An Open Water Scuba Certification is your entry level requirement to actually go scuba diving. It allows you to dive 18 meters or 60 feet under water, looks superb on a CV and thus can increase your chances of getting a yacht job. Companies will certify you through one of two organizations Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or Scuba Diving International (SDI).

PADI vs. SDI

Both teach the same material though are geared towards different professions the further into courses you get. If you’re looking to potentially do commercial diving, then SDI is a better route for you. This includes underwater welding, bottom cleaning and marine photography. Whereas if you’re looking to become an Instructor, PADI is more recognized. Though you can still be an instructor through SDI, so really there aren’t many differences other than price. The PADI open water certification is about $80 more.

What To Expect

No matter where you take your course it should take approximately 3 days. The 1st day is dedicated to reviewing everything you learned during the e-learning session. The e-learning can be done at your own pace but must be completed before you take the in person class. It has pretty easy modules and takes about 2-3 days to complete if you slowly chip away. On the 1st day you’ll also get fitted to your scuba gear and practice basic techniques in the pool. The 2nd and 3rd day you will go out to an open body of water and complete 4 dives total typically 2 dives a day.

Aquatic Ventures

Kyle and I got our Open Water Certification down in Fort Lauderdale through the company Aquatic Ventures.

It was $450 total which included everything; gear rental, online course and classroom portion. Through Aquatic Ventures we too were gifted a 20% off coupon on gear after completion of the class. But wait there’s more! We then got a discount on the Advanced Open Water course after leaving a review of our Open Water class.

Quite honestly, Aquatic Ventures did a fantastic job teaching the course. My instructors Alex and Mo were very patient with those who had trouble. Yet at the same time, very understanding of everyone else’s time. All while making learning everything fun and exciting! You can definitely tell the owner Kary has spent a lot of time underwater. From his off beat jokes to his impressive diving background, Kary is actually a part of the team helping to develop, update and manage new scuba diving material specifically for SDI. Pretty cool! All in all, Aquatic Ventures do a great job of genuinely caring for their customers.

For our dives, we first went off the beach around 301 Perry Street Hollywood, FL. The reefs were alright and the waves were treacherous. Unfortunately the next dive got weathered out and we had to go to the lake, but it was super beneficial to get a murky water dive under our belts.

I’m glad we got certified through Aquatic Ventures. On the other hand, it would also be worth it to get certified in an area of well-known dive spots I think as well, like The Bahamas or The Keys!

Next Steps

After getting your Open Water Certification, your next steps are to take your Advanced Open Water Certification or begin technical classes like Nitrox, Rescue, Photography or Wreck Diving. Some of these you don’t need to actually do any more dives though more dives before hand more won’t hurt.

If you have the room but more so the money, it would be a good idea to start investing in your own gear as well.

Diver’s Direct is a divers supplies retailer located right here in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It offers great prices, education, assistance and free shipping (on orders over $49, there’s always a catch).

Kyle and I are obsessed now and want to eventually become divemasters. One day we hope to find a yacht where we can take guests out on scuba dive excursions. Comment your favorite dive spots below!