PADI • BAY OF ISLANDS • BEGINNER
YOUR FIRST BREATH. A WHOLE NEW WORLD.
Become a PADI Open Water Diver with patient instruction, pool practice and four ocean dives. Here’s exactly how your journey from complete beginner to certified diver unfolds.
4
OCEAN DIVES
18m
MAX DEPTH
3 days
IN THE WATER
GEAR
PROVIDED*
AT A GLANCE
No previous diving experience required. Complete your eLearning at home, then one pool-training day and two ocean-diving days. You’ll complete four open water dives and work towards a globally recognised PADI certification, with diving to a maximum of 18m for adult Open Water Divers. Course days may be spread across different dates; check the booking schedule before planning your visit.
WHAT HAPPENS, STEP BY STEP
STEP 01
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE • ELEARNING
After signing up, look out for your PADI access email. Work through scuba theory, equipment and safe diving practices at your own pace. Complete every knowledge-development section and the final exam before your water sessions. A tablet or computer makes studying easier. If you get stuck, call the team for help.
STEP 02
DAY 1 • BUILD CONFIDENCE IN THE POOL
Meet the team and get fitted for your wetsuit and scuba equipment. In confined water, practise setting up your gear, breathing underwater, clearing your mask, controlling buoyancy and emergency procedures. Your instructor guides you through the skills so you can build comfort before moving to the ocean. Follow the meeting time shown on your booked course.
STEP 03
DAY 2 • YOUR FIRST TWO OCEAN DIVES
Put your pool skills into practice with your instructor on dives one and two, to a maximum of 12m. Calm beach sites such as Matauri Bay or Putataua are typically used. Practise buoyancy, buddy communication and safe diving while discovering local marine life. Sites depend on conditions.
STEP 04
DAY 3 • EXPLORE & COMPLETE YOUR CERTIFICATION
Complete dives three and four, usually from Rika Maru in the Bay of Islands. Final dives may explore the protected Maunganui Bay (Deep Water Cove), with adult training progressing to a maximum of 18m. Certification follows successful completion of the required knowledge and skills, not simply attendance. Back at the shop, log your dives and celebrate your achievement.
GEAR SORTED. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED.
Bring your own mask and snorkel; the team can help you choose a comfortable fit. The course provides the remaining diving equipment, including a 7mm wetsuit, fins, boots, weights, BCD, regulators and dive computer. Enrolled students receive 10% off storewide, with 5% off computers and drysuits. Confirm any exclusions with the shop.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Read the terms, conditions and risk disclosure, and complete the medical and liability forms before booking. If your medical answers require a doctor’s clearance, arrange it before diving. You should be comfortable in the water: expect a 200m swim and a 10-minute float or tread-water assessment. Ask us about any concerns before committing. Adult Open Water training is for ages 15+; contact the team to confirm the right Junior course and depth restrictions for younger students.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Check available dates and the current price in the booking system, then choose a schedule that gives you time to finish your eLearning. Course days aren’t always consecutive. Nervous about your first dive, unsure about medical requirements or booking for a younger diver? Talk to us first. We’ll help you understand your next step.