PADI Open Water Diver – Learn to dive in Berkshire

PADI Open Water Courses

Learn to dive by taking the PADI Open Water Diver course with the friendliest team of PADI Instructors and Divemasters. We are based in Maidenhead and teach PADI scuba diving courses in Berkshire and the surrounding areas.

Introduction to the Open Water Diver Course

The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular scuba diving course in the world and is your passport to diving adventures, near and far. Training is designed to be enjoyable and educational and is suitable for diverse learning styles for anyone from 10 years old! Our friendly, professional team will help you learn to dive in a safe and fun environment. The course is student centered so progression is at your pace.

There are three sections:

E-Learning – Yes, it’s theory but it’s fun too. You’ll learn about what we do, why we do it, and what to expect in the practical sessions.

Pool Diving – Referred to as Confined Water, you’ll practice swimming underwater and learn all the safety skills in a heated swimming pool. You’ll build your skill set gradually in this comfortable environment ready for Open Water.

Open Water Diving – you’ll get to dive, swim underwater and practice the skills you’ve learnt in a lake or the ocean. After four dives you’ll have completed your Open Water Diver course ready to dive anywhere in the world with your PADI certification!

The Open Water Diver course is modular so you can complete some or all of the sections with us. The two most popular options are:

E-Learning and pool dives – complete these sections here in the UK, then complete your open water dives on holiday. (Open Water Referral)
Full Open Water Diver course – complete the whole course here with the Scubacrew team and be ready to dive as a certified diver on holiday or here in the UK.

Open Water Diver Course Frequently Asked Questions

What does certification allow me to do?

The PADI Open Water Diver certification allows you to dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres with another qualified diver. As a new diver, you may choose to dive with a dive guide, especially if you’re diving somewhere new. You may prefer to progress to the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, designed for Open Water Divers to increase and diversify their experience.

Who are my instructors?

We are PADI Instructors and Divemasters, which means we have been trained and certified as scuba diving professionals with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and are current professional members who follow a strict code of conduct designed to put divers’ safety first, both underwater and at the surface. Read more about the team members.

What is a referral?

Referral is a term used when you complete part of your training with one instructor and are then “referred” to another. The most common type of referral is the Open Water diver referral where you complete the eLearning and pool work with us, then do your four dives on holiday. We’ll give you all the paperwork you need to take with you so that they can complete your training.

What is included?

Your course fees include training on the dates you choose, use of all equipment, and certification.

Are there any other costs?

If you complete the Open Water dives with us you will need to pay for your dive site entry for two days (currently £15/day) plus two air fills per day (currently £5 per fill).

We supply all equipment for use during the course, but if you prefer to buy your own mask, snorkel, boots and fins then we can help with that.

What are the medical requirements?

You will need to answer questions on the diver medical form. If some of the questions apply to you then you may need a physician to sign the medical form to allow you to dive.

Why do we teach PADI courses?

PADI is not only the world’s largest scuba diver training organisation, it also:

Includes the best training materials to make sure learning is easy, fun, and comprehensive.
Uses the most advanced instructor development process to train us, the PADI professionals, to teach you.
Provides extensive, top-quality customer support both to support us and you as a diver.
Champions ocean protection encouraging divers to become “torchbearers” for the marine environment.

What happens if I have problems with the e-learning?

Your course is linked to us so we are always on hand to help and guide you through. Any technical issues we will get PADI to assist us ensuring you have no difficulties.