Your adventure starts here!

Successful completion of the Open Water Diver (OWD) course (ISO 24801-2) certifies you dive recreationally across the globe. Through the use of classroom sessions for SCUBA theory, skills training in local pools, and open water training in Sudbury’s many lakes, you will be guided by skilled and experienced instructors to be safe and comfortable in and under the water.

We have been certifying OWD candidates under the American Canadian Underwater Council (ACUC) since 1958. Your OWD training focuses on you becoming comfortable with handling SCUBA equipment, managing your buoyancy, troubleshooting problems, and being competent in your skills.

Further, as a member of the Sudbury Dolphin Aquatic Club (seasonal membership included with training), you have access to our community of enthusiastic divers with thousands of dives and a rich history in training, exploration, and leisure. Membership includes unlimited air fills and free compressor operation training, weekly mentor dives to continue developing your skills, and many seasonal diving and social events.

Once certified, we encourage you to get involved in our dive community and expand your diving skills among friends! Find us on Facebook!

Cost: $600 (or $875 with basic equipment bundled - mask, fin, snorkel, neoprene boots)

Location: Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre in Hanmer

If you are interested in participating in the 2027 OWD course, please contact training@sdacscuba.ca.

We will be happy to discuss any further questions and will send a payment link via email, as spaces are limited. Payment of full course fees or a non-refundable deposit of $200 reserves a spot in the OWD course.

View the Training Schedule 

This course includes:

• Six theory sessions in the classroom

• Six confined water training sessions in a pool

• Four open water checkout dives in a lake

• Club membership for the calendar year

• Insurance for Club training, diving, and events

• Access to free air fills and training to operate the Club's air compressor

A full account of course prerequisites and contents can be found on the ACUC Course Standards page

Minimum age: 16 years for normal certification. Students between 12 and 15 years old, who meet Open Water Diver performance requirements, may qualify for a special Junior certification. Parental or guardian consent is required when the applicant is a minor.

Health requirements: Candidates must pass a medical examination suitable for recreational diving, or if the legislation of the country where the course takes place allows it, fill in an appropriate questionnaire. In case of doubt, candidates should be referred to an appropriate doctor. If the candidate is not examined by a doctor, the candidate shall be required to confirm, by signing it, written information given by the instructor about illnesses or physical conditions that may be a risk related to diving. Candidates will be advised on the importance of appropriate regular medical examinations. This questionnaire is standardised and will be provided to you during registration.

Documentation requirements: Candidates must sign the ACUC Risk Release and the Safe Diving practices forms, both forms will be provided during registration.

Know how to swim.  Be able to swim non-stop for 180 metres and be able to tread water for 10 minutes without a mask or fins.

Possession of the following basic equipment (via the Dolphin Aquatic Club or any dive shop)

• SCUBA mask

• Snorkel

• Wetsuit Boots/thick wool socks

• Fins

• Weight belt with 4 to 8 lbs of weight (smaller individuals require less weight to sink)

NOTE: Information and sizing for dive equipment will be available at the first class. We suggest you wait until after the meet and greet to search for equipment. The Club offers a basic kit bundle at a deeply reduced rate, gear may be viewed at the HOG / EDGE website.

The Club will supply learners with air-filled tanks, breathing regulators, and buoyancy compensation devices (BCDs) at no charge for use during the course.

Classroom Sessions

The classroom sessions consist of six theory classes covering the science, safety, and procedures of safe diving. These sessions are led by skilled diving instructors, who will help you understand and master the content. No classes will occur during long weekends or the March break. The classes culminate in a written exam covering dive theory, dive tables, and hand signals. Reviews of responses are completed with all students and rewrites are offered, as necessary.

Confined Water Pool Sessions

Confined water sessions consist of six pool sessions in a local municipal pool. Each week, you will rotate in small groups under the instruction of various diving instructors. They will work with you to develop your safety, comfort, and skills on SCUBA equipment in the pool.

Open Water Checkout Dives

The open water checkout dives occur in early June at Fairbanks Provincial Park. There are four dives in total: two on Saturday and two on Sunday. With close supervision, students are gradually exposed to cold-water diving. We will review content mastered in the pool in this new environment. Further opportunities to practice open water skills prior to certification are provided on an as-needed basis. Students will require the rental or purchase of a wetsuit for these dives.

Further reading:

• ACUC Course Standards (select Open Water Diver)

• SDAC's Training Schedule for 2027