If you want to start your diving journey, the PADI Open Water Course Guide Hurghada is all you need to get certified safely
Do you want to learn how to scuba dive? Well, let me tell you—learning how to scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea will be one of the most exciting, surreal, and rewarding things you’ve ever done! Before you take the plunge into the deep end, let’s look at everything you need to know before you embark on your journey and complete your Open Water Course with us here in Hurghada.
At Diving Mentor, we don’t just teach you how to dive; we mentor you to become a confident, safe, and skilled explorer of the underwater world. What to Expect in Your PADI Open Water Course in Hurghada.
1.Theory: The Foundation of Your Adventure
Before you jump into the water, you will spend some time mastering the essentials. At Diving Mentor, we believe that understanding the “Why” is just as important as the “How.” These initial sessions are crucial as they introduce you to safety protocols, how the underwater world differs from land, and the physics of diving.
This is where doing your “homework” via PADI eLearning gives you a major advantage. You’ll learn about your equipment, the effects of pressure, and the objectives of the course. At the end of each section, we’ll have a knowledge review to check your understanding. And yes, there is a final exam, but don’t worry—with our expert mentoring, you’ll be a scuba diving pro by then!
2. Confined Water: Your First Breaths
The next step is all about getting you comfortable with your gear and taking that first, breathtaking breath underwater—this bit is absolutely amazing! It is completely natural to feel a bit apprehensive at first. Scuba diving is unlike anything you’ve done before. Just stay calm, communicate with your mentor, and be patient with yourself.
Throughout these sessions, held in a pool or a shallow, calm area of the Red Sea (pool-like conditions), you will build your confidence. You’ll get to grips with buoyancy control (the most important skill of all) and practice safety skills like mask clearing and regulator recovery. These training sessions are conducted in a safe environment, typically no deeper than 5 meters, ensuring you feel secure before heading to the open ocean. We keep these sessions fun and stress-free so that the equipment starts to feel like a second skin.
3.Open Water: The Magic of the Red Sea
The third section is what it’s all about: your four qualifying open water dives. In Hurghada, we are blessed with some of the world’s best dive sites. Your first two dives will take you to a maximum of 12m, and the final two to 18m.
On each dive, you will practice the skills you mastered in confined water, but this time, surrounded by vibrant coral gardens and exotic marine life. The objective is to ensure you are a competent and safe diver while having the time of your life! Once certified, you hold an entry-level international diving license (a globally recognized certification) that allows you to dive anywhere in the world to 18 meters with a buddy. The world’s oceans are now your playground!
Common Questions: PADI Open Water Course in Hurghada
As a Diving Mentor, I get asked many questions. Let’s clear up some common myths about diving in Egypt!
Do I need to see a doctor before starting my course?
Before we hit the water, you must complete a standard PADI medical questionnaire. Depending on your answers, you might need a quick check-up from a physician to ensure you are fit for the pressure. We prioritize your health above all else to ensure a smooth, safe experience.
What do I need to do before I arrive in Hurghada?
Once you’ve cleared the medical part, you can start your PADI eLearning from the comfort of your home. We highly recommend finishing the theory before arrival so you can spend more time on the boat and less time studying! Our Red Sea boats are beautiful, but the WiFi can be spotty once we are out at the reefs.
Common Diving Questions: PADI Open Water Course in Hurghada
“You can only become a diver if you’re an excellent swimmer.” False!
While you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete, you do need to be comfortable in the water. You just need to pass two basic tests: float/tread water for 10 minutes and swim 200 meters (or 300 meters with mask and fins) at your own pace. Diving is about being relaxed—if you think you’re swimming slowly, swim slower!
“I need to buy a ton of expensive equipment.”
Don’t worry, you definitely don’t! At Diving Mentor, we provide high-quality, well-maintained rental gear for all our students. If you eventually want to buy your own kit, like a personal mask or computer, we can offer expert advice on what suits your needs best
“Will I be eaten by sharks?”
The simple answer is: No. Humans are not on the menu! In the Red Sea, seeing a shark is actually a rare and lucky event that divers travel miles for. Most sharks are shy and will swim away the moment they see a group of divers.
Why can’t I do a Specialty Course and Open Water at the same time?
While we love your enthusiasm, both courses are mentally and physically demanding. It’s better to master the basics of being a diver first. Once you have your certification, stay with us for a few more days to start your Advanced training opportunities or a specialty like Nitrox!
