PADI BASIC OPEN WATER COURSE
The PADI Basic Open Water course is designed for those who have always wanted to get scuba certified, and experience an entirely new world! This course consists of four sections: an online knowledge development section; an in-person orientation session; a confined water, skills practice section; and the open water checkout dives. Completion of this course will allow you to rent diving equipment, go diving with a buddy, sign up for boat and resort dives, and gives you the ability to explore the underwater world- worldwide!
COURSE DETAILS & SCHEDULE
This certification includes:
E-Learning (you must complete this work before your Orientation Session)
1 Classroom Session at Under Water Works (you will be fitted with pool gear and learn equipment preparation)
1 Pool Session at Eisenschmidt Pool in St. Helens (completed in 1 day or 2 weeknights)
1 Open Water Weekend in the Hoodsport, WA. (Disregard if completing a Referral Course)
Register online or in our store to secure dates for your Classroom Session, Pool Session(s), and your Open Water Weekend. Choose between the following dates (please note that the below list does not automatically update when a booking is full. Register online or call us to see all available dates.)
Orientation Session, 5:30-9:30pm
November 13, 2025
November 19, 2025
December 9, 2025
January 9, 2026
January 20, 2026
January 31, 2026 9am-12pm
March 10, 2026
March 12, 2026
March 24, 2026
April 7, 2026
May 14, 2026
May 26, 2026
June 9, 2026
June 16, 2026
July 2, 2026
July 20, 2026
June 9, 2026
June 16, 2026
July 2, 2026
July 20, 2026
Pool Session (choose 1 full day or 2 weeknights)
November 16, 2025. 8am -5pm (Sunday All Day)
November 30, 2026 (Sunday All Day)
December 14, 2025 (Sunday All Day)
January 11, 2026 (Sunday All Day)
January 21 & February 4, 2026 (Wednesday Evenings)
March 11 & 18, 2026 (Wednesday Evenings)
March 15, 2026 (Sunday All Day)
March 29, 2026 (Sunday All Day)
April 14 & 15, 2026 (Tuesday & Wednesday Evenings)
May 20 & 27, 2026 (Wednesday Evenings)
May 17, 2026 (Sunday All Day)
June 14, 2026 (Sunday All Day)
June 17 & 24, 2026 (Wednesday Evenings)
July 19, 2026 (Sunday All Day)
July 21 & 22, 2026 (Tuesday & Wednesday Evenings)
Open Water Weekend, Sunrise Motel, Hoodsport WA
February 7-8, 2026
March 21-22, 2026
April 18-19, 2026
May 30-31, 2026
June 26-27, 2026
July 25-26, 2026
COST
$630.00 Full Course
Includes: PADI eLearning course, in-person orientation session (step 1), pool session (step 2), BCD, regulator, tanks and weights for the confined session. Wetsuit, hood, gloves and above equipment are also included for the open water checkout dives.
$480.00 Referral Course
Includes: PADI eLearning course, in-person orientation session (step 1), pool time (step 2), BCD, regulator, tanks and weights for the confined water session. Referral paperwork will be provided to students within 48 hours of the confined water session.
REQUIREMENTS
Must be 12 years or older
Must be comfortable in water
Must be able to continuously swim 200 yards
Must be able to tread water for 10 minutes
Must fill out a medical and liability release. Some answers on the liability release will require a release from a physician prior to in-water activities.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
The following are Student Equipment & Expense Responsibilities
Pool Session (Step 2):
Students must purchase their own mask and snorkel.
Fins may be rented for $10.
Wetsuits may be rented for $30 (optional but recommended).
Open Water Dives (Step 3):
Students must purchase their own mask, snorkel, fins, and boots.
Students are responsible for all expenses related to the open water weekend, including but not limited to gas, food, accommodation, and two tank fills (approximately $10 each).
Important:
Please wait to purchase equipment until after the Orientation Session (Step 1) to ensure you select the correct gear. Discounted equipment packages are available for students enrolled in the Open Water course.
Students are responsible for their own gas, food, and accommodation for both the pool sessions and the open water weekend.
LOCATION
Pool sessions are held at the Saint Helens, OR Swim Center.
Open Water Dives are typically held along the Hood Canal, WA Area.