How Long

3 Days

Requirements

No Requirements

Min. Age

12

Max in Group

4

Once you have completed the Open Water Diver course, you effectively have a license for life to dive at any Dive Centre in the world.

If you've always wanted to learn how to scuba dive, discover new adventures or see the wondrous world beneath the waves, this is where it starts. The Open Water Diver course is the world's most popular scuba course and has introduced millions of people to the adventurous diving lifestyle.


After just three days, you’ll be certified as an SSI Open Water Diver. This certification allows you to dive anywhere in the world, up to a maximum depth of 18 meters.


Before booking this course, be sure to check out our packages . ο»Ώ

SSI open water diver certification card, Aran Islands

The course consists of three main phases:

  • Knowledge Development – Complete engaging eLearning modules to understand the fundamentals of scuba diving.
  • Confined Water Training – Practice essential scuba skills in a safe, controlled environment.
  • Open Water Dives – Apply your skills while exploring the stunning Atlantic underwater world.

When you enroll in the Open Water Diver course, you’ll receive a comprehensive package that covers everything you need for your diving journey.

  • Digital Learning Access (available in many languages)
  • Full Scuba Gear
  • Certification Fee
  • Boat Dive
  • Student Insurance Cover
  • Digital Qualification Card
  • Swimwear and Towel
  • Warm Clothing

Day 1 (11:30 - 17:30)

Orientation + Knowledge Development + Confined Water Training

Day 2 (08:00 - 17:00)

Open Water Dives 1 & 2 + Knowledge reviews

Day 3 (08:00 - 15:00)

Open Water Dives 3 & 4 + Final assessments + Certification

Open Water Diver

Your first scuba certification – dive up to 18m worldwide.

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Advanced Open Water Diver

Expand your skills and dive deeper – up to 30m.

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Rescue Diver + React Right (First Aid/CPR)

Learn to prevent and manage emergencies, build confidence and safety.

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Divemaster Course

Step into leadership – guide dives, assist instructors, and start your professional career.

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Assistant Instructor Course

Build your teaching confidence and take the next step toward becoming a scuba instructor.

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Instructor Training Course (ITC)

Take the next leap – become an SSI Instructor and teach scuba diving worldwide.

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Popular Questions


Got the Question? We've got answers

Yes. SSI (Scuba Schools International) is one of the largest scuba training agencies in the world. Your SSI Open Water Diver certification is recognised globally and allows you to dive at any dive centre, just like PADI or other major agencies.

Absolutely! Once you’ve earned your Open Water Diver certification, you can join our Boat Fun Dives and Shore Fun Dives as a qualified diver. These guided trips are the perfect way to build confidence, log dives, and explore the Aran Islands’ underwater world.

After completing the Open Water Diver course, the natural next step is the Advanced Open Water Diver course, where you’ll gain more experience, confidence, and explore deeper dives.

On the first day, we'll dive to a maximum depth of 5 meters (17 feet). Days 2 and 3 will go no deeper than 18 meters (59 feet).

No, you don't need to be a strong swimmer, but you should know the basics and feel comfortable in the water in general.

No. All scuba equipment is included in your course. If you have your own gear, you’re welcome to bring it.

The Atlantic can be cool, but don’t worry, our high-quality wetsuits (plus boots, gloves, and hoods in cooler months) will keep you warm and comfortable.

The list is long... most popular are grey seals, lobsters, crayfish, many types of wrasse, cuckoo wrasse, dogfish/cat sharks. Also, if you're lucky enough, you can meet basking sharks or even a sun fish...

Visibility usually ranges from 5 metres (17 feet) up to 20+ metres, depending on conditions often surprisingly clear for the Atlantic.

Booking is simple. Just stay on this page, select your dates from the calendar, and confirm your spot online.

Related Experiences


Still looking? Take a look at this.

diver watching cat shark underwater, Aran Islands

Boat Fun Dive

Try Dive is a safe, life-changing experience, letting beginners explore the Atlantic for the first time.

two scuba divers with dive gear walking on the beach for scuba diving in inishmore, aran islands

Shore Fun Dive

New to diving or prefer no boats? Guided shore dives offer safe, fun exploration right from Inis MΓ³r’s coastline.

happy scuba diver underwater waiting during safety stop in clear Atlantic waters around aran islands

Advanced Diver

Earn your Advanced certification and dive to 30m, unlocking the Wormhole and other world-class dive sites.