Group Open Water
$1,099 per diver for groups of 2 to 4. Best for friends, couples, families, or small groups who want to train together.
Request Group DatesOpen Water Scuba Certification
Understand the complete training path, what is included, and what happens before you commit.
Best first step for new divers
You do not need to arrive knowing how to dive.
We begin with the fundamentals, repeat skills when you need more practice, and help you choose the group, private, youth, or referral format that fits before anything is finalized.
$1,099 group class
$1,199 private class
Flexible payment options
4-6 training dives included
Best For
New Divers
Students who want the full certification most dive operators ask for.
Families and Friends
Small groups, couples, and families who want to train together.
Travel Goals
Future travelers who want certification before local dives, resorts, or liveaboards.
What Happens Next
Tell us who is getting certified, when you are available, and whether you are leaning toward group, private, or referral training. We will reply with recommended dates, the best course format, payment options, gear needs, and the next step before anything is final.
Group or Private Open Water
Both paths earn the same SDI Open Water certification. The difference is how much individual scheduling and one-on-one coaching you want.
Private Open Water
$1,199 total for one-on-one instruction. Best for solo divers, busy schedules, extra coaching, or anyone who wants a fully personalized pace.
Request Private DatesYouth and Family Options
Patient, safety-focused training for ages 10-15, families, and parent-approved schedules around school, sports, and travel.
Ask About Youth TrainingOpen Water Referral
$649 per person to complete eLearning, classroom review, and pool training locally, then finish certification dives at your travel destination.
View Referral ProgramTried Discovery First?
If you complete SDI Scuba Discovery and continue into Open Water within 60 days, your $299 Discovery fee applies toward Open Water tuition.
View DiscoveryWhat's Included
The course is built as a complete certification package with clear coaching, modern SDI eLearning, pool practice, certification dives, and planning support.
Learning and Coaching
SDI Open Water eLearning, class materials, classroom review, and instructor-led coaching before you move into the water.
Pool Training
Confined water sessions with skill practice, feedback, and repetition at a pace that supports comfort and safety.
Certification Dives
Includes the required certification dives, with 4 to 6 Open Water training dives included in the full certification path.
Certification Fees
Professional instruction, course planning, and certification processing are included in the course price.
Pool Rental Gear
Pool rental gear is included for scheduled pool sessions, so you can train before owning every piece of equipment.
Scheduling and House-Call Support
We confirm your format, date window, location plan, and gear needs. House-call classroom instruction is included at no extra cost.
Not Included
Personal mask, fins, snorkel, and boots; transportation; facility entry fees; open water rental gear when needed; and any extra instructional dives beyond the included course plan.
How Open Water Works
- eLearning and review. Complete SDI eLearning first, then review key concepts with your instructor.
- Pool training. Practice core scuba skills in controlled water with coaching and feedback.
- Certification dives. Complete the required open water dives and finish with certification processing.
Pricing and Payment Options
The full course price covers the complete certification package. You can still request dates first, discuss a deposit, and choose a payment path before anything is locked in.
Group Open Water
$1,099 per diver for groups of 2 to 4.
Private Open Water
$1,199 total for one-on-one instruction and a more personalized schedule.
Flexible Payment
Deposit, pay-as-you-progress, and per-session timing can be discussed before class is finalized.
Why SDI Open Water
SDI Open Water is internationally recognized and accepted by dive operators worldwide. The eLearning-first format gives us more in-person time for the work that matters most: comfort, control, safety, and real skill in the water.
The course follows a clear certification progression while still giving us room to slow down, repeat skills, and coach the diver in front of us.
Swim and Water Comfort Requirements
For safety, every diver must complete the standard swim and water comfort checks before scuba training begins.
- Swim 200 yards, or 300 yards with mask, fins, and snorkel.
- Complete a 10-minute tread or survival float.
There is no time limit on the swim. The tread or float confirms comfort and confidence in the water before moving into scuba training.
Youth and Family Training
Open Water can be a strong fit for teens, families, and friend groups when the schedule and supervision plan are clear from the beginning.
Ages 10-15
Patient coaching, strict safety standards, and a confidence-first pace for young divers.
Family Scheduling
Flexible date planning around school, work, sports, travel, and family calendars.
Junior Depth Limits
Ages 10-11: 40 ft / 12 m max. Ages 12-14: 60 ft / 18 m max. Age 15 converts to regular SDI Open Water.
Training Locations
Open water dives are conducted at diver-friendly Midwest sites selected around conditions, student comfort, and training goals.
Common Sites
Haigh Quarry, Gilboa Quarry, Mermet Springs, and Pearl Lake.
Location Planning
Final locations are confirmed with the student or group based on conditions, logistics, and the best learning experience.
Destination Option
Open Water Referral training is available for $649 per person for travelers who want to complete academics and pool work locally, then finish certification dives at a destination.
Optional Support After Class
Certification is the beginning, not the finish line. After class, DMZ Scuba helps new divers stay active through local dive opportunities, future training, travel planning, and gear guidance.
Post-Certification Dives
Optional post-certification fun dives may be offered when conditions, location, and schedule allow. These are separate from certification training dives.
Included House-Call Instruction
When classroom or academic work can be completed at your location, house-call instruction is included at no extra cost.
Next Training Step
After Open Water, continue with Advanced Adventure, add practical trip planning through Nitrox, or choose a specialty when a specific dive goal calls for it.
Real-World Training
Confidence comes from practice in real conditions, guided by a calm, steady plan.
Ready to Talk About Becoming a Diver?
Tell us who wants to learn and when you are generally available. We will recommend the right Open Water format, explain equipment and costs, and answer questions before you commit or pay.