PADI Theory: Studying for Open Water Certification
We dedicated the day to reading PADI's home-study materials for our Open Water Diver Certificate. While studying wasn't exactly thrilling, doing it on the beautiful island of Gili Air made it much more enjoyable.
Completing Our Diving Education
Five months earlier, we had started our PADI Open Water Diver course but hadn't finished it. Now in Gili Air, we were determined to complete our certification. We spent the day working through PADI's theory materials, covering everything from dive physics and equipment to safety procedures and underwater communication.
Study Session in Paradise
The theory component of the PADI Open Water course covers five modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to scuba diving
- Module 2: Dive equipment and how it works
- Module 3: The underwater environment
- Module 4: Diving skills and techniques
- Module 5: Dive planning and emergency procedures
Studying this material on Gili Air - with its white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters visible in the distance - certainly beat studying in a classroom back home!
Passing the Exam
After reviewing all the materials, we took and passed the PADI Open Water Diver course exam. The written test confirmed we understood the essential concepts of recreational scuba diving. We were officially ready for our two certification dives scheduled for the next day!
Beach Celebration
To celebrate completing the theory component, we indulged ourselves with a good dinner and a few drinks along the beach. The anticipation of exploring the underwater world was building - tomorrow we would put all this theory into practice beneath the waves.
Did you get your PADI certification? Where did you complete your Open Water course? How did you find the theory component? Any tips for nervous first-time divers? Share your diving certification experiences below!
PADI Open Water Theory
- PADI Open Water course includes theory (home-study or classroom), confined water dives (pool), and open water certification dives. Theory can be completed online via eLearning.
- Theory covers 5 modules: Introduction, Equipment, Environment, Skills, and Planning. Plan 8-12 hours for theory study. Take practice quizzes seriously!
- Pass the final exam (typically 50 questions, 75% to pass) before progressing to certification dives. The exam can be retaken if needed.
- Gili Air has multiple PADI dive centers. Popular options include Blue Marine Dive, Oceans 5, and Dream Divers. Compare prices and read reviews.
- Open Water certification in Indonesia (2018): $300-400 USD including theory, pool sessions, and certification dives. Prices vary by location and season.
- Full PADI Open Water course takes 3-4 days: Day 1 theory/pool, Day 2 pool, Days 3-4 certification dives. Some do theory at home to save time.
- Study tip: Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing. The skills you learn will keep you safe underwater!
- PADI certification is valid worldwide for life. You'll receive a certification card after completing all requirements. Digital cards now available via PADI app.
Note:
Completing the PADI theory was an important milestone. While the studying wasn't the most exciting part of our Gili Air stay, knowing we were one step closer to exploring the underwater world made it worthwhile. The real adventure would begin tomorrow with our certification dives!