SSI Open Water Diver Course
The Open Water Diver course is the most popular entry‑level scuba certification program, designed to equip you with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to dive independently with a buddy. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone ready to explore the underwater world.
 
Online Learning
Begin your journey with interactive digital learning that introduces all the essential theory you’ll need, including:
Diving principles such as buoyancy, pressure, and breathing underwater
Equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Dive planning, safety procedures, and underwater communication
You can begin the digital learning as soon as you’re registered. It’s interactive, easy to follow, and completely self‑paced, allowing you to study whenever it suits you.
 
Confined Water Sessions
Once the theory is complete, you’ll move into the pool to practise your skills in a warm, controlled environment. Under the guidance of your instructor, you will:
Learn essential scuba skills such as mask clearing, regulator retrieval, and buoyancy control
Practise emergency procedures, including air‑sharing techniques
Build confidence through structured, supportive training
These sessions prepare you for your open water dives.
 
Open Water Dives
Your course includes four open water dives, where you will:
Apply the skills learned in the pool
Gain experience in real‑world diving conditions
Explore the underwater environment while practising safe diving techniques
This is where your training becomes true underwater adventure.
 
Where & When Your Training Takes Place
 
Pool Sessions — Wednesday Evenings
You’ll complete five pool sessions, each designed to build your skills progressively in a safe, comfortable setting.
Location: The Mount School, York
Time: Wednesday evenings, 19:00–20:30 (meet at 18:45)
This mid‑week schedule makes it easy to fit training around work and family life.
 
Open Water Dives — One Full Weekend
Your open water training takes place over one full weekend at one of our local dive sites:
Eight Acre Lake, North Cave
Capernwray Diving Centre, Lancaster
Across the weekend, you’ll complete four open water dives — two on Saturday and two on Sunday — giving you time to build confidence and enjoy your first real underwater experiences at a relaxed, comfortable pace.
 
What’s Included in Your Course Price
Your course fee includes everything you need to train safely and confidently:
Full digital learning materials
All pool sessions
All open water training sessions
All scuba equipment required for the course
Insurance throughout your training
A brand‑new mask and snorkel — yours to keep
 
Certification
Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll earn a globally recognised Open Water Diver certification, allowing you to dive with a buddy to a maximum depth of 18 metres (60 feet). This qualification opens the door to future training and worldwide diving opportunities.