Why this course

You want to start diving for real, without skipping steps. With OWD you learn to move with calm and control, understand what matters underwater and build safe habits from the start.

• Clear approach: EVO theory when it suits you, with support from your PSS Instructor.
• Targeted practice: exercises in confined water for confidence, then open‑water dives with progressive objectives.
• Focus on safety and comfort: buoyancy, breathing, communication and buddy teamwork.

How it works

The theory is on EVO; your instructor guides you and clears up any doubts. In the water, training is step by step: first checks and skills in confined water, then open-water dives in the sea or lake to put what you’ve learned into practice.

• EVO e‑learning:short modules, quizzes and summaries.
• Confined water:confidence with equipment and buoyancy.
• Open water:applying techniques in a real context.

Essential prerequisites

• Minimum age: 15 years (OWD) or 12 years (JOWD).
• Prerequisites: none.
• Medical fitness

What you will take home

• Stable buoyancy and trim for controlled movement.
• Relaxed breathing and stress management.
• Hand signals, communication, and buddy teamwork.
• Basic orientation and simple dive planning.
• Environmental awareness and good practices from shore or boat.

The certification

At the end, the certification attests that you can dive with a buddy of appropriate level, within the recreational limits set by PSS standards and in the conditions recommended by your instructor.

Standards and recognition

The course complies with ISO 24801-2 (Autonomous Diver). PSS certifications are internationally recognized: PSS Worldwide is a member of the RSTC, the consortium that brings together the leading scuba training agencies worldwide.

After OWD: natural growth

Continue to consolidate experience and open new opportunities:

• Advanced Open Water Diver – more control and a wider variety of scenarios.
• Nitrox Diving – introduction to nitrox in recreational diving.
• Night Diving – light management and new perspectives.
• Deep Diver – deliberate, informed progression to greater depths.