Includes PADI eLearning, all required scuba equipment, pool training, four ocean dives, certification and student dive injury & evacuation insurance.
PADI Open Water Diver Course
Get PADI Certified in Sydney in 2 Days
Start your scuba diving journey with Sydney’s trusted beginner dive team — small groups, clear support and everything arranged for you.
Learn with a maximum of 4 students per instructor, step-by-step pool training and patient support before your ocean dives.
PADI 5-Star Centre 
Insurance CoverCan I do this?
Yes — no scuba experience is needed.
You just need basic water comfort, a 200 m swim and a 10-minute float or tread-water check.
Nervous is normal
Many first-time divers feel unsure before day one. We start in controlled water, teach one skill at a time and keep groups to a maximum of 4 students per instructor.
Medical made clear
Everyone completes a dive medical questionnaire before training. Doctor clearance is only needed if your answers require it.
Learn to Dive — Then Dive with Wild Seals
After certification, join a guided seal dive at Port Kembla with playful Australian fur seals and memorable local marine life.
Included $257 Bonus Value
Upcoming Learn to Dive Courses
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PADI 5-Star IDC • Free gear fitting • Local support
Simple 3-Step Path
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What Your Course Looks Like
Before the course
Complete 10–12 hours of PADI eLearning at your own pace, fill in your medical questionnaire and receive your course details.
Day 1
Pool training builds your core skills first, followed by your first ocean dive when conditions are suitable.
Day 2
Complete the remaining ocean dives at beginner-friendly Sydney sites and earn your PADI Open Water certification.
Seal Promo
Get Certified — Then Dive with Wild Seals
Free guided seal dive · value $257
Choose your bonus Single Seal Dive from one of these dates: 21 June, 27 June, 11 July, 1 August, 22 August, 19 September or 18 October.
- Dive with Australian fur seals at Martin Island, Port Kembla.
- Enjoy one of NSW’s most memorable underwater experiences after becoming certified.
- Select your bonus seal dive from the available scheduled Single Seal Dive dates.
- Subject to safe diving conditions, availability and scheduling.
- Transport to Port Kembla is not included.
Sydney’s Leading Dive Centre for Beginners
As the only PADI 5-Star Career Development Centre in NSW and winner of over 15 national dive industry awards, Abyss is recognised for excellence in training, safety and diver experience.
With more than 25 years of experience and over 40,000 certified divers, our team helps complete beginners become confident certified divers through small groups, patient coaching and clear pre-course support.
See Course DatesWorried About Breathing Underwater?
That is one of the most common feelings before a first course. You will not be rushed into the ocean without foundations. We begin with controlled-water skills, keep classes small and help you build confidence step by step.
- Maximum 4 students per instructor
- Pool skills before ocean dives
- Clear medical and water-comfort requirements
- Support before you book and during the course
Real Abyss Students
Hear From Two Newly Certified PADI Open Water Divers
Wondering what the course is really like? In this short clip, two brand-new Abyss divers share their experience of getting certified at Bare Island with our team.
- How nervous they felt before the course — and how confident they felt after.
- What surprised them most about learning to dive with Abyss.
- Why they recommend doing your PADI Open Water course in Sydney with us.
What’s Included
- Globally recognised PADI Open Water certification
- Comprehensive online PADI eLearning
- All required scuba equipment for your course
- Pool training and four ocean dives
- Student Dive Injury & Evacuation Insurance*
- Small group sizes — maximum 4 students per instructor
- Seal Promo: courses starting 1 June to 31 August include a free guided seal dive after certification, value $257.
*Policy sub-limits and excess apply while under instructor supervision.
Important Conditions
- Complete the PADI eLearning before your practical days
- Complete a dive medical questionnaire before in-water training
- Swim 200 m and float or tread water for 10 minutes
- A dive medical may be required depending on your questionnaire answers
- Wait 18 hours after diving before flying
- Minimum age 13 for standard group courses; ages 10–12 by private kids course
- Already bought PADI eLearning? Contact us — we discount it
- Seal Promo dive is subject to safe diving conditions and scheduling
What New Divers Say
⭐ Rated 4.9 stars average across 2,400+ reviews
After Certification
You’re certified — what should you do next?
Your Open Water course is the start of becoming a confident local diver. Once you are certified, use Abyss’s goal-based diver development guide to choose the next course that fits what you want from diving.
Build confidence Improve buoyancy, control and comfort before your next few local dives. Dive more places See how Advanced, Nitrox and specialty training unlock more Sydney dives. Become a safer buddy Build awareness, rescue thinking and confidence to support the divers around you.
This is not about rushing into harder diving. It helps you match your next step to your confidence, goals and the type of diving you want to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Book
How much does the course cost?
The PADI Open Water course is $599 all-inclusive. It includes PADI eLearning, all required scuba equipment, pool training, four ocean dives, certification and student dive injury & evacuation insurance. If a doctor’s dive medical is required, that doctor’s fee is separate.
Can I really do this if I’ve never dived before?
Yes. The PADI Open Water Diver course is designed for complete beginners. We teach you step by step, starting with online learning and controlled-water skills before your ocean dives.
How long does it take?
Plan on 10–12 hours of online theory at your own pace, plus two in-water training days. Day 1 covers pool training and your first ocean dive; Day 2 completes the remaining ocean dives.
Fitness and Safety
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You do not need to be an athlete, but you must be comfortable in the water. The course requires a 200 m swim and a 10-minute float or tread-water check.
Do I need a dive medical?
Everyone completes a dive medical questionnaire before training. If your answers require doctor clearance, we will explain what is needed before your in-water sessions.
I’m nervous about breathing underwater. Is that normal?
Completely normal. Many first-time divers are nervous at the start. We keep groups small, begin in controlled water and teach one skill at a time so you can build confidence gradually.
Course Day Logistics
When do I get my PADI eLearning?
After your booking is processed, we send your PADI eLearning access and course details so you can complete the theory before your practical training days.
Where do we meet?
Your course details and exact meeting instructions are provided before your practical training. Courses normally start from Abyss Scuba Diving in Ramsgate, with ocean sites chosen to suit conditions.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towel, water, lunch or snacks, warm clothes and any required medical clearance. All required scuba equipment for the course is included.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
Ocean dives are subject to safe conditions. If weather or sea conditions are unsuitable, we will advise the best rescheduling or completion option.
After Certification
What certification will I receive?
On successful completion, you earn the PADI Open Water Diver certification, the world’s most recognised entry-level scuba credential. It qualifies you to dive to 18 m with a buddy worldwide.
What should I do after Open Water?
Start with a goal that fits how you want to dive: build confidence, dive more places, become a safer buddy or plan a bigger pathway. Abyss’s Diver Development guide will help you choose the best next course without guessing.
How does the Seal Promo work?
Courses starting 1 June to 31 August include one free guided Single Seal Dive after certification, valued at $257. Once you are certified, you can choose your bonus seal dive from the following scheduled dates: 21 June, 27 June, 11 July, 1 August, 22 August, 19 September or 18 October.
The bonus dive is subject to safe diving conditions, available spaces and scheduling. Transport to Port Kembla is not included.
When can I do my bonus seal dive?
Your bonus Single Seal Dive can be booked after you have successfully completed your Open Water course. Available bonus seal dive dates are 21 June, 27 June, 11 July, 1 August, 22 August, 19 September and 18 October, subject to conditions and availability.
Can I ask a question before booking?
Yes. Call 02 9583 9662 or send us a course question.
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