As a PADI Professional, I am often asked by my non-diving friends and family about the best way to start their underwater adventures. With thousands of PADI Dive Centers and Resorts around the world and many different courses to take, it is important to understand the entry-level options available.
The PADI Discover Scuba® Diving and Open Water Diver programs will teach you how to be safe and have fun while you dive. Whether scuba diving is your life-long dream, or you’re curious to see what it’s all about, there’s an option here for you.
Discover Scuba Diving Experience
The PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD®) program is a short diving experience for adults and children aged 10 and up. This experience introduces you to the basics of scuba diving without certifying you as a diver. The DSD program is a single-day activity, so it is ideal for those interested in trying scuba but lacking spare time.
The PADI DSD program typically starts with a detailed briefing on the effects of water pressure, underwater communication, equipment use (like breathing through a regulator), and diving safety. Then, you’re ready to get in the water!
Once you’ve donned your gear, the Discover Scuba Diving experience involves confined water practice in a swimming pool or pool-like area. During this time, you will get to grips with breathing through a regulator and swimming efficiently in diving gear. You’ll also be shown a few simple skills from the Open Water Diver course.
When you’re ready, the second part of the DSD involves an (optional) open water dive. This will take place at an easy, shallow dive site where you’ll explore the underwater world with a PADI Professional at your side.
During the DSD program, you will become familiar with the use of basic scuba gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), dive gauges, and a scuba cylinder (tank). You will also receive information about how to become part of the PADI community upon completion of the program. Most importantly, you will build the self-confidence required to fully immerse yourself in the diving world through the PADI Open Water Diver Course
Open Water Diver Course
So you’ve completed a PADI Discover Scuba Diving program, and loved it! What’s next? To get certified, of course!
(Note: You do not have to complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience to progress to the Open Water Diver course. You can sign up for this course without completing any prerequisites.)
After completing the PADI Open Water Diver course, you’ll be certified to dive independently (with a certified buddy) up to 18m/60ft, anywhere in the world. This course is longer than the Discover Scuba Diving experience but highly informative and very rewarding.
The PADI Open Water Diver course is typically three to four full days, and consists of three key elements:
- Knowledge development, comprised of video lessons, knowledge reviews, quizzes, and a final exam
- Confined water dives in a pool (or pool-like environment)
- Open water dives in an open water environment (the ocean, a lake, etc.)
You’ll also learn how to assemble and disassemble your kit and how to care for it properly. Throughout both the confined and open water dives, candidates will master a series of essential skills, such as mask clearing, which a PADI Instructor will teach you step-by-step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Entry-Level Diving
Still have questions? We’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about entry-level diving below.
What if I’m nervous about diving? It’s normal to feel nervous! The PADI Discover Scuba Diving program is a great way to try diving in a controlled environment. Instructors are trained to help you feel comfortable and safe throughout the experience.
What if I can’t swim? Basic swimming skills are required for scuba diving. The PADI Open Water Diver course requires you to swim 200 meters/yards and tread water for 10 minutes. Non-swimmers can still enjoy a Discover Scuba Diving experience in a pool.
How much does it cost? The cost varies by location and dive center. The Discover Scuba Diving program is less expensive than the Open Water Diver course. Find a PADI dive center near you to see pricing.
What are the age requirements? The minimum age for both programs (DSD and Open Water Diver) is 10 years old. Divers eight and above can enroll in the Bubblemaker or Seal Team programs.
Do I need my own equipment? Owning personal gear, like a mask, snorkel, and fins, enhances comfort. However, for your first dive(s), you can always use rental gear provided by the dive center.
There’s nothing quite like breathing underwater for the first time. Ready to take the leap?
About the Author
Originally from the UK, Liz Wilkie has been working, writing, and diving her way around Asia, Australia, and Europe since 2010, and she is currently a PADI MSDT in Cyprus. She has trained in Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, and teaches the English language during the off-seasons. Find out more about Liz here and here.
