RAID - Open Water 20
RAID Open Water 20 Course
The RAID Open Water 20 course is the standard entry-level scuba diving certification, equivalent to open water certifications from other major agencies. It provides comprehensive training in scuba skills, safety procedures, and dive planning, enabling certified divers to plan and conduct independent dives with a buddy. The certification allows dives to a maximum depth of 20 meters (66 feet) in conditions similar to or better than those experienced during training.
Age-specific variations include:
- Cadet Open Water 20: Ages 10-11, maximum depth 12 meters (40 feet) with a certified adult buddy.
- Junior Open Water 20: Ages 12-15, maximum depth 18 meters (60 feet) with a certified adult buddy.
- Standard Open Water 20: Ages 15 and up, maximum depth 20 meters (66 feet) with a certified buddy.
Junior and Cadet certifications can be upgraded to the full Open Water 20 upon reaching the appropriate age.
Benefits of the RAID Open Water 20 Course
- Develops full competency for independent buddy diving without professional supervision.
- Covers essential skills such as buoyancy control, equipment handling, navigation, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
- Enables diving worldwide in a wide range of environments, including reefs, wrecks, and open water sites.
- Promotes environmental awareness and responsible diving practices.
- Serves as the foundation for advanced certifications and specialties.
- Suitable for families, with adapted programs for younger participants to encourage safe participation and marine conservation interest.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age: 10 years (with age-specific variations as noted above).
- No prior scuba experience required.
- Comfort in water (no formal swim test required, but participants should be able to float and swim basic distances).
- Completion of a medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions require physician approval.
- For minors (under 18): Parental or guardian consent and signature on required forms.
- Required personal items: Swimsuit and towel (all scuba equipment provided by the dive center during training).
Participants must complete standard RAID forms, including a liability release and safe diving practices agreement, typically online via the RAID User Portal.
Course Structure
The course is delivered by a certified RAID instructor and includes three main components:
1. Academic Development
Completed through RAID’s online FREe-Learning platform. Topics include:
- Dive physics and physiology
- Equipment selection, assembly, and maintenance
- Dive planning, safety procedures, and emergency management
- Environmental protection and responsible diving Students access digital manuals, complete quizzes, and pass a final exam at their own pace.
2. Equipment Orientation
Hands-on sessions at the dive center covering fitting, assembly, and use of scuba equipment (mask, fins, snorkel, BCD, regulator, tank, and weights).
3. Practical Water Sessions
- Confined water training (pool or similar environment): Mastery of core skills including buoyancy control, mask clearing, regulator recovery, entries/exits, and emergency procedures.
- Open water training: Minimum of four dives to apply skills in real conditions, including navigation, controlled ascents, and independent exploration elements.
Duration and Depth Limits
- Theory: Self-paced online (typically several hours to weeks).
- Practical sessions: Usually completed over 2-4 days at the dive center, including confined and open water components.
- Maximum training depth: Up to 20 meters (66 feet), scaled according to age-specific limits.
- Certification limits: Independent buddy dives to 20 meters (66 feet) for adults (or age-adjusted limits) in comparable or better conditions.
Equipment Provided
During training, the dive center supplies all required scuba equipment, including:
- Tank
- Regulator
- Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
- Mask, snorkel, fins
- Weights
Participants need only bring a swimsuit and towel.
Certification
Upon successful completion, students receive a globally recognized electronic certification (e-card) issued by RAID. The certification is permanent and downloadable from the RAID portal. It is accepted worldwide for recreational diving.
Next Steps to Enroll
1. Create a free account on the RAID User Portal: https://user.diveraid.com
2. Access and complete online learning materials via the FREe-Learning Center (optional purchase for digital course access, providing lifetime availability).
3. Contact the center to book, discuss fees, and schedule your session. The center will unlock training materials, conduct the program, and handle any recognition.
