Open water ..

[Snoweman]

18m/60ft is a padi guideline not a rule after certification. only an actual rule for your checkout dives during the class.

According to my rescue instructor, the dive shop I used was liable for any problems once I passed 60' in my open water cert dive and first certified dive with them. I'm not a lawyer, and I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn, so I can't say if it's true or not.

 

[boulderjohn]

For PADI, the limit for the first 2 OW dives is 40 feet. The limit for dives 3 and 4 is 60 feet. The reality of the dive site dictates much of what actually happens. Here in Colorado, we don't have many places that will get you all the way to 40 feet, so that becomes the actual limit.

Once you are certified, no dive agency has the power to do anything other than suggest limits for your diving. A dive operator, on the other hand, can set limits for its customers. Many dive boats, for example, will not take you on a deeper wreck with only an OW certification.

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

18 meters (20 yards) / 60 feet is the limit. But you may end up doing your dives at 40 feet.

That's what I was told to expect (doing my OW dives the end of the month).

 

[Scarlett Williams]

Thank you everyone Obviously i feel a bit nervous to go to deep at first but im sure i will be fine i shall let you all know when im certified!

 

[Scarlett Williams]

Scarlett

I suspect, being based in Newport, that your dive school will use the NDAC in Chepstow.

There is a map here of the NDAC diving area.

The depth does change during the year, as the water level rises and falls. Theoretically, the maximum depth for you would be 16m, (20m being the maximum allowed for a PADI OW diver), this being the deepest section within your qualification.

Also, they won't take you directly to 16m (20m). The depth is increased progressively during your open water dives. Initially, you will probably start on the training platform, which means a theoretical depth of 6m.
If you are in anyway nervous about this, let your instructor know, and they will ensure a progressive increase in depth, within your comfort level.

Gareth

Yes it is going to be Chepstow Still have 2 pool sessions so it wont be for a few weeks yet, i am nervoud but im sure i will be fine Having some issues with equalizing at the moment as i can not hear any "pop" sound with my left ear but i will keep on trying

 

[ScubaSquatch]

Just did my OW this past weekend. Deepest dive logged was 27 feet. We could have gone deeper if we wanted too on dive four but my buddy was nervous didn't want to go down any further.

 

[BlueTrin]

Yes it is going to be Chepstow Still have 2 pool sessions so it wont be for a few weeks yet, i am nervoud but im sure i will be fine Having some issues with equalizing at the moment as i can not hear any "pop" sound with my left ear but i will keep on trying

Hey if you feel a bit nervous you can ask the diving school what is the plan for the dives and their depths.

I went to Chepstow earlier this year and it is really nice for an inland diving centre. They have showers (although I would probably get shower slippers if you plan to use them). It can get a bit chilly between dives if you don’t use a dry suit so make sure you get a towel and layers of dry clothes

I didn’t do my OW in Chepstow but my experience was that a lot of the OW skills are done on a platform underwater on your knees (like clearing a mask). So it is a bit easier and less intimidating as you are always facing a dive master or instructor.

 

[Kharon]

Most of my OW checkout dives were 20-30 feet with one (the last) to 60 feet. We were actually told that if our computer showed more than 60 feet we'd not get a card.

 

[DanielRJones]

Hey if you feel a bit nervous you can ask the diving school what is the plan for the dives and their depths.

I went to Chepstow earlier this year and it is really nice for an inland diving centre. They have showers (although I would probably get shower slippers if you plan to use them). It can get a bit chilly between dives if you don’t use a dry suit so make sure you get a towel and layers of dry clothes

I didn’t do my OW in Chepstow but my experience was that a lot of the OW skills are done on a platform underwater on your knees (like clearing a mask). So it is a bit easier and less intimidating as you are always facing a dive master or instructor.

Ndac is very good. You got a platform at 6m and 10m then most of the acmttractions on the top level are from 10-15m
Then for aow there is the large area that is 17- 24m.
Does a very nice breakfast changing rooms are clean and there is the bus to take you from the car park to the pontoon.

Who are you learning with

 

[boulderjohn]

I didn’t do my OW in Chepstow but my experience was that a lot of the OW skills are done on a platform underwater on your knees (like clearing a mask).

So sorry to hear that. I strongly advise divers to seek out instructors who do not teach skills on the knees. Ever.