SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Certification

Become a Confident, Capable Diver — Not Just Certified

With Sink or Swim Scuba’s SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course near Charlotte, Gastonia, and Lake Norman, you’ll build real skills, comfort, and confidence underwater — whether you want to dive locally or anywhere in the world.

Get certified and explore the underwater world with Sink or Swim Scuba's Open Water Scuba Certification near Charlotte, NC — serving Charlotte, Gastonia, Lake Norman, and surrounding North Carolina and South Carolina area.   Whether you’re looking to dive locally or at an exotic destination, our program provides a flexible, convenient, and high-quality training experience.

Why Choose SDI Open Water Scuba Certification?

• 100% Online Academics – Complete your theory coursework at your own pace with SDI’s eLearning platform.

• Hands-On Training – Develop essential scuba skills through in-water training sessions and open water dives.

• Regularly Scheduled Classes – If current dates don’t work for you, contact us and we’ll help find one that fits your schedule., we have classes starting all the time. Contact us to find a schedule that fits your needs!

• Train with Experts – Learn from experienced SDI-certified instructors who will guide you through every step of your Lake Norman Scuba diving course journey.

What’s Included with our Gastonia scuba training for beginners?

✅ Rental Dive Gear Included at No Cost – including regulator, dive computer, buoyancy compensator (BC), wetsuit, scuba tanks, and weights.
✅ SDI eLearning Access – Start your online training immediately.
✅ Pool Session Fees – Master skills in a controlled environment before hitting open water.
✅ Logbook – Keep track of your dives and progress.
✅ Certification Card – Earn your official SDI Open Water Diver certification upon course completion.

What You Need to Bring

Students do need to provide their own scuba-quality mask, snorkel, fins, and boots. We strongly recommend waiting to purchase these until you’ve met with one of our instructors — that way we can help you get the right fit and gear that works well with our training approach.

Open Water Scuba Diver Course – Frequently Asked Questions

Is SDI Open Water certification recognized worldwide?

Yes. SDI Open Water Scuba Diver certification is internationally recognized and accepted by dive operators and resorts worldwide. With this certification, you can dive anywhere in the world within recreational limits, whether you plan to dive locally or travel internationally.

How long does the Open Water Scuba Diver course take?

After completing the online academic portion at your own pace, we can often complete the in-water training and open water checkout dives over a single weekend. Scheduling may vary based on availability, but we work hard to make the process efficient while still maintaining high training standards.

Do I need my own scuba gear to start the course?

Students are required to have their own masks, snorkel, fins, and boots. for the course.   

We strongly encourage divers to wait to purchase scuba gear until meeting with us. This allows our instructors to help ensure you get equipment that fits properly, meets your needs, and works well with our training program. Our goal is to help you make informed purchases, not rushed ones.  You can explore examples of the types of exposure protection we recommend here.

Is this course good for local diving in North Carolina and surrounding areas?

Yes. Our training prepares divers for a wide range of environments, including local lakes, quarries, coastal diving, and international destinations. The skills you learn are designed to build comfort, confidence, and control, whether you plan to dive locally or travel abroad.

I’ve never scuba dived before. Is this course beginner-friendly?

Absolutely. The SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course is designed for beginners with no prior scuba experience. Our instructors focus on building skills, understanding, and confidence rather than rushing through the process.

What is the minimum age to enroll?

The minimum age for the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course is 10 years old. Please contact us if you have questions about junior scuba programs or age-specific requirements.

What happens after I get certified?

Once certified, you can dive with a buddy within recreational limits anywhere in the world. Many divers choose to continue with specialty training, local diving, or optional group travel. We regularly host dive trips and adventures — you can explore upcoming opportunities on our Dive Trips page.

How do I get started?

You can register directly on this page using the available course dates. If you don’t see a date that works for you — or if no dates are currently listed — Email us or give us a call or text us at 704-823-0501. We’re happy to work with you to find a schedule that fits your availability.

If you’re ready to become a confident, capable diver — we’d love to help you get started.

How to Get Started

1️⃣ Sign up online – Add the course to your cart and complete payment.
2️⃣ Receive your eLearning code – Start your online training immediately at your own pace.
3️⃣ Schedule your pool session & open water dives – We work with your schedule to get you in the water as soon as possible!