Learn to scuba dive with Okinawa Aquamarine’s PADI Open Water Diver course, designed for people earning their first scuba certification.

Complete the online lessons on your phone or computer before you come to Okinawa.

Once you’re here, you’ll start with the basics in calm, shallow water where you can stand. Then you’ll put those skills into practice on open water dives around Kerama and Chibishi.

Our usual schedule allows three days for the training in Okinawa. That gives you time to get used to the equipment, practice equalizing your ears, and build confidence—even if you’ve never dived before or aren’t a strong swimmer.

If you have questions about your swimming ability, fitness, or schedule, get in touch before booking so we can discuss your situation.

Course at a Glance

Item	Details
Certification	PADI Open Water Diver
Time in Okinawa	Usually 3 days
Online Study	PADI eLearning, completed before your trip
In-Water Training	Confined water training and 4 open water dives
Open Water Dive Sites	Kerama, Chibishi, and other sites depending on conditions
Maximum Depth After Certification	18 m (60 ft); age-specific limits apply to junior divers
Price	From ¥54,780, including tax
Equipment	Full equipment rental included during the course

What Is a Scuba Certification?

A scuba certification card, often called a “C-card,” shows that you’ve completed diver training. In Japan, you may also hear it called a “diving license.”

The “C” stands for “certification.”

It confirms that you’ve learned the knowledge and skills needed to use scuba equipment, dive safely, and handle common problems underwater.

The PADI Open Water Diver course at Okinawa Aquamarine is an entry-level course for people getting their first scuba certification.

Once certified, you can dive with a buddy who has an equivalent or higher certification, within the limits of your training and experience, to a maximum depth of 18 m (60 ft). Junior divers have age-specific depth and buddy requirements.

You can use your certification to join dives for certified divers at dive shops and resorts in Okinawa, elsewhere in Japan, and around the world.

How Certification Changes Your Diving

Comparison	Discover Scuba Diving	After Certification
Certification Card	Not required	You hold a diver certification
Goal	Try scuba diving	Use the knowledge and skills you’ve learned to dive with a qualified buddy
Diving Options	Shallow dives in a limited area	More sites and greater depths, within your training and experience
Introductory Skills Practice	Required each time you participate	Covered during your certification course
Dives for Certified Divers	Not eligible	Eligible to join
Further Training	Certification needed first	You can take further training courses

Why Learn with Okinawa Aquamarine?

1. Three Days to Learn and Practice

PADI certification isn’t awarded simply for attending a set number of hours.

You need to show that you understand the required knowledge and can perform the diving skills yourself.

We usually spread the training over three days, giving you time to work through the basics.

If equalizing your ears or clearing water from your mask takes a little practice, the schedule gives you room to work on it without feeling rushed.

2. Study Online Before Your Trip

You’ll complete the knowledge portion of the course through PADI eLearning before you arrive.

Use your phone, tablet, or computer to study whenever it fits your schedule, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Finishing the online lessons before your trip means you can spend more of your time in Okinawa on the in-water training.

If anything is unclear, ask your instructor during the course. We’ll help you work through it.

3. Start in Calm, Shallow Water

Your first practice session starts in shallow water, rather than at a deep dive site.

In calm, pool-like conditions where you can stand, you’ll get used to breathing underwater and using your equipment.

We’ll work through the skills one at a time, including clearing water from your mask, recovering your regulator if it comes out of your mouth, and controlling your buoyancy.

4. Open Water Dives around Kerama and Chibishi

After you’ve learned the basic skills in confined water, we’ll head toward Kerama and Chibishi aboard our own boat, FRONTIER.

The course includes four open water training dives. Along with practicing the required skills, you’ll have a chance to see Okinawa’s coral and tropical fish.

Dive sites may change depending on wind, waves, currents, and other sea conditions.

5. Course Materials, Certification, and Gear Included

Your course price includes PADI learning materials, the certification processing fee, instruction, boat trips, and the diving equipment you’ll use during training.

We list the included costs clearly so you know what you’re paying for before you book.

Try Scuba or Get Certified?

“Should I try scuba first?” and “Can I start with the certification course?” are questions we hear often.

	Discover Scuba Diving	Scuba Certification
Goal	Try diving and experience the underwater world	Learn the knowledge and skills needed to become a certified diver
Certification	No certification needed	Earn a PADI certification
Time	Half day to full day	Usually 3 days, plus online study beforehand
Your Next Dive	Another introductory dive, unless you get certified	You can join dives for certified divers

If you’re not sure whether scuba diving is for you, Discover Scuba Diving is a good way to try it first.

If you already know you want to take up diving, you can start with the certification course. No previous diving experience is needed.

Is This Course Right for You?

• You want to take up scuba diving as a hobby
• You’ve tried scuba and want to take the next step
• You want more options for diving in Okinawa
• You’d like to join dives for certified divers in Kerama
• You want to dive in other parts of the world someday
• You’d rather take time to learn the basics than rush through a short course
• You have questions about your swimming ability or fitness and want to discuss them first
• You want to learn with your partner, children, or other family members
• You’re an older adult looking to try a new hobby

Your Course Schedule

PADI Open Water Diver Course Prices

Course materials, certification processing, instruction, equipment rental, and boat trips are all included.

Season	Price (Tax Included)
Low Season November–March	54,780JPY
Regular Season April–June and October Excluding Golden Week	76,780JPY
Peak Season July–September and Golden Week (Japan’s holiday period in late April–early May)	107,800JPY

To arrange your course, send us your preferred dates and any questions on WhatsApp or LINE. We can help in English or Japanese.

What’s Included

• PADI eLearning materials
• Certification processing fee
• Course instruction and instructor fees
• Confined water training
• Four open water training dives
• Trips aboard our own dive boat
• Full scuba equipment rental
• Wetsuit
• Scuba tanks and weights
• Insurance

Age and Swimming Requirements

The PADI Open Water Diver course is open to guests ages 10 and up.

Guests ages 10–14 earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification.

To complete the course, you’ll need to demonstrate basic swimming ability and comfort in the water:

• Swim 200 m without stopping, or swim 300 m using a mask, fins, and snorkel
• Stay afloat at the surface for 10 minutes by floating or treading water

This is a skills check, not a race.

If you’re unsure about your swimming ability or fitness, contact us on WhatsApp or LINE before booking.

Health and Medical Requirements

Before the course, we’ll review your health, medical history, and any medications you take.

Depending on your current health, medications, or medical history, you may need a doctor’s clearance to dive.

Okinawa Aquamarine requires all guests ages 60 and over to provide a medical certificate confirming fitness to dive.

If you have questions about the medical certificate, contact us on WhatsApp or LINE before booking.

Planning Your Trip and Return Flight

You’ll need to allow time between your last dive and your flight.

This course involves multiple dives over several days. Allow at least 18 hours between the end of your final dive and your flight.

Plan your trip with some extra time rather than a tight departure schedule.

If you’re unsure how to fit the course around your arrival and departure times, message us on WhatsApp or LINE before booking your flights.

Scuba Certification FAQ

What Comes After Certification?

Once you’ve earned your certification, you can start joining dives for certified divers.

During training, much of your attention goes toward learning new skills. As you gain experience, you’ll have more time to notice what’s around you.

Swim above the coral, watch the fish, or keep an eye out for sea turtles.

Each dive helps you build experience. As your skills grow, more diving options open up.

Okinawa Aquamarine also offers guided fun dives after you get certified.

Start here in Kerama, then see where diving takes you.

Let’s Plan Your Course