PADI Open Water Certification Introduction

Why PADI Open Water?
As a certified PADI Open Water Diver, the most widely recognized and respected rating in the world, you have the freedom to dive with a buddy independent of a professional.

What do I need to start?
Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification. If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Open Water Diver program available.
Minimum age: 10

What will I do?
Throughout the course, you’ll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques. You earn this rating by completing five pool dives and knowledge development sessions and by making four open water (ocean or lake) dives.

How long will it take?
PADI programs are performance based. You proceed as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable for you.

What will I need?
PADI Open Water Crew-Pak
PADI Open Water Video or DVD
Log Book

Where can I go from here?
Continue the adventure with PADI’s Adventures in diving program, you next step in exploring the underwater world. Stop by your PADI Dive Center or Resort for more information on the PADI Adventures In Diving program.

Pirate's Cove Open Water Certification

Cost: Complete course including class, pool, text book with dive tables and four Open Water dive is $295.00. Students may elect to pay for only class and pool, which is $215.00. Open Water dives are then $100.00.

Textbook Knowledge Options
There are two options to complete the book section of the Open Water Course:
1) Sign up for a scheduled class at Pirate’s Cove (call 414-482-1430)
2) Sign up for PADI eLearning. To accommodate your busy schedule you can complete your book potion of the course online followed by the pool sessions and Open Water dives through Pirate’s Cove store. Call us about pricing.

Pool and Classroom
Session1: Orientation and chapter 1 of the text (pool optional)
Session 2: Chapter 2 and the first pool session
Session 3: Chapter 3 and the second pool session
Session 4: Chapter 4 and 5 and the third pool session
Session 5: Final exam and the final pool session

Open Water Checkouts After completing the pool and classroom portion of class you need to sign up for the open water training. Open water training dives will typically be scheduled on a Saturday and Sunday and will run from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Location: Lake Nagawicka, we meet at the beach house next to the boat launch. To get there from Milwaukee, take 1-94 West toward Madison, exit HWY 83 and head north. After you Pass the Nagawaukee Ice Center, you will pass the entrance to Nagawaukee Park on your left, take the next left, which will take you down to the boat launch area. If you pass a church on your right, you went too far. You will need to unload your equipment and park at the top of the hill, parking is $4.00 per day during the summer.

Times: We hold at least one open water class per month between May and October. This portion of the class will consist of 2 dives on a Saturday and 2 dives on a Sunday, typically, we will start at 8:00 AM and be done by 12:00 PM. You may receive a referral for completing your certification in other locations, i.e., the Caribbean.

Equipment: You will need to stop at the shop to be fitted for your wet suit and pick up your equipment the week before your open water dives. You will get a wet suit, hood, gloves, your BC and regulator as well as 2 tanks and a map to the dive site.