| Ever wanted to explore underwater caves? See a | | | | works, dive planning, navigation, breathing techniques |
| shipwreck close up? Swim amongst shoals of fish? | | | | and more, the theory part of the PADI course really |
| Navigate your way round a coral reef? If so then | | | | is designed to give the diver a thorough |
| read on, this could be for you... | | | | understanding of scuba diving. Another popular option |
| The PADI open water course is the standard training | | | | is to complete the theory test in the UK, and then |
| that many people choose to complete when learning | | | | go on to complete the practical part of the course in |
| to dive. It is internationally recognised and enables the | | | | warmer waters. This avoids spending precious holiday |
| diver to complete dives in any location in the world. | | | | time stuck in a class room. And who would want to |
| After completing the course, you will be competent | | | | do that?! |
| enough to dive in open water...as the title suggests, | | | | The practical part of the course puts into practice |
| and have enough knowledge to keep you safe. | | | | everything that has been learnt in the theory module. |
| There are many dive schools in the UK that offer | | | | To pass the practical test, a diver must demonstrate |
| PADI training, and you should be able to find a good | | | | that he or she understands the procedures involved |
| one in your local area without too much difficulty. | | | | and can dive safely. Covering areas including |
| Alternatively, most holiday destinations that are | | | | underwater swimming, ascents and descents, mask |
| known for scuba diving will have dive centres that | | | | removal, breathing and cramp relief; a diver should be |
| offer the training for people who wish to qualify in | | | | given a good overview of diving and come out of |
| warmer surrounds. | | | | the course feeling confident about his or her new skill. |
| The first stage of the PADI course is an in-depth | | | | The course costs usually cover equipment hire, |
| theory module covering all elements of diving from | | | | insurance, pool costs and instructor costs, so at this |
| equipment, technique through to the all important | | | | stage there is no obligation to lay out a huge amount |
| safety aspects. It is vital that before someone takes | | | | of money on equipment. Many people chose to |
| to the water, they have a good understanding of all | | | | undergo the PADI course as a good introduction to |
| the procedures involved. Explaining how equipment | | | | scuba diving, to see if it suits them. |