• Cornish seagrass
  • Jellyfish in string weed
  • Pipefish in Kelp

SSI Open Water Diver

The Open Water Diver is possibly the most popular course in the world of scuba diving.

During this 3 day course, your Instructor will teach you the fundamentals and basics of diving, including equipment techniques, safety protocols and safety skills, both underwater and on the surface. The course is completed after completing a minimum of five confined water sessions and four open water dives, to a maximum depth of 18 meters. You will also have classroom based theory sessions and a final exam.

Upon completion, you will receive your first certification as an autonomous diver, which will allow you to dive anywhere in the world to a maximum of 18 meters! Congratulations!!

You can always register for the course in advance and you will receive all of the theory content online so that you can start reading and familiarising yourself with the concepts of diving before you even arrive to Cornwall.

Your Open Water Diver certification does not expire, and it is the first step to be able to continue training as a diver. Your adventures have just begun and now you have a wide range of possibilities and specialties with which to continue learning.

If you have already done a Try Dive, a Basic Diver, or have a Scuba Diver certification, find out about how you can upgrade them to obtain your Open Water Diver certification.

Discover Our Scuba Diving Packages

We offer a range of scuba diving packages to suit your needs and schedule, whether you’re just starting your underwater adventure or looking to build advanced skills.

Basic Package – £549
Begin your scuba diving journey with our Basic Package, which includes the foundational open water course. Ideal for first-timers, this package equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to get started in the exciting world of scuba!

Enhanced Package – £649
Take your experience to the next level with the Enhanced Package, including two additional open water dives from our dedicated dive boat. These dives are designed to build your confidence and skills, preparing you for deeper water and boat-based dives.

Flexible Package – £549
Perfect for individuals with busy schedules, the Flexible Package allows you to complete the course over evenings or weekends. Typically, this includes 6× 1-hour evening pool sessions followed by a weekend for your open water dives. If the regular 3-day course isn’t an option for you, this adaptable package ensures you don’t miss out! For bookings, please contact us directly.

Additional Options

  • Open Water & Drysuit – £675
    Combining the open water course with drysuit training, this package lets you stay warm and extend your dives, even in colder waters.

  • Open Water & Nitrox – £625
    Learn to use Nitrox safely to enjoy longer dives under water, perfect for those wanting to maximize bottom time.

  • Referral Diver Packages

    • Confined Sessions Only – £300

    • Open Water Sessions Only – £315

Explore the underwater world your way, with a package tailored to your needs. Choose your option and start your scuba adventure with confidence today! 🌊

FAQs

Please download a copy of the medical declaration form here.

Please note any answers ´yes´ on the second page will require a sign off from a doctor before we can go diving.

  • 10 years old

  • 1x classrom session before the course and 1x debriefing session after the course

  • 6x confined / pool sessions to learn all the necessary skills for open water diving.

  • 4x Open Water dives to certify

  • 18m / 60ft

  • 16 - 32 hours

    However we can tailor the course to your requirements such as a number of evenings over a number of weeks / weekends.

    The minimum amount of time we need for the course is 3x full days.

  • Fit to swim, and medical declaration as found on this page.

Continue Diving

  • SSI Deep Diver Specialty

    The SSI Deep Diving specialty allows you to descend to a maximum depth of 40 meters.

    SSI Deep Diver Specialty
  • SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty

    Buoyancy is the fundamental skill of diving and good buoyancy control is essential when progressing in your diving training.

    SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty
  • SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty

    Safer, longer and more frequent dives.

    SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty