Open Water Diver Course SSI or PADI

Aspiring divers in Madeira, Portugal have two prominent options for their open water certification – the SSI and PADI open water diver courses. Both programs provide essential training in scuba skills, equipment usage, and underwater techniques. Culminating in four open water dives, graduates earn a certification that enables independent recreational diving worldwide. While the courses share similarities, there are some key differences between them that may influence a diver’s choice.

Key Points

• The Open Water Diver Course is offered by both SSI and PADI, providing certification for recreational diving up to a maximum depth of 18 meters/60 feet.
• The course takes place in Madeira, Portugal, and is priced from $379.72 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
• Theoretical and practical training cover diving physics, physiology, safety, equipment use, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures, culminating in four open water dives.
• Pickup and meeting options are available, with the activity ending back at the original meeting point, which is not wheelchair accessible but stroller and service animal friendly.
• The course is not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, and pregnant women are advised against participation, but most travelers can participate after consulting with healthcare providers.

Course Overview

The Open Water Diver Course is offered by both SSI (Scuba Schools International) and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), and takes place in Madeira, Portugal.

The course is priced from $379.72 per person. Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The course includes the use of scuba equipment, and offers meeting point or pickup options. The activity ends back at the starting point, the Whaling Museum of Madeira or the Complexo Balnear do Caniçal.

The course isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible and allows service animals.

Inclusions

Included in the Open Water Diver Course are the use of scuba equipment. This means you won’t need to bring your own gear – it’s all provided as part of the package.

The meeting point is at the Whaling Museum of Madeira, and pickup is available from the Complexo Balnear do Caniçal. At the end of the course, you’ll return to the original meeting point.

It’s important to note that the course isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, and infants must sit on laps. Otherwise, most travelers should be able to participate.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The meeting point for the Open Water Diver Course is at the Whaling Museum of Madeira, located at R. Garcia Moniz nº1, 9200-031 Caniçal, Portugal.

Alternatively, travelers can opt for pickup at the Complexo Balnear do Caniçal, Rua da Banda do Silva 19, 9200-039 Caniçal, Portugal.

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

The course isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers and service animals are allowed.

Infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available.

The course may not be suitable for travelers with certain medical conditions, but most can participate.

Health and Accessibility Information

Although the Open Water Diver Course isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller and service animal friendly.

Infants must sit on laps, but infant seats are available. The course isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with heart conditions or other serious medical issues.

However, most travelers can participate. Prospective divers should consult with their healthcare providers before signing up to ensure they’re physically fit for the demands of the course and the diving activities.

Reviews and Ratings

The Open Water Diver Course has an impressive overall rating of 5.0 based on a single review from Viator and Tripadvisor.

This review indicates the course has received excellent feedback from participants. The review has been thoroughly vetted, and its authenticity has been confirmed.

While the small number of reviews may not provide a complete picture, the exceptional rating suggests the course delivers a high-quality experience that meets or exceeds customer expectations.

Travelers can feel confident in the positive assessment provided by the lone but highly rated review.

Learning Objectives

Participants of the Open Water Diver Course can expect to master a range of essential scuba diving skills.

They’ll learn how to properly use scuba equipment, perform underwater breathing techniques, and execute basic dive maneuvers.

By the end of the course, divers will be able to plan and execute open water dives to a maximum depth of 60 feet.

Divers will be able to plan and execute open water dives to a maximum depth of 60 feet by the end of the course.

Trainees will also develop the knowledge and confidence to make smart, safe decisions while diving.

Through hands-on practice and expert instruction, students will gain the certification needed to embark on independent recreational dives around the world.

Certification and Prerequisites

To earn the Open Water Diver certification, participants must complete both theoretical and practical training.

The theoretical portion covers topics like diving physics, physiology, and safety.

The practical training involves confined water sessions and four open water dives to demonstrate essential skills like equipment assembly, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures.

Once participants pass the knowledge reviews and demonstrate the required skills, they’ll receive their Open Water Diver certification from either SSI or PADI.

This certifies them to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters/60 feet under the supervision of a certified dive professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Diving Certifications Are Required to Participate?

This Open Water Diver course doesn’t require any prior certification. It’s suitable for beginners who want to get their open water diving certification through either the SSI or PADI program.

Do I Need to Provide My Own Scuba Equipment?

The scuba equipment is included in the price, so you don’t need to provide your own. The course provides everything you’ll need for the open water diving experience in Madeira, Portugal.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Classroom and Pool Sessions?

The course includes classroom and pool sessions, though the exact time allocated for each is not specified. The description focuses on the overall experience, inclusions, and logistics rather than providing a detailed breakdown of the schedule.

Is the Course Suitable for Complete Beginners With No Prior Experience?

Yes, the Open Water Diver course is suitable for complete beginners with no prior experience. The course includes both classroom and pool sessions to thoroughly prepare first-time divers for their open water dives.

What Is the Student-To-Instructor Ratio During the Open Water Dives?

The student-to-instructor ratio during the open water dives is not explicitly stated, but the course is suitable for complete beginners, suggesting the ratio is likely low to ensure proper supervision and instruction for novice divers.

The Sum Up

The Open Water Diver Course in Madeira, Portugal, offered by both SSI and PADI, provides comprehensive training to aspiring divers. Participants learn essential scuba skills, equipment usage, and underwater techniques, culminating in open water dives. The program emphasizes safety and knowledge, enabling graduates to achieve certification for independent recreational diving worldwide. With a focus on skill mastery, the course prepares divers for exciting underwater adventures.