What to Expect During Your Open Water Course at DiveUK

Learning to scuba dive is an exciting step — and knowing what to expect can make the whole experience far more relaxed and enjoyable. At DiveUK Ltd, we’ve designed our Open Water courses to be structured, supportive, and confidence-building from start to finish.

Whether you choose our 4-day Open Water course or our 2-day Intensive option, here’s exactly how your journey into scuba diving will unfold.

Booking Your Course & eLearning

The first step is simple — head to our website and book your preferred Open Water course on dates that suit you.

Once booked, you’ll receive:

A booking confirmation

Your Open Water eLearning within 24 hours

The eLearning takes around 5 hours to complete and must be finished before the practical sessions begin. It covers:

Core dive theory

Equipment knowledge

Essential safety principles

This ensures that when you arrive at the dive centre, you’re already familiar with the basics and on the same page as your instructor — allowing us to focus on hands-on learning and in-water skills.

The 4-Day Open Water Course

Our 4-day course is ideal if you want a steady, confidence-building learning pace.

Day 1 & 2 – Pool Training & Foundations

You’ll start each course by arriving at the dive centre where we will:

Complete required paperwork

Review your eLearning together (not a pass or fail — just ensuring everyone is aligned)

Go through scuba equipment multiple times so setting up your kit becomes second nature

You’ll then move into our onsite heated pool — one of the key features that sets DiveUK apart.
Over two pool sessions across the first two days, you’ll practice a structured set of skills and drills designed to prepare you fully for open water dives.

Day 3 & 4 – Sea Dives

With pool skills mastered, you’ll progress to the ocean:

4 sea dives total

2 dives per day

Dive sites are selected based on conditions, but we always aim to get you into the best possible water. We’re fortunate to be located just 5 minutes from the sea, with access to some of Cornwall’s most exciting and varied dive sites.

The 2-Day Intensive Open Water Course

The 2-day Intensive course is designed for those who are short on time but still want high-quality training.

To ensure safety and learning quality:

We take a maximum of 3 students

Days are slightly longer

Start times are earlier than the standard course

Day 1

You’ll follow the same initial structure:

Paperwork & knowledge review

Kit and equipment setup

Complete all pool training in one day

After a short break to prepare equipment, you’ll head straight to the sea for your first open water dive.

Day 2

3 open water dives

Focus on confidence, control, and enjoyment

This course is fast-paced but highly effective, ideal if you’re motivated and well-prepared through your eLearning.

Your Qualification

Regardless of which course you choose, once completed you will:

Be a certified Open Water Diver

Be qualified to dive anywhere in the world

Have a maximum depth limit of 18 metres

Why Train with DiveUK?

We’re proud to be one of the very few dive centres in the UK that offers:

An onsite heated training pool

A location just 5 minutes from the ocean

Access to some of the best diving Cornwall has to offer

This combination allows us to deliver smoother training days, better progression, and a more enjoyable learning experience — whatever the weather.

If you’re ready to take your first breath underwater, we’ll be with you every step of the way, from your first pool session to your final sea dive.

See you in the water.