The PADI Open Water Diver certification is the corner stone of the PADI System. The course is split into three main areas with sub divisions:

Knowledge development, in which there are five modules.
(It is advisable to buy the open water diver manual and to complete the knowledge reviews at the end of each chapter prior to starting the course.

Confined water is the next segment and is made up of five dives. These are done in water that represents swimming pool like conditions. During this portion of the course you will be taught how to master all of the scuba skills.

The final segment is made up of four open water dives, the last two are to a maximum depth of 18m.
During these dives you will show that you have mastered all that you have learned in the previous two areas and before completion the student must complete a 200m swim and a 10-minute tread water. .