Course Description:
The SSI OWD Certification Course at The Dive Academy is a comprehensive program with a focus on safety, skill development and fun! Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded the SSI Open Water Diver Certification Card, which is recognized worldwide! You will notice that we do not offer a "weekend warrior" course. This is because we believe that the skills required to learn scuba diving should never be rushed! After all, it's life support!
A Note About Junior Open Water Divers:
The OWD Certification Course is also available to youth aged 10 - 15. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded the SSI Junior Open Water Diver Certification and will be afforded all the privileges of an adult OWD with the following exceptions:
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Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a Dive Professional or Certified Adult
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Junior Open Water Divers aged 10 & 11 years are limited to a depth of 12m/40 feet
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Junior Open Water Divers aged 12 - 15 years are limited to a depth of 18m/60 feet
At the age of 15, Junior Open Water Divers may participate in the Scuba Skills Update Program. Once completed, their certification will be upgraded to Open Water Diver.
This course consists of 3 parts:
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Academics
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Confined Water Skills Training
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Open Water Check-out Dives.
Academics: The SSI Digital Training program were designed to allow students to study the theory of scuba diving at their convenience. Visit my.DiveSSI.com - register to create a new diver profile with SSI and affiliate yourself with The Dive Academy. You can do this anytime and preview some of the course material, even prior to enrolling in the course.
Your home study is followed by 1 gear fitting session 4 classroom sessions held at The Dive Academy. Our Professional Instructors will review all of the theory with you and prepare you for the online exam.
Pool/Confined Water Training: Our classroom sessions are followed by practical training at Queen Elizabeth Park Pool, located in in Oakville, (see map below). This is where you will develop your scuba skills in preparation for your Open Water Check-out dives.
Open Water Check-out Dives: To complete your certification, you are required to participate in 4 check-out dives where you will demonstrate your newly acquired skills in open water. There are a couple of options to choose from in order to complete your open water check-out dives.
Locally: During the warmer months, usually May – October, you have the option of completing your check-out dives with us at the Welland Scuba Park. These dives are generally held on one weekend, when you will complete two dives on Saturday morning, and 2 dives on Sunday morning, weather permitting.
Abroad: For those who would prefer to complete their checkout dives in warmer waters, we will provide you with a Universal Referral Form signed by your Dive Academy Instructor. Present this document to the instructor at your destination shop as evidence that you have successfully completed the mandatory classroom and pool sessions of the SSI Open Water Diver Course.
Note: The Open Water Checkout Dives are Sold Separately to accommodate both local checkouts and checkout dives abroad.
Prerequisites:
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Must be at least 15 years of age (age 10 for Juniors)
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Medically cleared to dive (if applicable)
Course Includes:
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Online Digital Program
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*Minimum 4 Classroom Sessions + 1 gear fitting session
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*Minimum 4 Pool/Confined Water Sessions
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Use of BCD, Scuba Tank, Regulator
* Why "Minimum"?
At The Dive Academy, we understand that it may take longer for some individuals to complete the program. If you need more time, you may continue to work with us as long as necessary at No Additional Cost!
Not Included:
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Personal Dive & Safety Gear (mask, snorkel, fins, boots, SMB & finger reel)
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Open Water Checkout Dives
Session Dates & Times
June 2025
June 14th - 1:00 - 3:00 - Gear Fitting and Equipment Overview
Classroom & Pool Sessions
June 21at - 10:00 - 4:30
June 22nd - 8:00 - 2:30
June 28th - 1:00 - 4:30
June 29th - 1:00 - 4:30
July 2025
July 5th - 1:00 - 3:00 - Gear fitting and Equipment Overview
Classroom & Pool Sessions
July 12th - 11:30 - 6:00
July 13th - 11:45 - 6:15
July 19th - 11:30 - 6:00
July 20th - 11:45 - 6:15
August 2025
Aug. 2nd - 1:00 - 3:00 - Gear fitting and Equipment Overview
Classroom Session followed by Pool Session
Aug. 9th - 11:30 - 6:00
Aug. 10th - 11:45 - 6:15
Aug. 16th - 11:30 - 6:00
Aug. 17th - 11:45 - 6:15
