The world's best known diving licence

Your next step is the Open Water course and when you've got your certification you will be a holder of the most internationally accepted diving licence.  This is a four-day course which you start by self-learning from your own copy of the PADI "Go Diving" Open Water Manual or you can use your computer and acquire the knowledge by e-learning.

You will be checked out on the five modules you have learned and then you will be taught the diving skills you need to go underwater safely and with confidence. This is usually in a swimming pool but can also be in the sea by the beach on one of our coral islands if conditions are right.

After  this you will do four open water dives in the sea. On dive number one you just go for a dive with your instructor looking and learning as you go. No testing required on this dive as you will be putting your new skills into practice.  On the following dives you will the rehearse  skills you learned in the confined water sessions in the pool.

Your sea dives will  train you to go to a depth of 18m (60ft) but you are a bit like a learner driver who has just passed his car driving test and has torn up his L plates.

The recommended way to continue to expand your skills and confidence is under the watchful of your instructor. You can do this by signing up for the Advanced Open Water course.

The cost of the PADI Open Water course, including all equipment and no hidden extras is 16,000baht.