Open Water Compressed Course
This course is taught entirely over a Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Lake Pheonix Scuba Park & Family Campground.
PADI Open Water Scuba Certification in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia & Delaware
If you're time crunched and up for a challenge, our 3 day compressed course is for you. Please make sure to read the description entirely before commiting to this fast paced and intense class sylibus. Not for the faint of heart but every bit as fun!
The PADI Open Water Diver course is your entry point into the world of scuba diving. Southern Maryland Divers trains new divers from across the Mid-Atlantic with a focus on confidence, control, and real-world diving skills—not rushed certifications.
This internationally recognized certification allows you to dive worldwide and is ideal for beginners from Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Delaware.
Training Location: 1 Quarry Ln, Rawlings, VA 23876 | Phone: (443) 295-3225
Availability: In Stock
How the Compressed 3-Day PADI Open Water Course Works
This fast-track option is completely streamlined. You handle all registration and preparation remotely—email, phone, whatever works. No need to visit the shop beforehand. Everything you’ll do happens either online or at the quarry.
And yes, the course price includes everything: quarry entry fees, full gear rental*, tank air fills—the whole package. No hidden fees, no upcharges, no surprises.
1. Knowledge Development E-Learning
You’ll complete the PADI Open Water E-Learning course online learning at your own pace, covering dive theory, equipment use, and safety fundamentals before getting in the water. The average student takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete the course. **NOTE** The E-learning class MUST be completed prior to any in-water activity. Completion of this part is crucial to make the compressed course weekend work. There are no exceptions to this rule.
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2. Pool / Confined Water Training - Friday (All Day)
In controlled pool sessions, you’ll learn essential scuba skills including buoyancy control, regulator recovery, mask clearing, and emergency procedures. The average student requires roughly 8 hours of confined water, aka "pool" work during this step. While this can vary slightly, it is rarely less, and can be more to ensure mastery of skills before moving on to the next step.
Day 1 – Friday
We meet early at the quarry under a shelter to complete a quick review and go over waivers. After that, the entire day is dedicated to confined-water training in a designated shallow area of the quarry. This is the longest and most skill-heavy day.
3. Open Water Checkout Dives - aka "Checkout Weekend" - Saturday and Sunday
Your certification is completed with a minumum of four supervised open water dives where you apply your skills in real conditions under instructor guidance. These dives occur over a minimum of two days.
Day 2 – Saturday
Another early start. We kick off with a briefing and topside skills, then complete Open Water Dive 1. After a short break, you’ll move on to Dive 2. Following lunch, we knock out Dive 3 and wrap up with a final debrief. You’re welcome to hang out by the campfire afterward for some unofficial “Chapter Six” fun.
Day 3 – Sunday
We hit the water early for your fourth and final Open Water dive. After a quick debrief, we wrap up with graduation and class photos. Most weekends, everyone is finished before lunch. If you want more, we often offer optional bonus dives that can count toward your PADI Advanced Open Water certification.
Is This Course Right for You?
The PADI Open Water Diver course is designed for beginners with no prior scuba experience. It’s ideal if you:
- Want to become a certified scuba diver
- Have a busy schedule and welcome a challenge
- Can completely dedicate yourself to 3 full days of training
- Plan to dive locally in Maryland or while traveling
- Prefer structured instruction with experienced instructors
- Want a certification recognized worldwide
Minimum age is 10 years if age, medical requirements, and swimming ability standards apply. Our instructors are happy to review prerequisites with you before you enroll.
Training for Mid-Atlantic Diving Conditions
Scuba diving in the Mid-Atlantic presents unique conditions including cooler water, varying visibility, and changing weather. Our Open Water training prepares divers for real-world conditions they’ll encounter in Maryland, Virginia, and beyond.
This approach helps new divers feel comfortable whether they’re diving locally, heading to a quarry checkout, or traveling to warm-water destinations.
Open Water Scuba Certification FAQs
How long does it take to get Open Water certified?
Most students complete the course over several sessions. Timing depends on scheduling, online learning completion, and open water checkout availability.
Do you offer Open Water scuba certification near Washington DC?
Yes. We regularly train students from Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and across Maryland and Delaware at our California, MD location.
Do I need to buy gear before starting?
Personal gear like mask, snorkel, fins, and boots is recommended for comfort and fit. We’ll help you select appropriate gear during your training.
Questions about Open Water training? Contact us →
***The PADI E-Learning code portion of this class is NON REFUNDABLE once redeemed by the customer on the PADI website***