Anyone aged 10 or above who can swim and is in good physical health (Health Quick Self-Check), may enroll in a PADI Open Water Diver course.

During the PADI eLearning theory sessions, you'll learn the fundamental knowledge of diving physics, diving physiology, dive equipment, diving environments and techniques, as well as the basics of decompression theory.

The confined water training takes place over one full day (or two half-days). Step by step, you'll practice and master essential underwater skills under the guidance of our highly trained PADI Instructors - skills that you'll later apply in real open water dives.

Next comes the real diving experience! During four open water training dives, you'll apply the skills you learned in the pool to real-world diving conditions.

Upon successful completion of all course components, you'll earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification, recognized worldwide and valid for life.

1. Complete PADI eLearning online prior to your scheduled pool session (approximately 5-10 hours).
2. Learn basic diving skills in the pool (approximately 6-8 hours).
3. Complete four required open water training dives (to be done over 2 days).

Full Certificate Course

• Qiandao Lake: 4,380rmb (Course Duration: 2 days)
  - Included: PADI eLearning materials, instructor fees, use of diving equipment, facility fees, dive insurance during open water dives, round-trip transportation from local hotels to the dive site, lunch on dive days, and 4 shore dives.
  - Not included: Accommodation and any items not listed above.

Referral Courses

• Theory and Pool Sessions: 2,980rmb (Course Duration: 1 day, either in Shanghai or Qiandao Lake)
  - Included: PADI eLearning materials, instructor fees, use of diving equipment, facility fees, and PADI referral form.
  - Note: The open water portion of the course can be completed at any PADI Dive Center worldwide.
• Open Water Training Dives Only: 2,480rmb (Course Duration: 2 days, PADI Open Water Diver knowledge and confined water training record required)
  - Included: dive insurance during open water dives, instructor fees, use of diving equipment, round-trip transportation from local hotels to the dive site, lunch on dive days, and 4 shore dives.
  - Not included: PADI eLearning materials, accommodation and any items not listed above.

Optional Extras

• PADI Open Water Diver course eLearning material: 780rmb

You may enjoy one of the following discounts (only one option can be applied):

• 5% off for 2-3 participants enrolling together.
• 10% off for 4 or more participants enrolling together.
• Special package price when enrolling in both the PADI Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses.

Option 1: Add us on WeChat (ID: leighchen001), complete your course payment, receive your PADI account, and log in to begin the self-study portion.

Option 2: Click the 'Sign Up' button below, fill in your information, and submit any questions you may have. We will contact you shortly by email or phone for further assistance.

• Is diving equipment provided during the course?
  Yes. All essential scuba equipment is provided during both the confined water (pool) and open water training sessions. However, you are welcome to use or purchase your own personal gear such as mask, snorkel, and fins. In general, the only items you need to prepare yourself are swimwear and a towel.
• Can I learn to dive if I can't swim?
  As long as you feel comfortable and relaxed in the water, you can learn to dive. The course includes two basic water skill assessments: a 200-meter swim or 300-meter snorkel (using mask, snorkel, and fins), and a 10-minute float or tread water. You don't need to be an excellent swimmer to join the course, but we strongly recommend taking swimming lessons and learning to swim confidently - it will make your future diving experiences safer and more enjoyable.
• Is diving dangerous?
  Like many adventure sports, diving has potential risks. That's why the PADI Open Water Diver Course emphasizes safety and conservative diving practices. Throughout the course, you'll learn how to prevent and manage potential risks, as well as how to handle emergency situations - helping you dive more safely and confidently.
• Will I definitely pass the course?
  Since the opening of Big Blue Diving, our course pass rate has been 99.9%. Only a few students have not completed the course due to personal reasons. The vast majority of our students complete their training smoothly and successfully earn their certification.
• When can I start the course?
  Big Blue Diving operates every day, so once you've completed the eLearning self-study portion, you can schedule your pool sessions at your convenience. You have up to 12 months after finishing your theory and confined water sessions to complete your open water training dives, though we recommend doing them as soon as possible while the knowledge and skills are still fresh.
• Can I pay the course fee in installment?
  Yes. For the Full Certification Course, you can pay 2,980rmb upon registration. The remaining balance can be paid before the open water training trip begins.

• How many students does one instructor teach?
  At Big Blue Diving, the maximum student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1, although most classes typically have 2-3 students per instructor to ensure personal attention and a comfortable learning pace.
• What if I can't finish the pool sessions in two half-days?
  Our schedule is designed so that most students complete their confined water training within two half-day sessions. However, if additional practice is needed, we provide extra sessions at 800rmb per half day until all performance requirements are met.
• Why is Big Blue Diving's course fee higher than others?
  Big Blue Diving has an outstanding reputation in the diving community - not only because our courses strictly follow PADI standards with no shortcuts, but also because our instructors are passionate, patient, and highly experienced. We ensure every student meets all required skills and becomes a competent, responsible, and confident diver.