Yes, the PADI Open Water Diver course is designed for beginners and teaches all the essential skills to dive safely. The course includes both theoretical learning and hands-on practice in the pool and open water, so no prior diving experience is needed.

Feeling comfortable in water is important on your journey to becoming a scuba diver. The course requires you to swim 200 metres and float/tread water for 10 minutes as part of the entry requirements.

If swimming isn’t your strong suit yet, our PADI Swim School can help you build confidence before starting your scuba journey.

These activities are part of the Confined Water session and must be completed before your Open Water dives.

With the PADI Open Water Diver certification, you are qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres (60 feet).

The PADI OWD course is the beginner certification, allowing dives up to 18 metres, and is a prerequisite for the PADI AOWD course.

The PADI AOWD course builds on these skills, adding new experiences such as deep dives (up to 30 metres) and navigation dives. Explore the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course here.

The course typically takes 4 to 5 days. It includes (1) eLearning where you complete the theory session at your own pace, followed by a (2) meet-up with your instructor to review your theory progress and learn about the diving equipment at our dive shop.

You then (3) spend a day at the pool for skill-building, and (4) complete four open water dives over two days in a real-world environment.

Yes, the eLearning material provides the foundation for your diving knowledge. Completing it beforehand helps you understand the concepts, actively participate during the session, and better appreciate scuba gear when handling it for the first time.

Confined Water dives are essential to building your confidence and competence before moving to the open water. Here’s what to expect:

• Skill Introduction: Your instructor will demonstrate each skill.
• Practice and Mastery: You’ll practice until you feel comfortable and meet performance standards.
  

Once confident, you’ll move on to the Open Water dives, where you’ll apply your skills in real-world conditions. These sessions ensure you’re well prepared and safe to explore the underwater world (without an instructor)!

You need to complete a PADI Medical Questionnaire. If you answer “yes” to any medical conditions, a doctor’s approval is required before commencing with the in-water portion of the diving course.

No, even if you are a physician, you cannot sign your own Diver Medical form. A clearance from another physician is required.

Medical clearance from a physician is valid for one year. However, if you’ve been ill or injured during your course, a new Diver Medical form must be completed before resuming in-water activities.

Yes, we provide all essential diving equipment for your course, including:

• Mask,
• Snorkel,
• Fins,
• Buoyancy Control Device (BCD),
• Regulator,
• Weights,
• Scuba cylinder.

We do not provide exposure suits (e.g., wetsuits) or swimsuits for hygiene and personal comfort. Moreover, using your own personal gear ensures a better fit, allowing you to fully enjoy your learning experience.

• Swimwear – we recommend you wear your swimwear before you arrive.
• Large towel or towel poncho recommended to allow you to change on-site.
• Change of clothes.
• Drinking water to stay hydrated.
• Reef-safe Sunscreen – you will be in the water for up to four hours per session.
• Exposure suit – options include long-sleeved UV-protection rash guards and tights, and neoprene wetsuits for added warmth (from 1.5mm shortie to 3mm full-length suits).
• Dive gear – we will provide all necessary dive gear, but you may want to use your own for comfort (if you have any).
• Toiletries.
  

Yes, you can take the theory and pool training in one location (e.g., Singapore) and complete the open water dives overseas. This is known as a referral course and is perfect for those with limited time but who want to experience diving abroad.

Certification requires demonstrating mastery of all course skills and knowledge across the five Confined Water dives and four Open Water dives. While most students complete the course within the scheduled time, everyone learns at their own pace.

At The Submersibles, we tailor the learning process to your needs, ensuring you meet the performance requirements comfortably and confidently. If additional time or practice is needed, we can arrange extra sessions—more time in the water means more fun!

Your success is our priority, and we’ll work with you to help you achieve your certification.

Yes, once you've completed the Open Water Diver course, you're certified to dive anywhere in the world with a buddy.

You can also pursue further certifications, such as the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, to enhance your skills and dive to greater depths.

Diving insurance is not a mandatory requirement for enrolling in courses with The Submersibles.

However, we prioritise your safety and peace of mind during all courses, which is why PADI Insurance covers every student and crew member during course activities with The Submersibles. This coverage ensures that you are protected in case of any unforeseen emergencies while you’re diving with us.

Although PADI Insurance is included during the course, we recommend that you consider obtaining additional personal dive insurance if you plan to dive outside of course activities or for travel purposes.

This will provide added coverage for any diving-related activities you undertake on your own. For comprehensive coverage tailored to divers, we recommend DAN Insurance, which offers options for both Dive and Travel components. Learn more and sign up here.

At The Submersibles, your safety is our top priority, and we are happy to guide you on how to obtain additional insurance if needed.