Open Water Course: Diving Depths and Limits - Koh Tao Dive Guide

Open Water Course: Diving Depths and Limits

Open Water Course: Diving Depths and Limits

Summary

During the PADI/SSI Open Water course, you'll dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet) in confined training. This depth allows you to practice essential skills in a controlled environment while staying well within recreational limits.

Details

• Training depth: 18m (60 ft) is the standard maximum for Open Water training dives
• Recreational limit after certification: Once certified as Open Water, you can dive to 18m independently; with an Advanced Open Water certification, this increases to 30m (98 ft)
• Why 18m?: This depth is deep enough to experience nitrogen narcosis effects and pressure-related skills (equalization), yet shallow enough to be very safe for beginners
• Your training includes: two confined water training dives (pool or shallow bay) to practice skills, then two open water dives at deeper sites; all at 18m or less
• Safety considerations: Koh Tao's training dives follow strict PADI/SSI protocols with maximum student-to-instructor ratios; you'll ascend slowly (10m/min) and make safety stops
• Progression: Many divers complete Advanced Open Water (30m depth) as their next course, usually 2-3 days and $280-350 USD

Related questions

• What skills do I learn in the Open Water course?
• How long does the Open Water certification take?
• What depth can I dive after Advanced Open Water?

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