Overview
The RAID Open Water 20 is an entry-level scuba diving certification designed for beginners who want to learn proper diving skills and become certified to dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres with a certified buddy.
The course combines online learning, equipment training, confined-water practice and open-water dives. Students learn essential scuba skills such as equipment setup, mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, horizontal trim, controlled ascents, safety procedures, buddy practices and basic air management.
The programme generally runs over four days in Havelock Island, Andaman. Training starts with theory, equipment orientation and confined-water skills before progressing to ocean dives. Participants complete four required open-water dives, with the training progressively introducing deeper diving and practical underwater skills.
The course is suitable for complete beginners, so previous scuba-diving experience is not required. Participants must meet the required swimming and floating abilities and complete the applicable medical declaration. RAID e-learning can also be completed before arrival to prepare for the course.
After successful completion, participants receive the RAID Open Water 20 certification and can continue their recreational diving journey with appropriate certified-buddy diving and further training.
Itinerary
- Day 1
Theory & Confined Water
Complete the welcome briefing, equipment orientation, swimming and float assessment, followed by initial confined-water training. Practise breathing underwater, mask clearing, regulator recovery and basic buoyancy control.
- Day 2
Skills & First Ocean Dives
Continue confined-water skills and practise buddy and emergency procedures. Complete the first two open-water dives, generally at shallower depths while building confidence and underwater control.
- Day 3
Deeper Ocean Dives
Complete two further ocean dives with progressive training towards the 20-metre certification limit. Practise buoyancy, trim, navigation, air management and buddy procedures in open water.
- Day 4
Review & Certification
Complete the final knowledge and skills review, update the RAID digital logbook and complete certification processing.
Difficulty and fitness
Basic swimming ability and the ability to float or tread water for 10 minutes without assistance are required.
- Practise comfortable swimming and floating before the course. Arrive rested, hydrated and ready for multiple water sessions.
What to bring
Complete the recommended RAID online learning before arrival, practise swimming and floating, and review basic course instructions provided after booking.
Essentials
- Swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, water bottle, snacks and comfortable clothes for theory sessions.
Getting there
Meet at the designated dive center in Havelock as instructed during booking.
Travel to Port Blair, then take the available ferry or approved transport connection to Havelock Island. Reach the designated dive centre as instructed by the operator.
Trip details
Included
- RAID Open Water 20 certification
- Four ocean dives
- Confined-water training
- Scuba equipment
- Dive computer for training dives
- RAID e-learning access
- Digital dive logbook
- Instructor-led training
Not included
- Personal travel and accommodation
- Meals unless specifically stated
- Personal expenses
- Optional add-ons
- Any medical examination required outside the standard course process
Before you book
Course completion depends on meeting the required skills and safety standards. Dive locations and timings may change due to weather, sea conditions or operational requirements. Participants should disclose relevant medical conditions before diving.
Safety notes
Follow instructor instructions throughout the course. Never dive alone. Diving is subject to medical fitness, weather, sea conditions and instructor assessment. Do not fly immediately after diving; follow the required surface interval advised by your dive operator.
Participant requirements
Full name, age, contact details, preferred course date and relevant medical information/declaration.
Your operator
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