Open Water Diver

The IAHD Open Water Diver course is designed to teach people with physical or mental disabilities, the theory and dive skills needed to dive safely in an open water environment.

All exercises focus on correct and safe execution of the skills required to meet the learning objectives. Because all divers with physical or mental disabilities have varying levels of ability, each course is tailored to meet the needs of individual participants.

The IAHD “Open Water Diver” course is comprised of the following modules:

Theory Knowledge:
In this section, the trainee will learn how dive equipment functions and what the minimum requirements are. In addition, he or she will learn the effects of an underwater environment on the body and what the time and depth limits are, which must be adhered to in order to dive safely. Safety aspects, on the surface, at the waters edge and underwater are covered in detail.

Practical Skills:
In this section the trainee will, together with an IAHD Instructor, dive in a swimming pool or confined water to learn how to use dive equipment and how to behave in an underwater environment.

Open Water Skills:
In this section, the trainee will demonstrate that he or she can put all the acquired knowledge and skills into practice. Under guidance of an IAHD instructor in an open water environment, the trainee will repeat the skills that were learnt during the 'Practical Skills' section. The trainee will experience the freedom and weightlessness of the breath-taking underwater world.

Pre-requisites:
• Minimum 14 years of age;
• Competent swimmer (swimming diploma not necessary);
• Medical Statement approved by a physician (no more than one year old);
• Signed Certificate of Understanding.

Authorised to:
• Carry out non-decompression dives using scuba equipment;
• Dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres;
• May dive together with other divers (dependant upon the partner level).

Recognition:
This IAHD course is ISO 24801-2 certified. This means that this IAHD course meets the highest international standards for quality and safety.

For IAHD divers certified as a 'Confined Water Diver', there is a special IAHD "upgrade" course so that they can become an 'Open Water Diver'.