Course OverviewThe PADI Open Water Course is not only our most popular course but the most popular scuba course in the world. It’s the first level of PADI Certification and as a certified PADI Open Water Diver you have the freedom to dive with a buddy independent of a professional to a maximum depth of 18 meters. If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, we offer a PADI Junior Open Water Diver course.The course covers all the essential skills of adapting to the underwater world, including dive equipment, buddy system, communication underwater and dive planning. Additionally, it also covers boat diving procedures, problem management, health in diving, breathing air at depth, special dive table and computer procedures, basic compass navigation, use of the dive tables, physics and physiology, skills development in confined and practical application of skills in open water training dives.Beginners learn to scuba dive through structured diving lessons. All our academics take place at our PADI 5 STAR CDC Dive Centre on the island, where our guests and students can enjoy our tropical surroundings chatting about all the wonderful creatures you will have spotted. We are the only operator at this location so our surroundings are non crowded. Our centre is also ideal for non diving family and friends.Throughout the course, you’ll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques. You’ll complete five knowledge development sessions, five confined water sessions and four open water dives.Fit To DiveYou don’t have to be super fit to learn, virtually anyone who is in good health and reasonably comfortable in the water can earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification. However you must complete the Fit To Dive questionnaire. At some point in the course, we’ll ask you to demonstrate the ability to swim 200 metres/yards without swim aids or 300 metres/yards with mask, fins and snorkel and tread water for about 10 minutes, but that’s about it as far as watermanship goes.Course ObjectivesTo overcome the general misconception of the underwater environment and the understanding of safety rules of diving using scuba.To apply the basic knowledge of physics, physiology and medical aspects as they are related to student diver performance in the water.To provide student divers with the basic knowledge of the purpose, features, types of equipment used during the course.To educate student divers in basic aquatic knowledge of the diving environment.Method of AssessmentKnowledge mastery is assessed using knowledge reviews, quizzes and final exam with a minimum score of 75%. Skills mastery is assessed by student demonstration of skill proficiency and competency in water.Junior PADI Open Water CourseThe junior open water course involves exactly the same training, however the child is certified to dive with a certified adult to a maximum depth of 12 meters until the age of 15 years when the certification can be upgraded at no extra cost.Your Safety is Our PriorityAt all times you are in safe hands. We pride ourselves on small group instruction with a maximum student to instructor ratio of 4:1 ensuring our clients get the very best of attention from the instructor. Safety is paramount, we adhere to PADI standards and procedures and HSE Guidelines. Our boats are equipped with marine radio, GPS & First Aid kits and our qualified snorkel guides always bring a life ring with them. All our guides are trained in Emergency First Response.Flying & Climbing After Diving According to our current PADI Flying After Diving guidelines – it is highly advised you should not go to altitude (this includes flying and climbing) within 18 hours when doing multiple dives. This means that the day after your diving program you can take a flight after 0930 hrs in the morning. Or you can choose to not take part in the afternoon dive and therefore take a flight after 0600 hrs in the morning the following day. Please note that since all our courses / programs last a full day there will be no refund offered for missed dives since you have the option to stay on the island or enjoy snorkelling and trekking activities.All Inclusive Rates!Our all inclusive price means that you pay one price which includes everything you’ll need for a great day out. That’s return boat transfers, park and jetty fees, activity equipment, refreshments – free flow water / tea / coffee and freshly cooked lunch. All programs last for the full day and our return boat transfer to the mainland is at 16:00. If you would like to leave earlier, this is classified as a private transfer and the cost is RM200.00 per boat. ItineraryCourse Pre-RequisitePackage IncludesPackage ExcludesThings To BringItineraryCourse Duration Three Days!This 3-day course is based on participants individual performance and ability to meet the course objectives. You must complete all the online academics which will take approximately 6-8 hours to complete before the start of your course. You will watch the videos on the island during the in-water training with us.Each Day Follows The Same Times.07:45 – Meet Downbelow staff & transfer by boat to Downbelow dive station on Gaya Island 08:30 – Welcome briefing & equipment selection (Day 1) 09:15 – PADI Course 12:30 – Lunch at our dive centre 14:00 – PADI Course 16:00 – Boat transfer to marinaAdditional information:1) Due to the course being performance based, finishing times may vary due to individual achievements. Additional charges may apply should a student diver need an extra day to complete the performance requirements to certify. 2) There is an RDP (Recreational Diver Planner) exam online. You have an option to either learn the RDP through the old-fashioned way (a table) or you can learn using a dive computer instead to plan your dives. If you opt the dive computer option, you do not have to complete RDP exam online. However, you will need to rent the dive computer at MYR 180.00 per unit, per person throughout the course.Course Pre-RequisiteMinimum age of 10 years old to enrol (10-14 year olds earn the PADI Junior Scuba Diver certification, and may dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres). Complete watermanship assessment: Tread water/float for 10 minutes without swim aids. Ensure you are “Fit to Dive” by completing the medical statement. Any “Yes” answer will require a doctor to complete the form.Package IncludesBoat transfers, park entry & jetty fees, guide/instruction, required learning materials, required certifications fees, equipment rental, and freshly cooked lunch with refreshments plus free flow of drinking water, coffee and tea.Package ExcludesAlcoholic or carbonated beverages, items not explicitly stated. Hotel transfers.Things To BringChange of clothes, sun lotion, sun cream, towel, personal toiletries, insect repellent, hat, personal medication
