Getting your Open Water Diver certification is the first step to exploring the underwater world. Whether you’re looking to dive on vacation, explore your local dive spots, the Open Water course is where it all begins. But before you sign up, there are a few things you should know to make the process smoother, more enjoyable, and cost-effective.

What’s Involved in the Open Water Course?

The Open Water course is structured into three main components:

1. Knowledge Development – This is where you’ll learn the basics of dive theory, safety, equipment, and dive planning. Most of this is done via e-learning, allowing you to complete it at your own pace before getting in the water. You should expect to put in 12-15 hours into the e-learning component of the course.
2. Confined Water Training – You’ll practice essential skills in a controlled environment like a pool or calm shallow water. This is where you’ll get comfortable with the gear and build confidence in skills like buoyancy control, mask clearing, and emergency procedures.
3. Open Water Dives – You’ll complete four open water dives, demonstrating the skills you learned in confined water. This is where it all comes together, and you officially become a certified diver.

How Long Does It Take?

The full course typically takes 3-4 days if done all in one go. If you get certified on one of our trips, you’ll do the e-learning before the trip and once we’re on the ground the practical portion of the course takes 2.5 days.

Here in California the process is usually spread over several weeks and this can be extended further is the weather doesn’t cooperate. You should expect to spend 1 weekend in a pool doing your confined water skills and the next weekend at the ocean.

Another possibility is what’s called a “referral” certification. Here you’ll complete the e-learning and confined water training locally, then complete your open water dives on a trip. This is a good option if you want to avoid the cold water here in California, and speed up your course when you’re on vacation.

What Gear Do You Need?

Requirements vary by location. In warm-water resort-style destinations, all gear is usually provided. In colder water areas like here in California, you may be required to have your own mask, snorkel, boots, and gloves. Some shops even require fins and a computer. In my opinion a shop shouldn’t require you to purchase fins nor a computer to complete the Open Water course. These should be rentable items until you’re ready to make a more informed decision about what you would like. These are expensive purchases and in the beginning it’s hard to know if certain fins or computer will do all you need without a little experience. For example, our resident Divemaster Kristy was required to buy fins for her open water course. After only a few dives she realized they wouldn’t work for her, but since she used them in the ocean, the shop wouldn’t take them back. So those fins have sat in a bin for the last 5 years and we’ve not returned to that dive shop.

In a recent post “What Dive Gear To Get & When” I go into detail about what dive gear in what order, but just to reiterate the best starting point is to at least own your own mask and snorkel. Rental masks are often scratched, leaky, and poorly maintained. A personal mask that fits well will make a big difference in your comfort and enjoyment. If you’re serious about diving, consider getting a dive computer early on. Rent a few to get an idea of what’s out there. Talk with the instructors in your local dive shop, and read reviews online. Of course you can always email me and I’ll happily discuss gear with you. Ultimately, while you can rent one, it’s easier (and safer) to be familiar with your own.

Where Should You Get Certified?

Your certification is valid worldwide, so you can choose to do it at home or abroad. Each has its advantages:

• Local certification – If you get certified locally, you’ll be more prepared for real-world dive conditions, especially if you plan to dive in varied environments. If you can handle colder water and lower visibility, you’ll be comfortable diving anywhere. If you show up at a dive center in the tropics it’s not uncommon that those who got certified in cold water will be considered to have a higher skill level right off the bat as compared to someone who has only been diving in warm water.
• Destination certification – If you get certified on a trip, you’ll likely have warm, clear water and a relaxed experience. The downside is that when you come home and dive for the first time you might be a bit surprised by what cold water diving entails. For example great vis is about 20 ft in Monterey vs 100ft in tropical waters.

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices vary based on location, what’s included, and whether gear rental is required. In the Bay Area you’ll end up paying around $1,700 when all’s said and done. This includes travel expenses for a weekend in Monterey for the open water portion of the course.

Overseas it can cost far less. The difference in cost of living and wages in many parts of the world makes diving more affordable. In the Philippines paid $80 for a 3 dive boat which included lunch. In Hawaii, you might spend $100+ per dive. You should also do your due diligence when choosing a dive center abroad. Not all centers are created equal and you want to focus on finding a center with a good reputation for it’s quality of instruction.

By getting certified with Barbary Coast Divers on one of our trips you’ll get the best of both worlds for a reasonable price. You’ll get certified at a quality center that we’ve already vetted, we will be your instructors, and when you get home we’ll take you out and help you discover how great California diving is. We’ll always be available to help you with your diving needs long after you take a course with us.

What Happens After Certification?

Once you’re certified, you can dive independently with a buddy, rent gear, and book dive trips worldwide. But you’re not done learning. The Open Water course teaches you the basics, but real confidence and skill comes with experience. The more you dive, the more comfortable you’ll be. To quickly build skills and good habits consider taking an Advanced Open Water course soon after you finish your Open Water course. At the very least get our there and get some dives in as soon as possible. This helps solidify those skills you just learned.

In the beginning I suggest hiring guides from local shops to take you diving. These dive pros know the areas well and can show you a lot that you might have otherwise missed if you were exploring on your own. They’ll also know about any local hazards you’ll need to avoid.

Join a local diving group on Facebook. No matter your thoughts on FB, that’s where you’ll find the local goings on in the diving community. It’s also a great place to find used gear and get tips on diving locations.

Final Thoughts

Getting certified is a straightforward process, but a little preparation goes a long way. Choose your training location wisely, invest in the right gear, and focus on learning rather than just getting through the course. If you have any questions about getting certified or need help choosing gear, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help. I hope to have you on one of our trips soon!