Open Water

Now is the time to dive into the PADI Open Water Diver course, the most popular dive program in the world! This is your ticket to a lifetime of intense adventure with PADI, the dive company that sets the standards in the global diving community.

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.

What will I do?
Confined water (pool) training is the first step toward a full PADI Open Water certification. All of the required pool and classroom training for recreational PADI Scuba certification can be completed, in most cases, in as little as one week. The course is broken into three parts to offer students the highest level of training combined with the utmost flexibility to fit into anyone’s busy schedule. The course consists of:

Home Study
Students will begin at home, at their own pace, by reading the PADI Open Water Course book and watching the accompanying DVD/Video. Students will complete the homework at the end of each of the five chapters of the book.

Classroom Work (one evening)
Students will be lectured by one of our PADI instructors only on the information they are having difficulty with or do not understand. Classroom work is on average a single evening or afternoon commitment.

Pool Sessions (one day or two full evenings)
Students will learn all water skills at our pool facility located at the McBurney YMCA, 125 West 14th Street, under the direct supervision of one of our PADI instructors.

What will it cost?
Please contact us for our latest pricing. 212.249.4534 or email at info@empiredivers.com

What happens next?
Upon completing your pool session, your instructor will provide you a Letter of Referral. This letter is your entry ticket to the final step in the process, the Open Water Dives that will complete your Scuba certification. Between May and October, most students choose to perform their Open Water Dives in the local area. Empire Divers regularly holds Certification Weekends at Dutch Springs, a Scuba amusement park just a short drive from New York City.  We also run a variety of excursions to Florida, the Caribbean and other exotic locations.

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