OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
About This Course
Successful completion of the Open Water Diver (OWD) course certifies you internationally to sport dive globally. Through the use of classroom sessions for SCUBA theory, skills training in local pools, and open water training in Sudbury’s many lakes, you will be guided by skilled and experienced instructors to be safe and comfortable in and under the water.
The Dolphin Aquatic Club has been certifying OWD candidates under the American Canadian Underwater Council (ACUC) since 1958. Your OWD training focuses on you becoming comfortable with handling SCUBA equipment, managing your buoyancy, troubleshooting problems, and being competent in your skills.
Further, as a member of the Dolphin Aquatic Club (seasonal membership included), you have access to our community of enthusiastic divers with thousands of dives and a rich history in training, exploration, and leisure. Membership includes unlimited air fills and free compressor operation training, weekly mentor dives to continue developing your skills, and many seasonal diving and social events.
Once certified, we encourage you to get involved in our dive community and expand your diving skills among friends! Find us on Facebook!
This course includes:
- Theory classes (classroom)
- Confined water skills training (pool)
- Open water checkout dives (lake)
2025 Open Water Diving Course Info
Cost: $550.00
Location: Howard Armstrong Recreational Centre in Hanmer
If you are interested in participating in the 2025 OWD course, please review and complete the following forms, and submit to Danny at dannygregoris@gmail.com.
We will be happy to discuss any further questions and will send a payment link via email, as spaces are limited. Payment of full course fees ($550) or a non-refundable deposit of $200 reserves a spot in the OWD course.
Pre-requisites
- Be able to swim non-stop for 200 metres
- Be able to tread water for 15 minutes
- Purchase of the following basic equipment (via the Dolphin Aquatic Club during the first class or any dive shop)
- SCUBA mask
- Snorkel
- Wetsuit Boots/thick wool socks
- Fins
- Weight belt with 4 to 8 lbs of weight (smaller individuals require less weight to sink)
NOTE: Information and sizing for dive equipment will be available at the first class. Expect complete equipment kits to cost between around $400-$500. The dive gear the Club sells can be viewed at Edge Dive Gear.
The Club will supply learners with filled air tanks, breathing regulators, and buoyancy compensation devices (BCDs) at no charge for use during the course.
Classroom Sessions
The classroom sessions consist of 9 theory classes covering the science, safety, and procedures of safe diving. These sessions are led by skilled diving instructors, who will help you understand and master the content. No classes will occur during long weekends or the March break. The classes culminate in a written exam covering dive theory, dive tables, and hand signals. Reviews of responses are completed with all students and rewrites are offered, as necessary.
Confined Water Pool Sessions
Confined water sessions consist of 6 pool sessions in a local municipal pool. Each week, you will rotate in small groups under the instruction of various diving instructors. They will work with you to develop your safety, comfort, and skills on SCUBA equipment in the pool.
Open Water Checkout Dives
The open water checkout dives occur in early June at Fairbanks Provincial Park. There are 4 dives in total: 2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. With close supervision, students are gradually exposed to cold-water diving. We will review content mastered in the pool in this new environment. Further opportunities to practice open water skills prior to certification are provided on an as-needed basis. Students will require the rental or purchase of a wetsuit for these dives.
Contact Us
Dolphin Aquatic Club
PO Box 21013
Lockerby Post Office
Sudbury, ON P3E 6G6