If you are thinking about getting your Open Water diving certification in Koh Tao, you probably have a few questions in minds before taking the plunge. From age restrictions to how many days it takes to complete the Koh Tao open water certification, there are many questions that almost every first-time diver has.
To ensure that all your concerns are resolved with the right guidance, we have compiled this guide, which answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the open-water diving course in Koh Tao.
1. How long does it take to complete the Open Water diving certification in Koh Tao?
Most Koh Tao open water certification courses typically take 3 to 4 days to complete. During this time, you will learn the basic theory of scuba diving, practice important safety skills in shallow water, and complete several open water dives in the ocean.
2. Do beginners dive to 20 meters immediately during the Open Water dive training in Koh Tao?
A: No, beginners are not taken directly to the maximum depth of 20 meters during Open Water dive training in Koh Tao. The course is carefully structured so that new divers can build confidence step by step before reaching deeper levels. Training usually begins with pool or shallow-water sessions, where you learn the basics.
After that, the first open water dive is usually limited to around 12m. Later dives go deeper to around 18 meters, and after successfully completing the course, you can dive to a maximum depth of 20 meters.
3. What is the minimum age required for the Open Water diving course?
Generally, the minimum age requirement for the Koh Tao open water certification course is 10 years old. Divers between the ages of 12 and 15 usually receive a junior certification, which has certain depth limitations. Once they reach the required age, this certification can often be upgraded to a standard Open Water license.
4. Do I need to know how to swim before taking the course?
Yes, basic swimming ability is required for the Open Water Diving in Koh Tao certification course. Students are usually asked to swim about 200m unaided or 300m with a mask, find and snorkel, and to float continuously for 10 minutes. But this doesn’t mean that you have to be an expert swimmer.
5. What will I learn during the Open Water diving certification?
The course covers several essential skills needed for safe scuba diving, including;
- How to use diving equipment
- Control your breathing underwater
- Manage buoyancy
- Communicate with hand signals while diving
Besides these, you will also study basic diving theory, including safety procedures and how to handle different underwater situations.
6. Is the Open Water diving certification valid worldwide?
Yes, once you complete your Open Water certification, it is recognised internationally. This means you can dive in many destinations around the world as long as you follow the certification’s depth limits and safety guidelines. Many divers start their journey in Koh Tao and later explore other famous dive destinations across the globe.
7. What Are the Physical Health Requirements to Join an Open Water Certification Training Program?
One of the basic requirements for the Open Water certification training program is being in good physical health. Before starting the course, students are typically asked to complete a medical questionnaire to confirm that there are no health conditions that could affect their safety while diving.
8. What is the typical price of a RAID Open Water diving course in Koh Tao?
Most RAID Open Water diving courses in Koh Tao start at around 11,000 Thai Baht. For instance, the course offered by La Bombona Diving starts from 11,000 ฿ and includes training materials, equipment, pool sessions, ocean dives, and internationally recognised certification.
9. How to Find a Reliable Diving Provider for Open Water Dive Training in Koh Tao?
To find a reliable diving provider in Koh Tao, it is important to check a few key factors before booking your course, including;
- Dive school’s total years of experience.
- Check the safety standards percentage
- The number of divers they have trained successfully.
- Rating of their open water course
A provider with 10+ years of experience is often more trusted and well-established than one with only a few years. Avoid any open water diving course in Koh Tao that hides any of this information from you.
Final Words
By now, most of your questions about the Koh Tao open water certification course should be answered through this guide. We created this guide by identifying the most frequently asked questions about the certification and the course. The ultimate goal of writing this guide is to help you avoid searching for answers individually across different sources.
