PADI Open Water Diver

The licence to dive anywhere in the world, to 18 m

The Open Water Diver course is the core, internationally-recognised entry-level certification and the one most people mean by "getting your diving licence." Over three to four days you cover the theory, practise skills in confined water, and complete four open-water training dives on the reef. Once certified you can dive to 18 metres with a buddy, rent equipment and join dive trips anywhere in the world — the card never expires. Egypt's warm, clear, current-light house reefs make it one of the best and best-value places on earth to learn.

What you’ll learn

• Dive theory: how pressure, air and your body interact
• Assembling and looking after your equipment
• Core skills — mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy — in confined water
• Four open-water dives on a real Red Sea reef
• Planning a dive and diving safely with a buddy

Who it’s for

Anyone who wants a lasting, worldwide qualification — from holidaymakers to future professionals. Children can start the Junior Open Water version from age 10.

Where to do it in Egypt

Dahab is a favourite for its calm, shallow shore-diving training bays; Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada add easy boat access and abundant house reefs. All three run the course year-round in warm water.

Common questions