OPEN WATER COURSE
LEARN TO SCUBA DIVE
Thanks to New Zealand Diving, the start of your underwater journey is closer than ever before. With two thirds of the Earth’s surface covered by water, our oceans, lakes, and rivers are crucial parts of our ecosystem, and foster their own dynamic world. And yet, for all this importance, we’ve barely broken the surface. You may have swum or snorkelled before, but now, with NZ Diving’s open water courses, it’s time to see the underwater world as it’s meant to be seen — from within!DIVE COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
What’s in it for you:
SDI’s open water courses plunge you into a bold new world. Giving you access to a dynamic underwater ecosystem, you will be treated to everything the sea has to offer; whether you long to swim alongside sea creatures or survey a sunken wreck. After you advance through theory learning and water training, you’ll complete stunning open-water location dives at local marine reserves, meaning that no matter which direction your deep-sea passion lies, it begins here.
DIVE COURSE DETAILS & INCLUSIONS
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
A reasonable standard of swimming ability is required for entry into the open water course, meaning candidates:
— must be able to swim ~200m confidently — must be able to tread water for ten minutes — must be over the age of 11
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:
Designed to deliver you with an entry-level certification, these courses cover all the necessary skills needed as a diver, including:
— Physics and physiology (buoyancy, pressure, air spaces, breathing)
— The aquatic environment (vision, light, sound, heat loss, tides, currents) — Equipment (selection, assembly, use, maintenance)
— Planning (location, gear, rescue and emergency procedures)
UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS
Diving is an adventure activity that includes risk to your person. Under New Zealand law we are we required to notify you of the following statement.
You accept that this activity inherently involves risks and potential hazards. The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to breathing compressed gas, marine traffic, marine life, decompression sickness, drowning, barotrauma, air embolism, decompression illness, dehydration, gas narcosis, malfunctioning equipment, ear problems, sun damage, hyperthermia, hypothermia, sea sickness, and adverse weather events.
These activities are run in the outdoors on the ocean, so may be exposed to sudden natural disasters such as, but not limited to Tsunami, Earthquakes, Slips Landslides or Rock Falls, or Volcanic Eruption. I am aware that participating in the activities offered by New Zealand Diving Limited can be hazardous even if they are conducted with care, control, and responsibility. You acknowledge that these risks could result in my injury (physical or mental) or even death.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please read our terms & conditions found on our website page, frequently asked questions before booking: https://nzdiving.co.nz/faq/
Sometimes our activities may have to be rescheduled due to situations outside of our control, such as poor weather. Please note we reschedule in such situations, as described in our terms and conditions.
Overseas participants are advised to carry travel insurance in case rescheduling is unsuitable.
All participants must be of good health and complete a medical declaration. This is available on our website: https://nzdiving.co.nz/faq/
All participants must be diving certified to dive on a charter or undergoing a diving course with New Zealand Diving Limited.
All participants must be able to swim a minimum of 200m, unassisted.
DIVE COURSE ITINERARY
Your underwater adventure starts here! NZ Diving has two options for you to complete your open water diving course.
Option one: Enjoy three jam-packed days designed to advance your diving skills. Your diving course takes place over 3 days mid-week so that you can complete the pool sessions and open water dives to ensure you master all the necessary skills for your internationally recognised certification.
Option two: Our evening and weekend course, where the confined pool training sessions occur over two evenings from 6pm, and the open water dives are held over two days at the weekend to ensure you master all the necessary skills for your internationally recognised certification.
We also run day courses during the school holidays for students.
You will need to complete the academic learning at home before joining the pool sessions.
WHAT TO BRING
While New Zealand Diving will provide all necessary diving equipment, you will need to bring swimwear, a towel, lunch/snacks, water, a change of clothes to each session and sunscreen (if required).
SDI Open Water Diver
COURSE DURATION
THEORY Online Study
CONFINED WATER 1 day
OPEN WATER 2 days
NUMBER OF DIVES 4 x open water dives