Scuba Diver

The PADI Scuba Diver course is a subset of the PADI Open Water Diver course. If you're short on time but really want to become a diver, the PADI Scuba Diver rating might be right for you—particularly if you expect to go scuba diving primarily with a dive guide. This course is an intermediate step for earning an Open Water Diver certification, if that's your ultimate goal.

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About the Course

Short on time but eager to dive? The PADI Scuba Diver course with Dive Nerd Outfitters is a great starting point—especially if you plan to dive with a guide. It covers the basics and serves as a stepping stone toward your Open Water Diver certification.

As a certified PADI Scuba Diver, you can:

  • Dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet.
  • Obtain air fills, rent or purchase scuba equipment and participate in dive activities as long as properly supervised.
  • Continue dive training by completing the PADI Open Water Diver certification and taking certain specialty diver courses.

To enroll, you must be at least 10 years old, able to swim, and in good health. No prior experience is needed—though you can start with Discover Scuba® Diving if you'd like to try it first!

Getting Started

Begin your underwater adventure with Open Water Diver eLearning – a flexible, self-paced course that lets you start your scuba training anytime, anywhere. With online access, you can study at your own pace and prepare for your in-water sessions when it works best for you.

Your Dive Nerd Outfitters PADI Instructor will connect with you to schedule your knowledge review sessions, confined water training, and open water dives. From start to finish, you’ll have support and guidance to make your journey into scuba diving smooth, fun, and unforgettable. PADI Scuba Divers have more knowledge and skills than Discover Scuba® Diving participants but are not qualified to dive independently. The PADI Scuba Diver course is (roughly) the first half of the PADI Open Water Diver course.

There are three phases: knowledge development, confined water skill practice and open water dives. During the knowledge development section, you'll learn scuba diving terminology, underwater hand signals, and other scuba diving fundamentals via PADI eLearning®. PADI eLearning gives you the flexibility to study at your convenience, online or offline using a computer or mobile device. After watching demonstrations of basic scuba skills, you'll practice them in a pool or calm water environment (confined water).

Get comfortable wearing scuba equipment and master underwater maneuvers before you start diving in the ocean or other large body of water (open water). When you're ready, you'll make two open water dives where you'll perform the skills you learned and enjoy guided underwater exploration with your instructor.

What's the difference between the PADI Scuba Diver course and the PADI Open Water Diver course?

The Open Water Diver course takes 4-7 days to complete and includes a minimum of four open water dives. Certified Open Water Divers are qualified to dive independently with a buddy. The PADI Scuba Diver course is shorter (only 2-3 days) and includes just two open water dives. PADI Scuba Divers are trained to dive only under the direct supervision of a PADI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor or Instructor to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet. Once you've successfully completed the PADI Scuba Diver course, you can upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver by completing the balance of the course.