[Helena1982]

Important is to understand what is the course schedule about and not the price. You pay and you want to learn the right thing.

The most common certification body would be PADI, NAUI, SSI.

You can check on the individual certification body's website on the course details.


1) Duration of the course as in how many classroom lesson, how many pool session and how many open water session.
2) How many student in a class (this is important as if one instructor need to teach many, you won't get the attention of the instructor especially during the pool session)
3) During the session, does the instructor covered ever topics in the course (well you won't know till you in the course but then if you know the course outline you know what the instructor has skipped)
4) Pool session is important, this will allow you to put your classroom theory into practice, therefore the depth of the pool will come into account as too you won't experience pressure if you are at less then 3 meter depth (minimum kneeing position)
5) Important is to able to experience what is the minimum weight you need to sink with a near empty tank, this exercise is important as down the road when you have you own BCD & gears, you can recalled this lesson and adjust your weight accordingly.
6) Deep pool with amper swimming space will allow you to practice equalization and some other tasks simulate the openwater condition so that when you are out at the openwater you will enhance your experience rather then panic.

I am not too sure what is the market price for OW certification now but its your life, you rather learn the proper way from an helpful instructor than to get the most budget package and just go through the motion.

See you underwater someday, relaxed and smiling.