PADI Open Water Course (Learn to Dive) in Northampton

Where your next adventure starts with Northampton Scuba School, learn to dive in Northampton with your local 5 star PADI centre.
​Dive into underwater exploration with the world’s most popular recreational scuba course: the PADI Open Water Diver. Taught by experienced, PADI-qualified instructors at Northampton Scuba School, this complete beginner programme equips you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to dive with a dive buddy up to 18m.

​Ideal for absolute beginners, adventurous travellers, and anyone wanting safe, unforgettable underwater experiences.

What's included

  • PADI Open Water eLearning (5 knowledge modules — study at your own pace at home)
  • All kit hire included (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins) and air fills
  • Comprehensive confined-water (pool) training: 6 sessions × 2 hours — more pool time to master buoyancy and core skills than many centres
  • Small class sizes for personalised instruction (maximise support and feedback)
  • Entry to tickets included to Stoney Cove (Tea, Coffee and home made cakes included)
  • 4 open water dives (conducted over 2 days at Stoney Cove, Leicestershire)
  • PADI certification on successful completion
  • We will email you 3 available dates once booked, don't worry if you can't make all 3, as we can offer more.

Confined Water Training (Swimming Pool)

​The confined water sessions consist of 5 modules spread across 6 pool sessions. Each module introduces new skills, from setting up your gear to mastering techniques like clearing water from your mask without surfacing.

As part of the course requirements, you'll also need to complete a 200m swim and demonstrate 10 minutes of treading water.
  • 6 practical sessions covering 5 training modules.
  • Learn equipment assembly, breathing underwater, regulator recovery, mask clearing, controlled ascents, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures.
  • Skills are taught progressively, repeated until proficient.
  • Course standard also requires a 200m swim and 10 minutes treading water (you’ll be coached and tested).

Knowledge Development (eLearning)

Access the academic portion of the course through 5 modules available as eLearning. Study at your own pace using your phone, tablet, or laptop. Once completed, review your progress with a PADI instructor in a Quick Review session.
  • 5 interactive modules accessible on phone, tablet or laptop.
  • Learn dive theory, equipment, environment, safety and dive planning at your own pace.
  • Quick Review with your PADI instructor to consolidate learning before pool sessions.

Open Water Dives

​After completing the classroom and pool sessions, advance to the open water for 4 exhilarating dives over 2 days.

​Upon successful completion of these dives, you'll be awarded your Open Water Diver certification, allowing you to dive to depths of up to 18 meters.
  • 4 supervised open water dives over 2 days at Stoney Cove.
  • Apply your skills in real conditions, practise underwater navigation, group dive skills, and build confidence.
  • Successful completion leads to your PADI Open Water Diver certification (diving to 18m).

​​Who This Course Is For

The PADI Open Water Course at Northampton Scuba School is the ideal entry to scuba for adults and teens (Junior Open Water from age 10—ask for details). No prior diving experience is needed, just a basic swimming ability.

The course combines knowledge development, confined-water skills sessions and four open-water dives with a PADI instructor, and can be scheduled over a few days or in evening/weekend sessions to suit you.

​​Where Your Next Adventure Starts!
​On successful completion you’ll earn a globally recognised PADI Open Water certification (dives to 18 m), perfect for holiday divers, nature lovers and anyone seeking new skills, confidence and unforgettable underwater experiences. ​

We provide equipment options, small classes and personalized tuition—contact us for dates, pricing and Junior Open Water requirements.
  • ​Adults and teens (minimum age 10 for Junior Open Water; ask for details)
  • No prior diving experience required; basic swimming ability needed
  • Ideal for holiday divers and travellers
  • Great for nature lovers and underwater photographers
  • Perfect for people seeking new skills, confidence, and adventure

​​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the PADI Open Water Course?
  • The entry-level scuba certification that teaches basic knowledge and skills to dive independently with a buddy up to 18m, once you have passed this course you will be able to dive anywhere in the world.
What is the PADI Open Water Course?
  • The entry-level scuba certification that teaches basic knowledge and skills to dive independently with a buddy up to 18m, once you have passed this course you will be able to dive anywhere in the world.
How long does the course take?
  • The 6 pool training sessions take place every Thursday evening from 19:30 to 21:30 at the Cripps Pool, Northampton. The other parts of the course is the online eLearning which is self-paced, but most be completed before we can take you to the 2 days at Stoney Cove, Leicestershire to complete your 4 open water dives, once this is all done you will be a qualified PADI Open water Scuba Diver, and the under water world awaits for you to explore.​
How long does the course take?
  • The 6 pool training sessions take place every Thursday evening from 19:30 to 21:30 at the Cripps Pool, Northampton. The other parts of the course is the online eLearning which is self-paced, but most be completed before we can take you to the 2 days at Stoney Cove, Leicestershire to complete your 4 open water dives, once this is all done you will be a qualified PADI Open water Scuba Diver, and the under water world awaits for you to explore.
How much does it cost?
  • Course price: £625 per person, this price is includes everything you need (eLearning, all kit hire, air fills, 6 pool sessions, entry tickets to Stoney Cove and 4 open water dives).
What age do I have to be?
  • The minimum age is 10+ for Junior Open Water (limited depth); standard Open Water from ages 15+.
Do I need prior experience or fitness?
  • No prior diving experience required. You should have basic swimming ability, be reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water.
Is there a swim test or water skills requirement?
  • Yes you will need to complete a 200m swim and 10 minutes treading water (can be done using mask/snorkel during assessment, per PADI standards).
Are there medical requirements?
  • You must complete a medical questionnaire. If you answer “yes” to any medical questions, you may need a doctor’s approval before starting the course.
What equipment do I need to bring?
  • We provide full kit (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins). But please bring your own swimwear, towel and any personal items. You may buy upgrade items like your own mask and fins from Northampton scuba School before starting the course.
Is eLearning included?
  • Yes the PADI Open Water eLearning is provided so you can complete knowledge development online before each pool session.
How many students per instructor?
  • We keep small class sizes for personalised instruction; exact ratio varies by course but follows PADI safety guidelines.
Where are the open water dives conducted?
  • Open water dives are conducted at Stoney Cove (entry tickets included).
What certification will I receive?
  • On successful completion you’ll receive the PADI Open Water Diver certification, recognised worldwide, allowing dives to 18m (age-dependent limits for juniors).
What comes after Open Water?
  • Options include PADI Advanced Open Water, specialties (e.g., nitrox, navigation), Rescue Diver, or professional training.
How do I book or cancel?
  • Contact Northampton Scuba School to book. Cancellation and rescheduling policies apply — check terms for deposit and refund details

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If you have any questions, please let us know using our contact details below. Please allow up to 48 hours for us to reply.

​Northampton Scuba School Ltd 16675647