Discover a world beneath the surface.
Learning to scuba dive opens the door to an entirely different world. Whether you want to explore reefs close to home or prepare for a dive vacation, the PADI Open Water Diver course gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to get started.
I offer private PADI Open Water Diver instruction, with personal attention and flexible options for completing your training. Rather than joining a large scheduled group class, you can work through your training at a comfortable pace. Complete all three phases with Barton Visions, or finish your open-water dives through a referral at your destination.
What does private SCUBA training cost?
Private PADI Open Water Diver training is $900 for the complete course, including all training equipment. You do not need to purchase a mask, fins, snorkel, or other scuba gear for your training with Barton Visions.
| Training phase | Price |
|---|---|
| 1. Knowledge Development (academics / PADI eLearning) | $300 |
| 2. Confined Water (pool training) | $400 |
| 3. Open Water training* | $200 |
| Complete private course | $900 |
*The $200 open-water training price applies when the earlier training phases were completed through Barton Visions. If you use a referral to finish elsewhere, the destination instructor or dive center sets its own open-water training charges.
You can begin with just the $300 Knowledge Development phase. This lets you get started with PADI eLearning before scheduling your in-water sessions.
The three steps to certification
1. Knowledge Development — $300
Start with the fundamentals: how scuba equipment works, underwater physics and physiology, dive planning, communication, and safe diving practices. PADI eLearning combines reading, video, interactive lessons, and knowledge checks so you can study on your own schedule.
To get started with Barton Visions, contact me to arrange payment and registration. PADI requires a unique email address for each student. Please provide each student's full name, date of birth, and email address so I can arrange eLearning access.
2. Confined Water Training — $400
After learning the fundamentals, you'll practice them in a pool or another controlled, pool-like environment. We'll work on equipment setup, breathing comfortably underwater, mask clearing, regulator skills, buoyancy control, communication, and the other skills needed to dive confidently and safely.
The goal is to develop and master the skills before moving into open water. Students who plan to finish their certification while traveling can complete these first two phases with me and then arrange an open-water referral.
3. Open Water Training — $200*
You'll complete four training dives, normally over two days, applying what you've learned in an actual open-water setting. These dives complete the practical portion of the PADI Open Water Diver course once all required skills and other course requirements are met.
Your dives may be arranged locally, as part of a suitable trip, or through a referral to another PADI instructor or dive center at a destination of your choice. We'll discuss the option that works best for your plans.
What do I need before I start?
Medical questionnaire — required before in-water training
Every student must complete the PADI Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire before entering the water for training. The questionnaire helps identify conditions that may require evaluation by a physician. A “yes” answer does not automatically prevent someone from diving; follow the form's instructions to determine whether medical evaluation and physician approval are required.
Download the PADI Diver Medical Questionnaire (PDF)
You can also find the medical form and other official paperwork on PADI's Forms and Downloads page. Please review the form early so there is time to obtain any required medical clearance before your water sessions.
Swimming & comfort in the water
You don't need previous scuba experience, but you do need to demonstrate basic swimming and water-comfort skills. PADI's Open Water Diver requirements include swimming 200 metres/yards without stopping (or 300 metres/yards using mask, fins, and snorkel) and floating or treading water for 10 minutes. There is no time limit on the swim.
PADI also has age requirements for student divers, with a junior certification pathway for eligible younger students. Contact me if you're planning training for a child or family group.
What if I want to finish my certification on vacation?
That's one of the most flexible parts of PADI training. You can complete Knowledge Development and Confined Water with Barton Visions, then take a training referral to a participating PADI instructor or dive center where you're traveling. Your destination instructor completes the required open-water dives and associated certification steps.
We can discuss timing and the referral process before you begin, so you know which parts you'll complete here and which you'll finish on your trip. Fees charged by another dive center are separate from Barton Visions' pricing.
Helpful PADI references
- PADI Open Water Diver course & eLearning overview
- PADI forms, including the medical questionnaire
- PADI scuba certification frequently asked questions
For training through Barton Visions, please contact me before purchasing eLearning directly so we can coordinate your registration and the training phases.
Ready to get started?
Tell me whether you want to complete your private certification training locally, get started with eLearning, or prepare for open-water dives on an upcoming trip. We'll work through the schedule, registration, medical paperwork, and next steps together.