was thinking to resume my PADI Open Water Diver Course which I didn't finish 6 years ago
now re-checking back the packages online it seems there's some changes in the prerequisite...

As far as I can remember, I think the normal Open water allows you to dive up to 30meters, right? but now all of the packages I saw only dives up to 18m

also I don't recall there's 200m swimming and 10m treading water test last time
as I can't swim properly, and dunno how to tread water as well

^Open water is up to 18m. Advanced will let you go up to 30m.

They most likely change already since 6 years ago. I did my OW in 2007 but I still had to swim and prove that I can float on surface of water for 10 minutes.

No need to swim professionally, as long as you can get from one point to the other that's good enough. Most instructors just want us to float but I don't know about now. When I did my rescue course, I had to tread water, I never did properly learn how to do it before also but manage to pass, very tiring only.

haha, that time my instructor just told me as long as I'm comfortable in the water then I'm good to go
guess I'll have to touch up on my swimming, and learn how to tread water!

Yesh... Haha, I didnt even swim 200m and thread water. He just straight ask me to gear up and go confine water training.

If you dive safely and conservatively, 99% of the time you wont need the swimming and water threading skills.

Only concern is that you get separated and need to wait on the surface for rescue (ie like the tioman drifted away case), then its when it'll be useful to stay calm and afloat while waiting for rescue.

My opinion, the need to know swimming is to allow you to be more comfortable with water, that's all.

Those who can't swim would feel more insecure when they are in water.

Going into the sea. Don't know how to swim. Sounds legit.

but that's the opposite for me

I can't swim, but i feel more a lot more secured when I'm under the water
a bit insecure when on the surface

that is because you haven't been in situations during underwater yet but i believe you will eventually become more comfortable later on.

i have many friends who couldn't swim always have the thoughts of drowning when they are near water.

well, of course i also do know friends who don't know how to swim but enjoys diving as well.

oh~ during my confined water training, i'm the one that spend the most time underwater
and enjoyed every single moment of it

only I haven't take my open water test.... so planning now to retake it soon

your confine water training in pool?

yup~ last time at one u old wing there

pool does not have underwater current and no life fishes.
it's a different environment altogether.

well said.

being complacent is what kills many people, especially at sea

Hi guys, just want to ask scuba divers here for some friendly advice.

I'm planning to take my OWD course next year, and I just want to enquiry how long does it take to complete the entire course? because I need to schedule my college timetable soon.



Thanks and have a nice day.




Regards,
DANIAL

Assuming all taken at islands and not those part on land part on island courses

fastest 3d/2n but not recommended at all

usually 4d/3n

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Added on October 22, 2012, 8:57 pmJust paid 336 to service my mk25/s600 at sealantis

This post has been edited by miuk: Oct 22 2012, 08:57 PM

3D2N can if no pool confined session??? me 4D3N already pack pack wor schedule.

I think minimum is 4D3N.

Dont recommend that tho. Cowboy style on the island. Besides, you wont have time to enjoy. BEtter do your confined water in KL in a pool first. Then go island and slowly enjoy.

is there no 5 days 4 nights or do paper exam in KL and remaining in island kind of thing being offered?

normal course length should be around 4D3N, but trip length should be at least 5d4n(including travelling schedule and last day no diving hours if flying on next day)