Student Divers studyingNow 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. If you already tried a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience or are PADI Scuba Diver certified, check with your instructor to see how credit from these courses may apply to the open water program.

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. You must be older than the age of 14 to begin the PADI Open Water Diver program. For those of you who are not above the age of 14 and would like to participate in the PADI Open Water Diver Program, then the PADI Jr Open Water Diver program is available to you. 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?
Throughout the course, you’ll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques. You earn this rating by completing five pool dives and knowledge development sessions and by making four open water (ocean or lake) dives.

OW Crew PakHow long will it take?
PADI programs are performance based. You proceed as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable for you.

What will I need?

  • PADI Open Water Crew-Pak
  • PADI Open Water Video or DVD
  • Log Book

Open Water Class and Pool Training

2010 Schedule
There are 2 different start dates for each session. You may choose to participate in the course on either Tuesday or Wednesday nights.

January 19th or 20th 7:00 PM  - 10:00 PM
April 6th or 7th 7:00 PM  - 10:00 PM
June 29th or 30th 6:00 PM  -   9:00 PM
September 28th or 29th 7:00 PM  - 10:00 PM

The class meets one night a week for 7 weeks. The first 1˝ hours is academics and the second 1˝ hours is practical session in the pool.

All classes are held at Northwestern University's Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and Aquatics Center in Evanston.
 

The cost of this course is $300.00 ($250.00 for NU Students).
Included are textbooks and use of equipment.
Open water Training Dives are NOT included, details listed below.

Open Water Training Dives

After successfully completing your confined water and classroom sessions, you must complete four Open water Training Dives to receive your certification. We hold these training dives regularly throughout the summer season as well as on any of our dive trips.

Here in Illinois we do the training dives down at Haigh Quarry in Kankakee, IL.

The fee for Open Water training dives is $150.00 for all four dives as well as processing your certification paperwork. For those of you who are not yet purchasing all your own SCUBA gear we provide a special rental rate for all gear (except Mask, Snorkel, Boots, Fins and Timing Device) of $60.00 for both days. This includes a regulator (w/ alternate, pressure gauge and depth gauge), BCD, weights & belt, 2 tanks, wetsuit, hood and gloves. 

The fee DOES NOT include the entry fee for Haigh Quarry ($20 per diver per day) 

A $50.00 deposit is required to hold a reservation for a given weekend, and is transferable to a different weekend with at least 7 days notice.  Deposits are transferable, not refundable.

You must complete your Open Water Training Dives within 1 year of finishing your confined water and classroom sessions. If several months (6 or more) pass before you complete your checkout dives, we require you to take a Refresher course to prepare for the dives.

Click Here for Current Class Dates!
Call us at (847) 475-7946