what to expect on OW dive test?

[velocean]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here, and I'm not even a diver yet. I've been reading about it, and I know there is book work, pool work, then open water work required before getting certified.

Maybe this is a really stupid question, but I haven't been able to figure it out. Maybe I"m looking in the wrong places.

The thing I want to know is, what do I have to do in the open water part of the test? Like, specifically. Do I just swim around with my gear on? Are there actual things I have to prove I can do? Do different instructors do it differently?

I don't know any divers, but I've always been interested in it. I just wish I understood the test a little more.

 

[Dr Wu]

Did you ever see Full Metal Jacket?

It's sort of like that but underwater.

 

[velocean]

it's been a while since I saw FMJ, but I guess you're saying it's really freaking scary and hard?

 

[Kingpatzer]

It will be very straightforward.

For PADI the first dive is just a time to swim around and get used to being underwater. The next three dives you will perform the skills you learned in confined water in the presence of your instructor.

You might be a little nervous, since OW is a bit different than confined water, but it is nothing to worry about. Do your skills and enjoy the feeling of being under water and you'll be fine.

 

[CamG]

Greetings velocean and welcome to Scuba Board! First and fore most just relax and breath! It is awesome to be where you are right now! Let's just think about it a moment. My 11 year old daughter passed the academics only missing 4 questions and flawlessly performed the skills both in the pool and Open Water! It is not like it was described in the previous post.
You will have to read and answer a series of knowledge reviews, go over these reviews till you understand the material; take a quiz over the material to prove your understanding; once you have shown you are prepared take the test. This academic test time if you choose to do it in person takes about 4-5 hours. You can do this on-line now and it will go at the pace of your understanding not allowing you to progress till you pass each module. Either way you will be watching a video or video in combination to the online academics. By the time you are ready for the pool you have learned and reviewed the 18 skills to be a diver many times. It is not rocket science but actually very practical things that you are now prepared to practice the mechanics of being a diver in the pool.
Your pool training begins with the basic skills first then progressing. I am not going to describe those as they will be covered in your training. Once you have learned the skills and performed them to your instructors satisfaction then and only then will you progress to Open Water. Do not feel stressed if it takes another pool session, or two depending on the length of the sessions. Some do a 4-5 hour pool session others do several pool sessions in succession. Depends on the instructor. Take your time and master the mechanics of these skills for they will serve you well. Do not take any of these for granted as each has been refined to keep you safe underwater. This is how the risk of diving is managed and minimized by training and mastery of the 18 basic skills.
Open water is the final check out as you will perform the skills in a Open Water environment and demonstrate the ability to safely dive. Again this will be fully briefed before each dive; you will be told what skills will be done then usually get to practice dive "tour". Then upon the completion of the dive have a time of debriefing to evaluate and answer questions. You will know what to expect before each dive, if you do not ask questions till you do!
This Open water check out will take several days with a series of four dives that build your skill level up to diving on your own. This is not the end though of the training!
This is only the beginning! A good diver is a ever learning always evolving to be the best he or she can! Keep you skills sharp and they will serve you well and keep you safe. It is not rocket science and not to be taken lightly either. I think you have demonstrated that you will be a good student by asking the right questions in the beginning.
Do a quick search on finding the right instructor and agency to fit your needs and get started. Here on SB those topics have been discussed very well and some awesome material to read. Take your time and research the information then get on with the training, determine and commit to learning and you will be just fine!
Keep us posted on your progress.
CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!

 

[BrotherBear]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here, and I'm not even a diver yet. I've been reading about it, and I know there is book work, pool work, then open water work required before getting certified.

Maybe this is a really stupid question, but I haven't been able to figure it out. Maybe I"m looking in the wrong places.

The thing I want to know is, what do I have to do in the open water part of the test? Like, specifically. Do I just swim around with my gear on? Are there actual things I have to prove I can do? Do different instructors do it differently?

I don't know any divers, but I've always been interested in it. I just wish I understood the test a little more.

Did you ever see Full Metal Jacket?

It's sort of like that but underwater.

it's been a while since I saw FMJ, but I guess you're saying it's really freaking scary and hard?

DO NOT LISTEN TO WU...nice way to start out a new diver who is worried he won't be able to handle the tests...

It will be very straightforward.

For PADI the first dive is just a time to swim around and get used to being underwater. The next three dives you will perform the skills you learned in confined water in the presence of your instructor.

You might be a little nervous, since OW is a bit different than confined water, but it is nothing to worry about. Do your skills and enjoy the feeling of being under water and you'll be fine.

Straightforward is right, if you are at all comfortable swimming around underwater (snorkeling, fooling around in a pool, etc.) then this will NOT be difficult. The key is to relax and then relax some more. You will need to be able to take off your mask and put it back on...if you can do that on the surface and don't mind opening your eyes underwater you can do this skill, you will practice it in a pool.
You will need to clear your mask...can you exhale through your nose? Then you have this one knocked as well.
Take your regulator out and put it back in...can you clear a snorkel by exhaling sharply?

This is the level of stuff you will need to do, nothin is tough if you relax, pay attention, don't read too much into what you are taught...it really is as easy as the instructor is making it sound. Oh...and relax.

The toughest part physically is the swimming test...remember you can use any stroke and take as long as you want so take a couple of deep breaths, RELAX, take a couple more deep breaths, RELAX SOME MORE...and go do it. If you can't swim at all then go learn that first...if you can it's perfectly acceptable to do the entire test laying on your back doing a leisurely back stroke. Oh, and relax...it's going to be a BLAST (so long as you relax) :cool2:

I'm a new diver myself so this is all very fresh in my mind.

Oh, I think I forgot one thing...oh, yeah...relax.

 

[Dr Wu]

The toughest part physically is the swimming test...remember you can use any stroke and take as long as you want so take a couple of deep breaths, RELAX, take a couple more deep breaths, RELAX SOME MORE...and go do it. If you can't swim at all then go learn that first...if you can it's perfectly acceptable to do the entire test laying on your back doing a leisurely back stroke. Oh, and relax...it's going to be a BLAST (so long as you relax) :cool2:

Brotherbear's information is incorrect. There is no swimming test in the open water portion of the course.

 

[scubamama5]

Velocean, getting into Scuba.. breathing underwater...how cool is that??? Just being able to stay awhile underwater, with your own air supply..being gravity free?!! So many wonders right there, waiting for you to discover! Kingpatzer, CamG, BrotherBear..all have given great advise..(CamG..in great detail)
By the time you're ready for the Open Water dives...the hardest part of the dive.. will be putting on your wetsuit. Enjoy your class...as a Scuba Diver..you never do stop learning..that's a good thing

 

[velocean]

thanks everybody, this is really helpful - I have a better idea of it now ... but what happens if I can't relax? sounds like that might be the hardest part, if you're someone who can be edgy

 

[BrotherBear]

Brotherbear's information is incorrect. There is no swimming test in the open water portion of the course.

Technically correct but splitting hairs and only half the info the OP needs at this point. The swimming test may be conducted in the pool, pond, (pond would be good for you), lake or ocean as part of the confined water work rather than the OW...however it IS a test you will need to pass and does NOT need to be scary...if you relax. We wouldn't want to be setting up the OP for possibly unpleasant surprises now would we? .