Initial Certification  
The PADI Open Water Diver Course is the most recognized certification in the world, opening all of the oceans for exploration and adventure.

The course provides new divers with the knowledge and training to safely explore our exciting undersea world.

It is a performance based curriculum, enabling students to progress at their own speed. The course includes three elements, academics, pool and open water instruction.

State of the art teaching techniques and tools are included in the curriculum in order to ensure the content is up to date and exciting.

Blue Horizons’ courses are all inclusive. 		 

There are no hidden charges or additional fees to pay. We believe in one all inclusive price, not in trying to bait the consumer with a low price that is not realistic. Our open water course INCLUDES your choice of mask, snorkel, fins, equipment bag, deluxe log book and all educational materials. All of these items are the best items from major manufacturers and yours to keep at the conclusion of your course.

Graduation Package

Blue Horizons graduates receive the following with their open water certification:

 10% off a trip taken within the following 6 months

 10% off a complete equipment package purchased within 3 months

 10% off their next course taken within 3 monthshshs

Blue Horizons currently teaches at the following locations:

  •  University of Pennsylvania
  •  Thomas Jefferson University
  •  Wilmington YMCA
  •  Blue Horizons Dive Center

Prerequisites
No prior experience is needed.

Course Outline
The PADI Open Water Course academic sessions are segmented into five modules and an orientation session. Students will be introduced to concepts in the classroom, and practice specific skills from each module in the pool.

Orientation

  • Getting Acquainted
  • Gearing Up for Fun
  • Administration and Paperwork

Module 1

  • Buoyancy
  • Comfortable Descents and Ascents
  • Breathing Underwater

Module 2

  • Staying Warm
  • Streamlining Yourself
  • Diving Together
Module 3
  • What it’s Like Where We Will Be Diving
  • Care for Yourself
  • Care for Others
  • Solution Thinking Underwater
  • Offshore Adventures

Module 4

  • Nitrogen Narcosis
  • Decompression Sickness
  • Dive Tables Introduction
  • Using the Recreational Dive Planner

Module 5

  • Making Safety Stops
  • Emergency Decompression
  • Altitude Consideration for Divers
  • Finding a Minimum Surface Interval
  • Electronic Dive Planning

Materials
Blue Horizons provides all the materials and equipment needed to complete the class. In addition to your mask, snorkel, fin set, and educational materials given at the beginning of the course, rental of all other equipment needed is included in the course fee. The course is also available on CD ROM at no additional cost.

Academics and Pool Schedule
To make sure we meet every individual’s time constraints we offer four different course formats, Group, Flex , Private and
eLearn. Find out more about eLearn Online

GROUP LESSONS – at the Blue Horizons location are completed in one weekend. Courses meet on Friday evening from 5:00PM to 9:30PM, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00AM to 6PM. Sessions are available year-round. Other locations have unique schedules prices – please contact us for more information on these classes. email mail@bluehorizons.net


Our unique FLEX SCHEDULE offered at the Blue Horizons location, allows you to set your own schedule. We will conduct your academic sessions anytime the store is open, you need only give us 24 hours notice if you are able. You can complete your pool dives any Wednesday at 5:30PM. Most students can complete the course in three pool sessions, some prefer more. These sessions need not be consecutive Wednesdays.

For those looking for the ultimate in flexibility, we offer PRIVATE LESSONS at your place or ours. You set the schedule. This option is also perfect for those wanting even more personal attention. Blue Horizons can also structure a class specifically for you and your friends.
 



2008 Classes

Jan 11, 12, 13
Feb 1, 2, 3
Feb 22, 23, 24
Mar 7, 8, 9
March 28, 29, 30
Apr 18, 19, 20
May 9, 10, 11
May 30, 31, June 1
June 20, 21, 22
   July 11, 12, 13
Aug 1, 2, 3
Aug 22, 23, 24
Sep 12, 13, 14
Oct 3, 4, 5
Oct 24, 25, 26
Nov 14, 15, 16
Dec 12, 13, 14

Flex class pool session every
Wednesday night at Blue Horizons.

Complete Course Calendar

Open Water Certification Dive Options
The third element of certification is demonstrating your abilities through four open water dives conducted over two or more days. Consistent with our commitment to flexibility and fun, Blue Horizons offers three options for completing this training phase, and becoming certified - LOCAL, Blue Horizons tropical ESCORTED TRIPS or a REFERRAL.

The most convenient option for most divers is to join us for a LOCAL weekend of diving. Blue Horizons offers these training weekends at Dutch Springs, near Allentown, PA every other weekend from April through November. All equipment rentals and air fills are included in the fee. You will need to pay the entrance fee to Dutch Springs each day and provide your own lunch. We take care of the rest! Also included is your permanent photo certification ID card. Our staff will conduct the dives for any course in the PADI curriculum each weekend; perfect for a friend or spouse who wants to come along.

Training dives are also offered during any of the ESCORTED TRIPS led by Blue Horizons during the year. Each of our trips are led by a Blue Horizons instructor so you may complete your certification in a tropical location. Equipment rental and your permanent photo certification ID card are included.

As a final option, training dives can be performed at any PADI dive facility in the world by REFERRAL. We will provide you with your permanent photo certification ID card and a letter of introduction to your next instructor.
 

Costs
Academics and Pool:

  • Group $695
  • Flex $795
  • Private $895
  • eLearn an additional $120

Registration:

To register for traditional courses please call 888-801-7377
or email mail@bluehorizons.net

To Register for E-Learn:     Sign up for eLearn Online

Open Water Training Dives:

  • Local $325
  • Blue Horizons Tropical Trip $325
  • Referral $35




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Blue Horizons 1100 South Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19147 888-801-7377