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Open Water Diver

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Getting Started

We are excited that you are taking the plunge to become a certified SCUBA diver. We have a number of training opportunities for you to earn your Open Water Diver certification, all of which consist of the following training components:

  1. SCUBA Theory

    You will learn the theory related to the fundamentals of SCUBA diving, required equipment, and safe diving protocols. You will be quizzed on what you learned and a final exam will be administered to assess your knowledge.

  2. Confined Water (Pool) Training

    You will learn, practice, and develop proficiency in SCUBA skills in a controlled environment.

  3. Open Water Training

    You will demonstrate your SCUBA skills in an open water evironment (e.g., the ocean).
Age Requirements

You can earn a SCUBA certification as early as 10 years old!

Children ages 10 to 14 will receive a PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification.

PADI Junior Open Water Divers who are 10 or 11 years old may only dive with a PADI Professional, or a certified parent/guardian to a maximum depth of 40 feet. PADI Junior Open Water Divers ages 12 to 14 must dive with a certified adult.

Still not ready to dive in?
Join a Discover SCUBA class in our training pool to see if SCUBA is for you!

Training Options and Fees

Our modularized program allows you to customize your training experience to meet your schedule. Here's the breakdown of training opportunities:

  1. Weekender Program

    This is our most popular program! SCUBA theory and confined water training are completed in one weekend; open water training is completed the following weekend in the beautiful and exciting Monterey Bay.

  2. Dive Travel Program

    If you prefer to dive somewhere other than Monterey, join Any Water Sports on one of our exciting dive trips and complete your open water training while on vacation! All you have to do is sign-up for the trip of your choice and then complete the theory and confined water training within six months of departure.

  3. Referral Program

    This program is similar to the Dive Travel Program. You complete the theory and confined water training with an Any Water Sports instructor and then conduct your open water training with an outside instructor. If needed, we can help you find a qualified instructor at your dive destination.

  4. e-Learning

    The SCUBA Theory portion of training can now be completed online with PADI e-Learning! This is a great option for those with busy schedules.
    How it works:
    1. Fill out the PADI Medical Statement (also available in the shop). If you answer "YES" to any of the questions, you will need a release from your doctor before participating in any in-water activities. Please call us if you have further questions.
    2. Begin the adventure through e-Learning, completing the SCUBA theory portion of certification:
      PADI eLearning
    3. Stop by the shop and purchase the AWS e-Learning crewpack and personal gear.
    4. Review your e-Learning record with our instructional staff and set up your confined and open water training dives.

  5. Private Lessons

    We can fit your schedule... we can come to you... if you have a pool, we can even do the confined water training at your home! Call the shop for details.

Class Format

» SCUBA Theory and Confined Water Training sessions follow the same format for all AWS Open Water Diver programs:

Friday evening - Meet with your instructor(s) and fellow classmates from 6:30pm to 9:30pm for an orientation and classroom discussion. Important: Be prepared for the first class meeting. Make sure you complete all assigned reading prior to class!
Saturday and Sunday: Continue your training with additional theory (8am - 10am) and confined water (10:30am - 4pm) training sessions.

» Open Water Training involves four SCUBA dives and one snorkel/free-dive and is typically completed over one weekend, two dives each day.

Training Fees
Weekender & Dive Travel Program
Materials and rental SCUBA Gear: $225
Instructor Fee: $100
Total: $325
Referral Program (Theory and Confined Water)
Materials and rental SCUBA Gear $175
Instructor Fee: $75
Total: $250
e-Learning
Full Class
Fees paid directly to PADI: $120
Materials and rental SCUBA Gear: $105
Instructor Fee: $100
Total: $325
Referral (Theory and Confined Water)
Fees paid directly to PADI: $120
Materials and rental SCUBA Gear: $55
Instructor Fee: $75
Total: $250
Private Lessons
Materials and rental SCUBA Gear:$225/student
Instructor Fee:
  • 1 student: $450
  • 2 students: $375 ea.
  • 3 students: $300 ea.
Plus an additional $40/hr for any time in excess of 8 hours.
Total: $225 + Instructor Fee
What's included, what's not...

Materials and rental SCUBA gear includes:
SCUBA Rental Package, PADI Open Water Diver Manual, logbook, dive tables, and certification (card) processing.

Not included in fees:
Personal Gear consisting of a Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Boots, and Gloves. See Preparation section for details.

Ready to Sign Up?

  1. Determine the training format you'd like to complete.
  2. Select an upcoming training from the schedule to the right »
    • Weekender Program - Confined Water, Theory, and Ocean. Ideally, these will fall on subsequent weekends, but we can work around your schedule.
    • e-Learning - Confined Water and Ocean.
    • Referral Program - Confined Water and Theory.
    • Dive Travel - Confined Water, Theory and Destination.
  3. Contact us to check space availability.
  4. Read the Preparation material and get ready for adventure!