Open Water Certification: The Ultimate Upgrade from Discover Scuba Diving

Someone once remarked that Discover Scuba Diving feels safer than getting certified because you’re always under the close supervision of an instructor. They described it as reassuring, with the instructor holding and guiding you throughout the dive, making it feel more like a thrilling yet controlled ride.

I didn’t know how to respond—I was speechless and honestly a little confused. I’ve never experienced Discover Scuba Diving myself; I went straight into open water scuba diver certification. Back then, introductory dive programs weren’t really a thing in my area. It was something that started in other countries and gradually became popular here in the Philippines.

That said, my sister had tried something similar to an introductory dive, and she absolutely hated the experience. In fact, she reminded me about it when I mentioned that I was planning to offer Discover Scuba Diving packages. She described how poorly the experience was handled, leaving her feeling uncomfortable and even claustrophobic. It was so bad that she avoided diving altogether after that.

Her words stuck with me. She told me to always be mindful of my guests, ensuring their introduction to scuba diving is enjoyable, safe, and well-organized. That reminder has shaped how I approach my Discover Scuba Diving packages today, aiming to provide a much better experience than what she went through.

Now I think we made Discover Scuba diving too fun that half of the participants just don’t want to move on from it.

To be honest, I still don’t really know how to answer them at this point since I am a Scuba Dive Instructor and well they might think I was in it for the quota.

So with the help of chatgpt I found my voice again as to why it is better to be open water certified than stay a discover scuba diver forever.

But first in my own words

Scuba diving independently, without relying on someone else’s hands, is not only safer but also opens up a whole new world of fun and adventure. The knowledge you gain through certification allows you to fully understand how scuba equipment works and how it works in the underwater world.

There is no one better to assess your safety than yourself. And that is learned through open-water scuba diving.

And the following are chat gpts responses:

While Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) is a fantastic way to try diving, getting certified as an Open Water Diver (OWD) offers significant advantages if you’re serious about exploring the underwater world. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is better for your needs:

Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)

DSD is an introductory diving experience for beginners.

Pros:

1. Quick and Accessible: No prior experience required, and you can dive after a short briefing and basic skills practice.
2. Lower Cost: DSD is generally cheaper since it’s a one-time experience.
3. Great for Testing the Waters: Perfect for those unsure about committing to a full certification course.

Cons:

1. Limited Depth: Maximum depth is typically 12 meters (40 feet).
2. Always Supervised: You must dive with an instructor or divemaster and cannot dive independently.
3. No Certification: It’s not a qualification; you’ll need to repeat the DSD briefing and training if you want to dive again elsewhere.

Open Water Diver Certification (OWD)

OWD is a globally recognized certification that allows you to dive independently.

Pros:

1. Freedom to Dive: You can dive without an instructor (with a certified buddy) and plan your dives up to 18 meters (60 feet).
2. Lifetime Certification: Once certified, you don’t need to repeat the course, and you can dive worldwide.
3. Access to More Dive Sites: Many dive sites require certification, especially those deeper than 12 meters or more challenging environments.
4. Skills and Confidence: The course teaches essential safety skills, buoyancy control, and equipment handling, making you a safer and more competent diver.
5. Pathway to Advanced Diving: It’s a gateway to specialized courses like Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, or even technical diving.

Cons:

1. Time Commitment: The course takes 11 days to complete, including theory, confined water sessions, and open water dives.
2. Higher Initial Cost: Certification courses are more expensive than DSD but are a long-term investment.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Try DSD if:
• You’re unsure if diving is for you.
• You want a one-time experience on vacation.
• Get Certified if:
• You plan to dive regularly.
• You want the freedom to explore diverse dive sites.
• You’re ready to invest in becoming a competent, independent diver.

While DSD offers a taste of diving, OWD certification opens up a lifetime of underwater adventures and opportunities. If you’re passionate about exploring the ocean, getting certified is definitely worth it!

Note that diving independently is a con not a pro. But yes let us not be quick to bash if you share my confusion.

We must understand the confusion some might feel, and I believe it’s important not to dismiss differing perspectives too quickly. I’ve always valued the diversity of opinions, recognizing that others may see things differently from how I do.

So I reframed the question to why diving independently is safer and more fun. And here is chatgpt’s version that gave me the confidence to post this. It reflected everything I wanted to say but couldn’t find the words to do so.

Diving independently is safe and fun, it’s important to emphasize the skills, training, and confidence gained through certification.

Safety Concerns

1. Comprehensive Training: getting certified as an Open Water Diver involves learning essential safety procedures, proper equipment handling, and underwater problem-solving skills. This training ensures that independent diving is both safe and enjoyable.
2. Buddy System:certified divers always dive with a buddy for mutual safety and support. Diving independently doesn’t mean diving alone. As a certified diver, you’ll always have a buddy to share the adventure and ensure a safe experience.”
3. Tailored Adventure: certification allows divers to plan dives at their own pace, choose their preferred sites, and explore without being tied to the dive leader’s mood for dive and choice of dive site.
4. Access to More Dive Sites: many stunning and remote dive sites require certification. Unlock access to more exciting dive spots and trips that will be out of reach for those not certified.
5. Dive at Your Comfort Level: certified divers are encouraged to dive only within their comfort zone and training level. The dive community frowns upon irresponsible divers and will not allow you to dive a dive site you are not equipped to.
6. Support Networks: there are diving communities that are far better than me or your dsd guide like seriously cooler than us old fods
7. Guided dives: and yes just because you are certified does not mean you should dive alone. Dives are usually booked with a dive guide in the Philippines. guys are you

Although some prefer to dive without a dive guide but just with their group , like me because it is cheaper actually

but really,

the adventure of navigation and discovery was so much fun diving independent of a dive guide.

But again that was me

“As a certified diver, you can still choose to dive with a guide if you enjoy having a professional lead the way. But you’ll also have the option to explore on your own terms when you’re ready.”