PADI Scuba Diver vs. PADI Open Water Certification 2025
PADI SCUBA DIVER CERTIFICATION VS. OPEN WATER CERTIFICATION
Many people ask the question: What is the difference between PADI Scuba Diver and PADI Open Water Diver? Let’s have a look at the details.
The PADI Scuba Diver is a sub course of the PADI Open Water Diver course, but the first full scuba diving qualification is the PADI Open Water Diver certification. It is the base where all further training builds on and is right for most new divers.
So who may be interested in Scuba Diver instead of Open Water Certification?
If you’re short on time but really want to become a diver, the PADI Scuba Diver rating might be the right choice for you.
It opens diving to those individuals with time constraints, and those only interested in diving in guided tours led by a Divemaster or Instructor.
How long does it take to get an Open Water certification? See course details here: PADI Open Water Certification This course takes approximately four to six days, including the elearning.
How long does it take to get a Scuba Diver certification?
This course takes between two and three days. The PADI Scuba Diver course consist only of the first 3 knowledge development sessions, three pool modules and two open water dives.
What is the difference in the qualification?
PADI Open Water Divers are qualified to dive with a buddy, independent of supervision to a maximum depth of 18 meters/60 feet, while applying the knowledge and skills they have learned in this course, and within the limits of their training and experience. PADI Junior Open Water Divers (under 12) are only allowed to dive to a maximum depth of 12 meters/40 feet.
As an Open Water Diver you may obtain air fills, plan, conduct and log open water no-stop dives, and continue your dive training with the PADI Adventure Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver or Specialty Courses.
As a PADI Scuba Diver, you will be qualified to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional (Divemaster or Instructor) to a maximum depth of 12 meters/40 feet. You may obtain air fills, rent or purchase scuba equipment and participate in dive activities as long as properly supervised. Junior Scuba Divers have the same depth limitation.
The next step should be to continue dive training by completing the PADI Open Water Diver certification, and taking certain Specialty Diver courses.
Because the Scuba Diver certification has limitations, you should be aware that:
- There may be additional costs associated with participating in fun dives, as you will need to be under the supervision of a PADI professional.
- You'll have a restricted range of dive sites accessible due to depth limitations.
- Completing the course in two segments could result in higher costs; however, for some individuals, the extra time dedicated to skill acquisition justifies the expense.
HOW TO UPGRADE PADI SCUBA DIVER CERTIFICATION to OPEN WATER CERTIFICATION
When you are ready to upgrade your Scuba Diver Certification here is what you will need:
- Proof of SCUBA Diver Certification
- Proof of completion of chapters 4 & 5 in the PADI Manual or elearning
- Medical waiver complete with doctors signed approval if applicable PADI MEDICAL FORM
How to schedule:
Day 1: Pool session includes refresher of skills and PADI skills for open water dives 4 and 5
Day 2: Two tank ocean boat dives to complete PADI OW dives 4 &5
Cost:
PADI Elearning - $246 paid to PADI
Scuba Diver Certification with Kohala Divers - $615
Scuba Diver to Open Water Certification - $615