Open Water Diver Course in Malta — Get Certified in the Mediterranean
“We had a fantastic experience during our Open Water Diver course. Our instructor, Charlie, was professional and patient.”
— David N. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google
⭐ 4.9 out of 5 · Over 800 reviews on Google
👇 Book now — pay only a deposit, the rest is paid on the first day of the course
At a glance
| Duration |
3 days, approximately 8:30am to 4:00pm (varies depending on each student’s pace) |
| Maximum depth |
18 metres |
| Open water dives |
4 |
| Certification |
SSI or PADI, your choice |
| Group size |
Maximum 4-5 people per instructor |
| Minimum age |
10 years old |
| Prior experience |
Not required |
| Requirements |
Basic swimming skills and good physical health |
| Includes |
Online theory, heated pool, 4 dives, transport in Malta, full equipment, international certification |
Does this sound familiar?
- “PADI or SSI? I don’t know which to choose.”
- “How many days do I need? I only have a few days off.”
- “What exactly is included in the price? I don’t want surprises.”
Let’s go through it.
SSI or PADI: we recommend SSI
Both certifications carry the same international recognition and let you dive at any dive centre in the world. At OK Diving Malta we recommend SSI: its online platform and app are more intuitive for completing the theory from your phone. If you still prefer PADI, we offer that too. Choose when booking; if you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise you with no obligation.
How your course works
3 days, approximately 8:30am to 4:00pm. The exact duration depends on how quickly you complete the course skills: every student goes at their own pace.
Online theory included in the price. 5 modules and a final exam online, through the SSI or PADI platform depending on your choice. Complete it at your own pace, before or during your stay in Malta, from your phone or computer.
5 blocks of practical exercises in confined water, in our heated swimming pool, before each open water dive.
4 dives in the Mediterranean Sea, with transport included in Malta from the centre to the dive sites. The dive site is chosen by the centre’s director each day, based on weather and sea conditions.
Requirements
- Minimum age: 10 years old
- No prior experience required
- Basic swimming skills
- Good general physical health
What you get
Your own personal instructor, not a group guide
Groups of maximum 4-5 people. Someone who knows your name and adapts the course pace to you.
A certification that opens up the world
SSI or PADI, recognised at every dive centre on the planet. With your Open Water certification, you dive independently down to 18 metres, without needing an instructor.
The best place in Europe to learn
Warm water, no currents, excellent visibility. Ideal for taking your first steps as a certified diver.
What’s included
✅ Access to the online theory platform and materials
✅ 5 theory modules + final exam online (SSI or PADI)
✅ 5 blocks of confined water exercises (heated pool)
✅ 4 dives in the Mediterranean Sea
✅ Transport in Malta from the centre to the dive sites
✅ Full diving equipment
✅ SSI & PADI certified instructor, groups of 4-5 people maximum
✅ International diving certification (SSI or PADI)
👇 Book now — pay only a deposit, the rest is paid on the first day of the course
Optional extras: Gozo and Comino
If the director decides to include a dive in Gozo or Comino depending on conditions that day, there’s a separate supplement: Gozo €25, Comino €30. We’ll confirm this along with the rest of your course details.
Already tried our Discover Scuba Diving?
If you’ve done the Discover Scuba Diving with OK Diving Malta, you’re entitled to a discount on the Open Water course, since you’ll have already practised some of the required skills. Email us at info@okdivingmalta.com for more information.
How to book
We run Open Water courses every week. When booking, let us know in the comments your available dates in Malta, or your flight dates and times, so we can check availability. We’ll confirm by email within 24 hours. If you’d rather check availability before booking, message us on WhatsApp or through the contact form.
How to start your online theory
If you choose SSI: you register yourself on the SSI platform at this link. Within minutes you’ll have access to the modules and can start at your own pace.
If you choose PADI: we give you access to the PADI platform as soon as we receive your deposit. We’ll email you the instructions so you can log in and start the theory.
Frequently asked questions
PADI or SSI, which should I choose?
Both carry the same international recognition. We recommend SSI for its more intuitive app and online platform, but if you prefer PADI we offer that too. Choose when booking; if you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise you with no obligation.
How many days do I need?
The course runs over 3 days, approximately 8:30am to 4:00pm. Duration may vary slightly depending on each student’s pace with the practical skills.
Do I need prior experience?
No. The Open Water Diver is the first certification course, designed for those who have never dived or have only done a Discover Scuba Diving.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Basic swimming skills and good general physical health are required. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer.
What exactly is included in the price?
Online theory, pool sessions, 4 dives in the sea, transport to the dive sites, full equipment and international certification. Gozo and Comino are optional extras, not included.
Who decides where we dive?
The centre’s director, each day, based on weather and sea conditions. We always aim for the best possible site within those conditions.
Can I do the exam before arriving in Malta?
Yes, you can complete the theory modules and the online exam before your trip, at your own pace.
How do I access the online theory?
It depends on the certification you choose. With SSI, you register yourself on the platform at this link. With PADI, we give you access ourselves as soon as we receive your deposit and confirm it by email.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes, 10 years old. For children under 10 we offer the Bubble Maker course.
How do I choose my dates?
When booking, let us know in the comments your available dates in Malta, or your flight dates and times. This way we can check availability and confirm by email within 24 hours.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
The deposit is non-refundable: as soon as you book, we give you access to the eLearning and certification platform (SSI or PADI), which you can complete and validate at any dive centre in the world, even if your plans in Malta change. If you need to change your dates within the same season, email us at info@okdivingmalta.com and we’ll do our best to help.
I already did the Discover Scuba Diving, do I get a discount?
Yes. If you did the Discover Scuba Diving with us, you get a discount on the Open Water course. Email us for more information.
What’s next after Open Water?
The natural next step is the Advanced Open Water Diver: more depth, more dive sites, more adventure. Ask us about the combined course.
Before you book
Check our medical form. If you would tick Yes on any box marked with an asterisk, you’ll need a medical certificate for diving.
⚠️ Remember that diving is not allowed within 18 hours of flying!
The deposit is non-refundable: it gives you immediate access to the eLearning and to your SSI or PADI certification, valid at any dive centre in the world.
When booking, let us know in the comments your available dates or your flight dates and times. We confirm availability within 24 hours.
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