Open Water Diver
Certification Course
So, you're interested in becoming a certified scuba diver?
We've got you covered!
Below you can find more in depth information about our Open Water course. The boxes below can be used for faster navigation.
Classes can be scheduled ONLINE or via PHONE / IN PERSON.
The OPEN WATER Certification Course
is done in 3 Stages:
These stages must be completed in order.
Age Requirement: 10 years +
Note: all Certifications processed for ages 10 to 15 years old will be titled Junior Open Water Scuba Diver. Once the diver turns 16 years old, they can request to update their certification to Open Water Scuba Diver.
1. Online Education
(eLearning)
With the Online Education, you'll learn all about the fundamentals of scuba diving - including gear knowledge, dive safety & skills, and much more!
Note: This stage is completed on your own time at home. Plan accordingly.
2. Confined Water
(Pool Sessions)
Take the knowledge you've gained from your Online Education & practice your skills in a controlled environment.
The Confined Water process is a total of 3 separate pool sessions, each session focusing on select skills.
3. Open Water
(Quarry, Lake, or Ocean)
Finally, perform the skills you've learned from your Online Education & practiced during your Confined Water sessions, but in "open water conditions."
The Open Water Sessions are held over 1 weekend, a total of 2 days.
After the final day/skill is complete, you are Open Water Scuba Certified!
Our Prices:
Full Course / Parts 1, 2, & 3
$599
Training Only / Parts 2, & 3
$485
Referral Diver / Parts 1 & 2
$510
Before You Start Training:
You'll need to come see us at our store location!
1. Get fitted for your scuba gear (see what's included below).
2. Fill out our student folder.
3. Complete all forms, liability, & medical questionnaires.
4. Get you fitted for any personal gear you need (see what's not included below).
Use the boxes below to download any FORMS ahead of time:
All forms are good for 1 year - forms must be completed for each participant training with us.
WHATS INCLUDED:
Regulator, Tank, & Weights
Wetsuit & BCD
Hoods & Gloves (when needed)
Training Includes:
3 total Pool Sessions
2 total Open Water Sessions
WHATS NOT INCLUDED:
Mask & Snorkel
Fin Boots & Fins
If you have these items already, you are welcome to use them! If you need any of these items, we offer 10% OFF as a Student Discount.
1. Online Education
(eLearning)
Getting started with your Online Education is your first step to completing your certification. This takes an average of 6 hours to complete, and must be done prior to your scheduled Confined Water sessions. Online Education is consisted completed when the student passes the "eLearning Final Review."
Note: Scuba Certifications are photo ID's so you must upload a photo of yourself to your online PADI Account.
Gain access to your Online Education:
1. (Recommended) Purchase the entire Open Water Course with us & we'll send your eLearning to you - this option includes stages 1, 2 & 3.
2. If you have already purchase your eLearning separately from PADI, we can integrate that into your course. - Contact us for details. With this option, you will only owe training costs for stages 2 & 3.
2. Confined Water
(Pool Sessions)
Once your Online Education is completed, you'll be able to start your Confined Water sessions with one of our Instructors. This stage includes 3 pool sessions scheduled on 3 separate days. Each pool session has required skills that must be performed to standards in order to continue on to the next session.
After completing your final pool session & skills, you will complete the Open Water Diver Quick Review with one of our Instructors. This is the final check of your knowledge to get you ready for the open water, and is completed in person.
Scheduling:
Confined Water Sessions
First Saturday of each Month = Confined Water 1
Second Saturday of each Month = Confined Water 2
Third Saturday of each Month = Confined Water 3
The Open Water Certification is held each month in the summer. In the winter season, we can plan this for spring/summer or coordinate a referral diver option with you. When scheduling, you will choose which month you will complete your 3 Consecutive Confined Water Sessions within that month.
See our FLEX SCHEDULING for more options.
3. Open Water Sessions
( Quarry, Lake, or Ocean)
After mastering your scuba diving skills in the Confined Water, you are ready to participate in the Open Water sessions. In these sessions you will perform the same skills you performed during the Confined Water sessions, demonstrating your mastery under the careful supervision of our instructors. We can complete these sessions right in Pittsburgh at several local quarries, full of fish and interesting attractions - cars, boats, airplanes, and more! After completing your final Open Water session & skills, you will officially be an Open Water Scuba Diver, certified to dive as deep as 60 feet anywhere in the world!
These sessions are held from JUNE - OCTOBER.
OPEN WATER REFERRAL OPTIONS:
If you are interested in completing your Open Water dives somewhere else, see REFERRAL DIVER below!
REFERRAL DIVER
(Open Water Sessions)
If you have a scuba trip planned already, or if you're really looking forward to diving in that beautiful ocean, then being a Referral Diver might be the right choice for you!
Complete your Online Education, Confined Water Sessions & Quick Review with us - then finish your Open Water Sessions somewhere else, such as during an upcoming tropical vacation!
By choosing to be a Referral Diver, you accept full responsibility for finishing your Open Water Certification course. You are responsible for finding the facility & scuba instructor, and for paying their training fees to complete the dives. We can certainly provide recommendations —and, in many cases, connections— with dive operators we know in different parts of the world.
Once you've completed your Online Education, Confined Water Sessions & Quick Review, we will give you copies of your records as proof that you completed your course up to this stage.
Referral Pricing:
With this option, you are choosing not to participate in our Open Water sessions; therefore, our training price for the Referral Diver includes only stages 1 & 2—stage 3 is not included.
FLEX SCHEDULING
Courses & Classes
We understand it can be challenging to have consecutive Saturdays/Weekends available for training sessions. We provide a variety of scheduling options to better fit your schedule.
Flex Group = $749 Per Person
Executive Private = $999 Per person
Flex Group:
1. Perfect for someone who is unavailable for back-to-back Saturday training - spread your Confined Water sessions throughout multiple months.
2. Attend an already scheduled confined water session, based on where you left off in training (CW1 the first Saturday, CW 2 the second Saturday, etc.).
Executive Private:
1. Work one-on-one with an instructor throughout your entire course, making you the instructor's number 1 priority.
2. Instead of sticking to our Cycled class schedule, choose the Saturdays that work best for you!
3. Choose your instructor - we can select an instructor for you based on your availability, or you can choose to work with one instructor throughout your entire course.
If you need to make up a missed session, need an extra session to complete your skills, or if you're just wanting a one-on-one session, consider these options:
Private Make-Up (Pool Session) = $65 Per Person
Private Make-Up (Open Water) = $90 Per Person
Referral Pricing:
With this option, you are choosing not to participate in our Open Water sessions; therefore, our training price for the Referral Diver includes only stages 1 & 2 - it does not include stage 3.
How To Get Started:
Book now right on our website!!
Or feel free to reach out in person at our store location, over the phone, or via email to dive@splashscuba.com.
"The people that work at Splash went the extra mile to answer all my questions and I can't think of a negative thing to say about this establishment. Nothing short of exceptional.👍"
Bill W.