dives will complete your course. As the name implies, they are done in open water, either a lake (Jocassee, in our case) or an Ocean. Athens Scuba has scheduled dives from comfortable dive boats on Lake Jocassee. We can also take you to the Springs in northern Florida or even go with you to complete your open water dives in an ocean. We’ll be happy to accommodate you, in any case.

THE DETAILS

To Participate In The Open Water Diver Course, You Must Be:

Minimum 10 years of age
Comfortable in water and have basic swimming skills (our instructor will have you do a 200 yard swim and a 10 min float)
In good overall health (there is a medical form to fill out). Depending on your answers on the form, you may have to see a physician to get a doctors signature for approval to dive. This medical form must be completed before any class time can be started.

What You’ll Learn:

You’ll learn everything you need to know to begin exploring the underwater world. Each step will take you a bit closer to becoming a safe and comfortable diver. We, at Athens Scuba, will make sure that you are prepared for whatever diving adventures await. You won’t be a perfect diver after the course. SCUBA diving, more than most activities, relies on experience, concentration and ability to use the knowledge you gained throughout the Open Water Diver course. Certain dive conditions you’ll face after completing this course will require a higher certification than Open Water Diver. We’ll be happy to help you gain experience and comfort through the advanced courses we offer. If you decide to continue your SCUBA education, Athens Scuba will be ready to assist you.

The Learning Materials You’ll Need:

Most of Athens Scuba’s Open Water Diver courses will be taught with an eLearning program. They have developed an excellent reputation and a proven record of successful learning from anywhere in your own time. If you decide to go with the Oconee Package, we’ll give you the option to learn all Open Water Diver knowledge with an Athens Scuba instructor. The learning materials will be provided by Athens Scuba.