Want to learn and get diving in hurry? Well, the PADI Scuba Diver Course should not be ignored. Often people jump straight at the PADI Open Water Diver Course but then realise they have not got enough time or they are not called Marty McFly. The PADI Scuba Diver fits in just nicely to this issue of time management problem. The course is basically the first 2 days of your PADI Open Water Diver Course, with lesser theory and fewer skills and dives.
What’s missing in my scuba diver course to open water?
On a PADI Open Water Diver course we have to study 5 sections of the PADI Go-Dive manual, but with the Scuba Diver option, we only need to do 3. Also, there are only 3 quizzes to do not 4 and no final exam. Cool! Furthermore, we only do a float test no swim test. You will do 3 confined water training sessions, not 5 and finally, 2 open water dives not 4.
Scuba Diver | What’s the downside to this?
Well, to be honest, there isn’t a downside. Your certification is restricted to 12 rather than 18 metres. And you have to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional. Considering most marine life is in the top 10 metres, and to start with you would like to dive accompanied by an Instructor or Divemaster anyway, its a win. Plus you spend less time learning and that in turn gives you more time to enjoy other life and diving adventures. And remember, in the future or during the course you can upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver just by doing the missing bits, which can be done in as little as 1 full day if need be.
So, what’s my itinerary looking like?
A typical day starts at 09:00 and finishes around 17:00 with one hour break for lunch, usually between 13:00 till 14:00. You can bring your own lunch or enjoy your lunch break at one of the restaurants in S’Algar. Please understand that all time is approximate, as each course has its own dynamics.
So, Can I do it?
- No diving experience necessary
- You can start this course as young as 10 years of age.
- You do not need to be an Olympic swimmer but you will need to demonstrate you can float for 10 minutes.
- In Spain, a medical certificate is required for certified divers wishing to dive or for students embarking on any scuba diving course that leads to a certification. You will need to have a letter or certificate endorsed by a doctor saying you are fit to dive. Information and a typical blank form can be downloaded here – Medical Certificate | Good to know
What’s included?
- PADI Open Water Diver Manual ‘Go-Dive’
- Recreational Dive Planner, looks like a crazy bus timetable but it’s really cool.
- All equipment hire for the duration of your course
- Insurance during the course
- Air fills
- Logbook
- Professional Team
- And once you successfully master all the skills etc. final certification.
What is not included?
- Cost of medical certificate
- Anything not mentioned above
- Dive computer
What do I need to bring with me?
- Swimwear and if you have a pair of inflatable armbands that would be cool.
- Towel
- Lyons/Mr. Kippling Battenburg Cake for your instructor
- Manual, bring your PADI Academic material every day
- The medical certificate or letter from your doctor.
- Packed lunch or funds to enjoy lunch at our preferred restaurant in S’Algar, the Pirata.
- Like all training courses, courses are paid for but certification is earned.
So, I have become a Scuba Diver, what’s next?
Well, it goes without saying you should be looking at upgrading to the full PADI Open Water Diver and we can help you with this too. Alternatively, just dive, dive, dive and get some experience and hours under water under your belt.