PADI Open Water Diver Certification Course
Discover a life-changing underwater world by earning your globally recognized scuba license in less than two weeks! Our comprehensive course at International Diving Centre takes you from absolute beginner to a confident, certified diver.
Learning to dive right here in British Columbia means you will build superior diving habits, thermal awareness, and excellent buoyancy control. This gives you the skills and confidence to dive anywhere on the planet with total ease.
The IDC All-Inclusive Value & Safety Difference
At IDC, we value safety above all else. We maintain student-to-instructor ratios well below industry maximums for personalized attention, direct supervision, and custom feedback.
No Hidden Gear Rental Fees! Unlike many shops, our course price includes full gear rentals (BCD, regulator, suit, tanks, weights), PADI eLearning, pool facility access, ocean instruction, and certification processing. We are the most affordable all-inclusive Open Water course in the Lower Mainland.
Course Highlights & Schedule
- Course Duration: 4 weekday evenings over two weeks, plus one full weekend.
- Time Commitment: Approx. 8–10 hours of self-paced online eLearning, followed by classroom reviews, pool sessions, and 4 ocean dives.
- Standard Evening Schedule (Sep–Jun):
- Classroom & Confined Pool: Monday & Wednesday evenings starting at 7:00 PM.
- Summer Schedule (July & August Dates):
- Classroom & Confined Pool: Starts early at 5:30 PM on Mondays & Wednesdays.
- Ocean Weekend: Saturday & Sunday starting at 8:00 AM at Whytecliff Park.
- Minimum Age: 12+ years old (10–11 year olds require approval for Junior Open Water).
- Course Difficulty: Beginner – no prior scuba experience required!
Get a Taste of PADI Open Water Diving
Detailed Course Curriculum
Part 1: Knowledge Development & eForm Registration
- Registration & IDC Online Learning Agreement: Once you purchase the course, you will receive an email containing a digital IDC eForm. Please complete this agreement promptly to secure your official spot.
- PADI eLearning Setup: Within 1 business day of submitting your eForms, you will receive an activation email directly from PADI to unlock your self-paced eLearning portal (approx. 8–10 hours of study including knowledge reviews, quizzes, and final exam).
- eLearning Completion Deadline: All online PADI study modules must be finished as instructed prior to the first Monday evening pool session.
- Diver Medical Questionnaire: Review the PADI Diver Medical Form in advance. If any condition flags a "YES", physician clearance must be obtained prior to the first day of in-person training.
Part 2: Classroom Theory & Heated Pool Training
Pool sessions take place in a heated, indoor pool facility complete with change rooms, showers, and free parking. Classroom briefings occur at IDC prior to heading poolside to ensure complete comfort with equipment assembly and skill execution.
Evening Pool Night Time Breakdown:
| Course Stage | Standard Schedule (Sep–Jun) | Summer Schedule (Jul & Aug) |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom Knowledge Review | 7:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| On Deck & Gear Assembly | 8:45 PM | 7:15 PM |
| Suited Up & Buddy Safety Check | 9:15 PM | 7:45 PM |
| In-Water Pool Instruction | 9:30 PM – 10:30 PM | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Gear Disassembly & Departure | 10:30 PM – 10:45 PM | 9:00 PM – 9:15 PM |
Part 3: Ocean Weekend at Whytecliff Park (4 Dives)
The ocean weekend is where your skills come to life! You will complete 4 instructional ocean training dives (2 on Saturday, 2 on Sunday) at Whytecliff Park—a renowned Marine Protected Area near Horseshoe Bay. Max depth for training dives is 60 ft / 18 m (40 ft / 12 m for Junior Open Water).
- Friday Gear Pickup (12:30 PM – 6:30 PM): Students must visit IDC the Friday before their ocean weekend to check over, size, and pack their rental gear (including tanks and weight systems).
- Saturday & Sunday Arrival (8:00 AM): Arrive on time at Whytecliff Park. Each day includes thorough dive site orientations, briefings, gear assembly, 30-minute ocean dives, and post-dive debriefings.
- Saturday Tank Refills: After Saturday's dives, return to IDC around 2:00 PM to fill tanks for Sunday.
- Sunday Certification: Return rental gear to IDC by 2:00 PM, log your final dives, and complete your official PADI certification processing!
- Marine Life Experiences: Expect to encounter sea stars, sole, crabs, tube worms, plumose anemones, tunicates, and sea cucumbers—with occasional visits from curious harbor seals or giant Pacific octopuses!
Prerequisites & Swim Requirements
Scuba diving is accessible to anyone in good health with basic swim comfort. Prior to ocean dives, you must demonstrate the following water skills using any stroke preference:
- 200-Metre Continuous Swim: Completed without stopping (no time limit, swim goggles permitted).
- 10-Minute Float / Tread Water: Stay comfortably afloat in deep water without using swim aids.
What We Supply (Included in Course):
- PADI eLearning Online Course Access ($280 CAD Value)
- All Required Scuba Gear Rentals: BCD, Regulator Set, Dive Computer, Wetsuit, Hood, Boots, Gloves, Tanks, and Weights.
- Classroom Briefings & Heated Pool Sessions
- 4 Ocean Training Dives with PADI Instructors
- PADI Certification Fees & Digital eCard Logbook
- Free Parking & Locker Facilities at the store and pool
What You Supply:
- Personal Snorkeling Gear: You must supply your own Mask, Snorkel, and personal Silicone Regulator Mouthpiece for fit, comfort, and hygiene. (Available for purchase at IDC with an exclusive student package discount!)
- Personal Items: Swimsuit, towel, warm post-dive clothing, and a sense of adventure.
- Equipment Security Deposit: A temporary credit card authorization is required for rental gear taken off-site for the weekend. (Card is only charged in the event of lost or damaged equipment).
- Transportation: Students are responsible for travel to Whytecliff Park. IDC Rideshare Van seats are available for $15/day (departs IDC at 6:45 AM daily; advance reservation required).
Optional Course Upgrades & Specialty Pathways
Cold-Water Drysuit Upgrade (+$99.95 CAD)
Stay warm and dry year-round! Highly recommended for students who feel cold easily or dive between October and April. Upgrading gives you dedicated pool and ocean training in a drysuit.
- Drysuit + Advanced Open Water Promo: Complete your Open Water course in a drysuit, and enroll in Advanced Open Water within 3 months to receive your official PADI Drysuit Specialty Certification for just $100 CAD!
- Direct Drysuit Specialty Upgrade: Upgrade directly to full PADI Drysuit Specialty certification during your Open Water course for only $200 CAD additional.
Exclusive IDC Student Perks & Extras
- IDC's Bonus "5th Dive" (Over $100 Value): Receive a 50% discount on a full 24-hour gear rental package (including tank, weights, BCD, regulator, suit, and drysuit if upgraded) to be used within 3 months of graduation! Use it to join us on an organized Sunday Fun Dive.
- 10% – 15% Store Discount: Enjoy exclusive student savings on regular-priced, in-stock retail gear at IDC while enrolled in your course.
- $25 Referral Reward: Once certified, refer a friend to take their Open Water course at IDC and receive a $25 store gift certificate as our thank you!
