Training Agency
The first question I will hear is: which training agency should I use? That's a fair question, given that it is a veritable alphabet soup of recreational training agencies out there. But that is probably the least important question. In the U.S. alone, you may see PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI, PDIC, YMCA and IDEA. And there are more. There are minor differences among the open water programs of these agencies, but all will meet, or exceed these minimum standards outlined by the Recreational Scuba Training Council (although NAUI is not a member, their standards are consistent with this). In order of size, PADI, NAUI and SSI account for over 85% of all dive shops in the United States, with PADI being larger than all the others combined. Of course, the problem with minimum standards is that they have a distressing tendency of becoming maximum standards as well (but that's a post for another day). Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine's take on training agencies is here, for a more detailed discussion.
The most important factor in the success and enjoyment of your training will be your instructor. A referral to an individual instructor is ideal. However, dive shop referrals are usually also a reliable bellweather for quality. Often its tough to get scheduled with a specific instructor since most instructors (particularly in colder areas) are part timers.
Open Water Class
Open Water Certification training is comprised of three phases: classroom, pool (confined water) and open water.
Classroom - In the classroom, the instructor will introduce you to the basic physics, techniques and physiology of diving. The class sessions are meant to be a compliment to your independent study prior to meeting (readings and videos). Classroom sessions are very interactive and any questions on the materials should be answered here. At the end, you will be asked to take a final exam.
Confined Water - The pool portion of the class is meant to familiarize you with the equipment, get you comfortable in a new environment and provide you with a set of skills and safety procedures. This is where you should master the basic skills of diving. Before going on to the open water portion of your training, you should be proficient in all the skills you have learned here. Insist on it!
At this point, you can get a referral form from your instructor and go complete your open water dives in the tropics, if you like. Or stick with your local training dives. Most of the training agencies have a cross referral program available. PADI is the exception to this (ed.: hey, when you're the big dog, you don't need to be friendly with the little yippy doggies!). Your dive center can help you arrange your open water training dives.
Open Water - The open water portion is conducted in a lake, quarry or ocean and is where you will 1) demonstrate your mastery of the skills from the pool to an instructor and 2) enjoy your first dives. With the exception of some compass work (hard to teach in a pool), the skills are the same as you learned in the pool. Depending on the training agency, you will be required to do between 4 to 6 dives.
Cost
You just have to shop around. There is a huge amount of variability in fee schedules, so a DETAILED cost summary should be requested from any dive shop you are considering. A reputable dive shop will provide this information in writing. In addition to the training costs, you will be required to buy a mask, fins (and booties if open heel fins), and snorkel. Your costs for the classroom and pool portions of the training will include classroom materials (book, video, dive tables, logbook, etc), instructor time, pool fees and gear rental. Your costs for the open water sessions will include: trip costs, instructor time, gear rental, charter fees and the certification card.
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