Scuba diving is a fascinating activity that requires not only the right skills and knowledge, but also certification to confirm the ability to dive safely. Diving courses implemented by international diving organizations prepare amateurs for safe and informed diving. The basic diving certification is Open Water Diver, implemented by the PADI and SSI diving organizations. Obtaining OWD certification entitles you to dive to a depth of 18 meters with another certified diver.
What are the diving organizations SSI (Scuba Schools International) and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)?
The most popular organizations offering certification are PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International). Both of these organizations offer a wide range of courses and certifications that prepare divers for a variety of underwater experiences while ensuring that the highest safety standards are followed.
SSI is a training organization that was founded in 1970. It offers a diving education system that is internationally recognized. SSI’s programs are built around rigorously designed courses that include theory instruction, practical pool activities and open water dives. SSI places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience, which means students spend a lot of time learning underwater under the guidance of experienced instructors. The organization is known for its innovative approach to teaching and flexibility, allowing students to customize their learning pace.
PADI, founded in 1966, is the world’s largest diver training organization. It offers a wide range of courses, from basic to advanced specializations, such as deep-sea diving, wreck diving and underwater photography. The PADI education system is internationally recognized, making PADI certification one of the most respected among divers. PADI courses are designed to be accessible and understandable to people of all ages, making diving easily accessible to the general public. PADI also strongly emphasizes the importance of marine conservation through its educational programs and partnerships with local environmental organizations.
Both organizations, SSI and PADI, offer comprehensive training aimed at making diving a safe and enjoyable experience for divers of all levels. The choice between SSI and PADI often depends on personal preference, the availability of courses in a particular region and specific diving goals. Regardless of the organization chosen, diving certifications open the door to the fascinating world of underwater adventure for diving enthusiasts.
OWD (Open Water Diver) diving certificate – what powers does it give and how to get it?
The OWD certificate is the basic diving degree, authorizing independent diving. Once you have earned this certification, you can dive in open water to a depth of 18 meters, with a partner of equivalent skill, but without being accompanied by an instructor. The OWD course can be earned through various international diving organizations, such as PADI and SSI, which are recognized worldwide and offer similar training standards.
To obtain OWD certification, you must meet certain age requirements (the minimum age is 12), be able to swim, and be in good physical condition and have no health contraindications to diving. The training includes both theory and practical exercises in the pool and open water. The course usually lasts from a few to several days and ends with a certificate.
Having an OWD certificate opens the way to further development in diving, allowing you to take specialized courses and advanced diving courses like Advanced Open Water Diver, which allows you to dive to depths of up to 30 meters.
How is the certification completing the OWD diving course?
The Open Water Diver (OWD) course is the first step into the world of scuba diving with a cylinder, providing the basic skills and knowledge necessary to safely dive in open water to a depth of 18 meters in the company of another diver. Upon completion of the course, the participant will receive an international PADI Open Water Diver or SSI Open Water Diver certificate, entitling them to dive in open water.
Here are the key elements of the course and how it is certified within the PADI organization:
- The theoretical part – is implemented by PADI eLearning, which allows students to learn at a convenient pace. At the end of this phase, students take a theory exam with an instructor to test their knowledge of diving safety and techniques.
- Pool activities – conducted at Deepspot. These classes focus on practical instruction in the use of diving equipment and basic skills, such as underwater breathing, buoyancy control and managing potential emergencies.
- Open water dives – the last stage of the course are practical dives, which take place partly in Deepspot and partly in open waters, such as Honoratka Diving Base near Konin. Students have the opportunity to test the skills they have learned in real conditions, where exercises are carried out at depths of 12 to 18 meters.
- Conditions for participation – the minimum age of the student is 12 years. The ability to swim is required, which is verified at the beginning of the course (swimming test). The course lasts about 20 hours, of which about 10 hours is practice in the water.
- Completion of the course – the participant must pass the theoretical part, pool exercises and four open water training dives to receive a certificate.
The OWD course is an intense but exciting experience that opens the door to further diving adventures around the world.
The OWD (Open Water Diver) course is Scuba Diving’s most commonly taken basic diving course
The OWD (Open Water Diver) course is extremely popular among novice divers around the world. Why? Here are the highlights of the OWD course:
- Versatility and accessibility – the OWD course is offered by many diving organizations, such as PADI, and SSI, making it accessible almost anywhere in the world. Whether you’re interested in diving in warm Caribbean waters or the cooler waters of Europe, the OWD course will prepare you for the experience.
- Basic skills and safety – the course curriculum focuses on teaching basic diving skills such as buoyancy control, equipment operation, dive planning and basic safety procedures. This comprehensive approach ensures that even novice divers can enjoy diving while feeling safe.
- Attractiveness of the certificate – OWD certification opens the door for divers to countless adventures underwater. With this certification, you can dive to a depth of 18 meters, allowing you to explore most popular dive sites without the need for additional certification.
- Development opportunities – the OWD course is only the beginning of the journey in diving. Once completed, divers have the opportunity to further develop themselves through specialized and advanced courses, such as Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) or Rescue Diver courses, which open up new, more challenging areas and diving techniques.
As a result, the OWD course is not only a gateway to the fascinating underwater world, but also a key step in every diver’s education, providing the solid foundation necessary for safe and responsible diving.
Other basic Scuba Diving courses leading to a diving license
There’s more to the Open Water Diver course! There are other basic courses that offer faster or more specialized options for earning a diving license.
- Basic Diver – is a short course consisting of one hour of theory, one hour in the pool and one hour in open water. This course is ideal for people who want to start exploring the underwater world, but don’t have time for longer training. The maximum immersion depth is 12 meters. Completion of the Basic Diver course can be counted toward more advanced courses, such as OWD or Scuba Diver.
- Scuba Diver (including SSI Junior Diver for those younger than 15) – this course is designed for those who are just starting out in Scuba diving. The training includes dives in confined waters under the supervision of an instructor and short dives in open water to a depth of 12 meters. It is a good choice for those who are not yet ready for the full OWD course.
- Referral Diver and Indoor Diver – both of these certifications allow you to dive to a depth of 18 meters after completing the appropriate training program. These courses are designed for people who want to start an OWD course, but for various reasons need to limit the time spent learning in open water. These courses include 10 hours of practical classes and 10 hours of theory.
Each of these courses offers a unique path of entry into the world of diving, tailored to the different needs and abilities of participants. Choosing the right course depends on your personal preferences, the time you can devote to training and your diving goals.
Deepspot dive center implements Open Water Diver course and other diving courses
Deepspot offers a wide range of Scuba Diving courses that are an excellent option for both beginners and more experienced divers. These courses are designed to provide not only the necessary knowledge and skills, but also to ensure safety and comfort while diving. The Dive Center’s offerings include: Scuba Divier ½ OWD course, INDOOR diving course ¾ OWD course or Deepspot Scuba Refresh.
Scuba Diving courses provided by Deepspot are a great way to start or continue your diving adventure. With professional instructors, state-of-the-art equipment and a unique location, every participant can feel safe developing their diving passions.
The diver during the course does not need to have his own diving equipment
When attending diving courses at the Deepspot center, students need not worry about having their own diving equipment. Deepspot provides a complete set of diving equipment that is necessary for both pool exercises and open water dives.
Deepspot supplies all equipment such as masks, fins, cylinders, breathing machines and wetsuits. This allows course participants to focus on learning and improving their diving skills, without the added burden of purchasing or renting equipment. This solution is especially beneficial for novice divers, who can first test different types of equipment before making their own investments.
The provision of equipment by Deepspot is also a guarantee that the equipment used is up-to-date, regularly serviced and meets all safety standards, which is crucial for safe and comfortable diving.
Prices for diving courses at Deepspot
Deepspot dive center offers a variety of diving courses for amateurs and professionals, with prices depending on the type and intensity of the course. Prices for scuba diving courses at Deepspot start at £449 for the first Scuba Diving and from £849 for specialized courses. The Open Water Diver (OWD) course at Deepspot costs £2999. For a full list of prices for the courses and services offered by Deepspot, including details of each course, visit the price list tab.
