Open Water - Dive Shop Pool
MEMORIAL DAY THRU LABOR DAY --
PADI Open Water Scuba Certification in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia & Delaware
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: 23950 N. Patuxent Beach Rd, California, MD 20619 | Phone: (443) 295-3225
This course is held at our on-site pool located at our dive shop in California, MD. Looking for the Leonardtown weekend courses? CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Availability: In Stock
How Open Water Scuba Certification Works
1. Knowledge Development
You’ll complete online learning at your own pace, covering dive theory, equipment use, and safety fundamentals before getting in the water.
2. Pool & Confined Water Training
In controlled pool sessions, you’ll learn essential scuba skills including buoyancy control, regulator recovery, mask clearing, and emergency procedures.
3. Open Water Checkout Dives
Your certification is completed with supervised open water dives where you apply your skills in real conditions under instructor guidance.
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
- Plan to dive locally in Maryland or while traveling
- Prefer structured instruction with experienced instructors
- Want a certification recognized worldwide
Minimum 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.