Design Elements
A scratchpad of reusable sections / patterns.
Ultimate Day on the Water
Small groups, honest weather calls, and expert PADI pros. Reef, wrecks, or statue—we’ll match you to the perfect plan.
- All gear available
- Flexible rebooking
- 7am–11pm planning help
Certification Sections (Copy)
Training Journey Overview, Course Curriculum & Skills, and Open Water Training Dives.
Training Journey Overview
PADI Open Water Diver—complete eLearning, master pool skills, then make 4 ocean training dives over two days.
- Pre-StudyPre-Study
eLearning (self-paced at home)
Prior to your arrival in the Florida Keys you will complete the required academic component of the course. E-Learning is completed at your own pace from home on mobile phones, tablets, or computers.
- Day 1Morning Session
Confined Water Pool Training
Confined water training in the pool (communicating underwater, equipment assembly/operation, mask clearing, regulator breathing, buoyancy control, ascending/descending, equalizing, and emergency procedures).
- Day 1Afternoon Session
Open Water Check-out Dives 1 & 2
Travel by boat to the coral reef for your first 2 certification check-out dives. Complete assessment skills and dive for fun on both dives.
- Day 2Morning Session
Day 2 Morning Pool Training
Bring your experience from day 1 and continue to learn buoyancy control, additional emergency procedures, being a great dive buddy, and mastering your scuba gear kit.
- Day 2Afternoon Session
Open Water Check-out Dives 3 & 4
Complete your final 2 certification dives on the coral reef or shallow wreck. Both dives will include skill assessments both underwater and on the surface. Exploring the reef, looking for awesome fish, and having a life changing experience is expected on both dives.
Course Curriculum & Skills
A clear breakdown of what you’ll complete before arrival (eLearning), what you’ll master in confined water (pool), and what you’ll demonstrate during your open‑water training dives.
eLearning & Knowledge Development
Before you arrive, you’ll complete PADI’s self‑paced eLearning so your in‑person time is focused on coaching, skills practice, and real dives. The goal is to understand how scuba works, why we do each procedure, and how to plan safe dives with a buddy.
Topics you’ll cover
- Equipment basics & how your life-support system works
- Pressure, equalization, buoyancy and basic dive physics
- Breathing gas management and staying within safe limits
- Dive planning with tables/computer concepts and no‑stop diving
- Underwater communication, buddy procedures, and problem prevention
- Environmental awareness and responsible reef diving
How it helps in the water
- Arrive knowing the terminology and core safety concepts
- Understand how to plan a simple no‑stop dive with a buddy
- Know what to expect in the pool and on the boat
- Be ready for knowledge reviews and the final exam
Confined Water (Pool) Skills
Confined water (pool) sessions build comfort and muscle memory. You’ll practice each skill step‑by‑step, then repeat it until it’s smooth—so the ocean dives feel fun instead of stressful.
Setup & Safety
- Assemble kit, buddy check (BWRAF), and pre‑dive briefing
- Proper entries/exits and basic surface procedures
- Hand signals and underwater communication
Core In‑Water Skills
- Regulator recovery & alternate air source use
- Mask clearing and full/partial removal & replacement
- Finning, trim, and controlled ascents/descents
Buoyancy & Control
- Weighting checks and neutral buoyancy fundamentals
- Hovering and breath control
- Positioning and propulsion to protect the reef
Problem Management
- Out‑of‑air and buddy air‑sharing procedures
- Basic emergency procedures and staying calm under stress
- Surface signaling and safe diver habits
Open Water Training Dives (4)
Your four open‑water training dives are where everything comes together. You’ll demonstrate required skills and also spend real time exploring Key Largo’s reefs with your instructor supervising and coaching.
Training Dive 1
Training Dive 1 — Comfort & Fundamentals
Get comfortable in the ocean, practice core skills, and build confidence while you start exploring the reef.
- Equipment setup, buddy check, and controlled entry
- Mask and regulator skills in open water
- Buoyancy checks and basic underwater movement
Training Dive 2
Training Dive 2 — Buoyancy, Navigation & Buddy Skills
Refine buoyancy and learn to stay oriented, communicate, and handle small issues while diving.
- Neutral buoyancy practice while swimming
- Natural navigation and/or compass basics
- Buddy positioning and situational awareness
Training Dive 3
Training Dive 3 — Emergency Practice & Refinement
Perform additional required skills and keep improving trim and control so you can dive relaxed.
- Emergency procedures and basic problem responses
- Ascents/descents with proper equalization and control
- Improved finning techniques and reef-friendly skills
Training Dive 4
Training Dive 4 — Confidence Dive & Final Sign‑Offs
Final performance checks, plus time to enjoy the reef with the confidence you’ve built.
- Remaining required skills and evaluations
- Dive planning habits (limits, air, and buddy checks)
- Controlled exit procedures and post‑dive debrief
Note: your instructor may adjust the sequence based on sea conditions and the group’s pace while still meeting PADI standards.
How you’re assessed
- Instructors evaluate skills to PADI performance requirements—not speed—so you can dive comfortably and safely.
- You’ll complete knowledge reviews, a final exam, confined‑water skill sign‑offs, and open‑water performance requirements.
- Exact sequencing can vary with conditions, but standards and required skills remain the same.
What you’ll be able to do
- Set up, check, and use scuba equipment correctly
- Maintain control: buoyancy, trim, and safe ascents/descents
- Communicate and dive responsibly with a buddy
- Plan no‑stop dives within your limits
What you earn
- PADI Open Water Diver certification (upon successful completion)
- Lifetime cert recognized worldwide (dive with operators globally)
- Training that prepares you for the next step: Advanced Open Water, specialties, and more