PADI Open Water
Diver Course
Your first step into the underwater world. Get certified to dive anywhere on earth — starting from the crystal-clear tropical waters of Tioman Island.
What Is the PADI
Open Water Course?
The PADI Open Water Diver Course is the world's most recognized beginner scuba certification. Designed for people with zero diving experience, it teaches the essential knowledge and skills needed to dive independently with a buddy — anywhere in the world, to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
Training dives take place in the clear tropical waters of Tioman Island, where you may encounter colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, and green sea turtles in their natural habitat. It's not just a certification — it's your first real underwater adventure.
Knowledge Development
Theory sessions covering equipment, buoyancy, dive planning, and safety procedures.
Confined Water Training
Practice core scuba skills in shallow water before heading to open ocean.
Open Water Dives
Real ocean dives around Tioman Island — shore and boat dives included.
Choose Your
Accommodation
All packages include full PADI course, equipment, meals, and accommodation. Course-only option also available.
🏠 TDB Tioman Resort
🌴 Idaman Beach Holiday Resort
🏝️ Aguna Resort
🌺 Impian Inn
📋 Course Only (No Accommodation)
💳 0% Interest Installment available — 3 months. Contact us for details.
Your 4-Day
Dive Journey
Pre-Course Preparation
Arrival & Theory
Skills & First Dive
Open Water Dives
Checkout & Departure
Cataferry: 1 hour before · Bluewater: 2 hours before
Everything You Need
To Get Certified
Complete training resources
All scuba gear provided
Official dive log included
Professional PADI instructors
3 meals/day × 3 days
3 nights at your chosen resort
Free with social media review
During your certification course
Learn to Dive
With the Best
PADI 5★ IDC Centre
Established since 2010 with over 6,000 students trained. Operating at the highest PADI certification level.
Small Groups, Max 4
Personal attention from your instructor. Many students enjoy one-on-one or very small group instruction.
Flexible Scheduling
Courses available March to November with flexible start dates — begin on almost any day to fit your travel plans.
Real Ocean Training
Train in Tioman's clear tropical waters alongside coral reefs, tropical fish, and green sea turtles.
Benefits of Being
a TDB Student
Current and former TDB students enjoy exclusive privileges:
At TDB Tioman, TDB Tenggol, TDB SunBeach, and more locations coming soon.
Discount on food and dining at 老蒋石板烧.
Discount on scuba diving equipment purchased at TDB Scuba Dive Equipment.
Complimentary during your certification course at TDB Tioman.
Registration &
Terms
RM 300 per person. Non-refundable but transferable, valid for one year from payment date.
1 March 2026 – 20 November 2026.
Free 3 boat dives (worth RM 300) for deposits paid on or before 28 February 2026. Personal use only. Does not include accommodation, meals, or equipment rental (RM 60/day).
4 days / 3 nights.
No refunds if the course cannot be completed due to weather conditions.
Must be informed at least 14 days in advance. Late changes result in deposit forfeiture to cover hotel penalties.
If certification is not passed, full fees still apply. Students may return within one year to retake, paying only accommodation and meals.
Package includes 9 meals (3 per day × 3 days). The 10th meal is chargeable separately.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Do I need previous diving experience to join the Open Water course?
No. The PADI Open Water Diver Course is designed for complete beginners with no prior diving experience. You will learn everything from scratch — equipment use, breathing underwater, buoyancy control, and safety procedures — all under the guidance of a certified PADI instructor at Tioman Dive Buddy.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Basic water comfort is recommended. While the PADI Open Water Course does include a swim assessment (200-metre swim or 300-metre snorkel and 10-minute float), you do not need to be an advanced swimmer. Many students complete the course with basic swimming ability. Your instructor will support you at every stage.
How long does the PADI Open Water course take in Tioman?
The PADI Open Water Diver Course at Tioman Dive Buddy takes 4 days and 3 nights. This includes video-based pre-study before arrival, knowledge review sessions, confined water skills training, and four open water dives (two shore dives and two boat dives) in the waters around Tioman Island.
What is the minimum age to enrol?
The minimum age for the PADI Open Water Diver Course is 10 years old. Students aged 10–11 receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification with a depth limit of 12 metres. Students aged 12–14 receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification with a limit of 18 metres. From age 15 onwards, the standard Open Water Diver certification is issued.
Is scuba diving safe for beginners?
Yes. Scuba diving is safe when conducted under proper training and supervision. All courses at Tioman Dive Buddy follow PADI international safety standards, are taught by experienced certified instructors, and are conducted in small groups of maximum 4 students. Skills are taught progressively at a pace that allows each student to develop confidence before moving on.
How deep will I dive during the course?
During the PADI Open Water Course, training dives are conducted at depths appropriate for each skill level, typically between 6 and 18 metres. Upon certification, you are qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres (60 feet) worldwide, subject to local regulations.
Do I need a medical certificate?
You will need to complete a PADI Medical Statement form before starting the course. If you answer "yes" to any medical questions, a physician's clearance is required. Common conditions that require clearance include asthma, heart conditions, and ear problems. It is recommended to complete the medical form in advance to avoid delays.
What if the weather is bad during my course?
Tioman Island's dive season runs from March to November, when conditions are generally favourable. If weather prevents course completion, no refunds are issued, but the team at Tioman Dive Buddy will work with you to reschedule where possible. Your deposit remains valid for one year from the payment date.
What happens if I don't pass?
If you are unable to pass the certification during your course, full fees still apply. However, you can return within one year to retake the course, paying only for accommodation and meals. The PADI system is designed to be progressive, and your instructor will work with you at your own pace to help you succeed.
What should I bring for the course?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, personal toiletries, comfortable clothing, and any medication you may need. All scuba equipment is provided as part of the course package. You may also want to bring a waterproof phone case for photos. Arrive at Tioman Island having already watched the 5-chapter PADI tutorial videos.
Will I receive a certification after completing the course?
Yes. Upon successful completion of all knowledge reviews, confined water skills, and open water dives, you will receive the PADI Open Water Diver certification. This is internationally recognized and allows you to dive worldwide to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
Can I continue to Advanced Open Water after finishing OW?
Yes. The PADI Open Water certification is the foundation for further training. After completing your OW, you can enrol in the PADI Advanced Open Water Course, Rescue Diver, and eventually professional-level courses such as Divemaster — all available at Tioman Dive Buddy.
Where are the training dives conducted?
Training dives are conducted in the tropical waters around Tioman Island. You will experience both shore dives (from the beach) and boat dives to reef sites. Tioman offers clear waters, healthy coral reefs, and abundant marine life — including frequent sightings of green sea turtles — making it one of Malaysia's best locations for learning to dive.
How do I book or ask questions?
Contact Tioman Dive Buddy directly via WhatsApp for the fastest response. You can ask questions about scheduling, accommodation options, group bookings, or any other details about the PADI Open Water Course. A RM 300 deposit is required to confirm your booking.
Start Your
Diving Journey
From complete beginner to certified diver in just 4 days. Join over 6,000 students who started their underwater adventure with Tioman Dive Buddy.