How the Open Water and Advanced Open Water Course Package at Chang Diving is Conducted – Step by Step (2025, Koh Chang)
Ready to take your diving skills to the next level? At Chang Diving Center on Koh Chang, we offer a smooth, professional path from your first certification to becoming an Advanced Open Water Diver. All courses are taught by certified SDI, TDI, and PADI instructors – with flexible theory options and real-world diving experiences.
Which Diving Agency Fits You – SDI or PADI?
Whether you choose SDI or PADI, your certifications are recognized worldwide. The main difference is the style and format of the theory materials. Check out our full comparison guide: PADI vs. SDI/TDI – What’s the Difference?.
Theory Materials – SDI vs. PADI
- SDI: Browser-based online eLearning – simple, fast, mobile-friendly. ✅ Available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Polish, Czech, Japanese, Thai, and more (varies by course).
- PADI: PDF manual + online exam via PADI portal. ✅ Available in over 20 languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Chinese (both), Japanese, Korean, Thai, Arabic, and more.
Note: Not all courses are available in every language – contact us if you're unsure about your preferred language.
How Much Time Does the Theory Take?
- Open Water Diver (OWD) Theory: Approx. 8–14 hours
- Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) Theory: Approx. 4 hours (only for your selected Adventure Dives)
Finish Your Theory Before Arrival
We highly recommend completing your full Open Water Diver theory before you arrive. For Advanced Open Water, you only need to complete theory for the specific Adventure Dives you choose.
Arrival & Schedule
Please arrive at least one day before your course starts. Here’s the 4-day plan for the combined OWD + AOWD package:
- Day 1: Full Pool Training (confined water session)
- Day 2: Open Water Dives 1, 2 and 3
- Day 3: Open Water Dive 4 + Advanced Adventure Dives 1 and 2
- Day 4: Advanced Adventure Dives 3, 4 and 5
Most Popular AOWD Adventure Dives
Required: Deep Diving and Underwater Navigation.
Popular Electives: Peak Performance Buoyancy, Nitrox Diving, and Wreck Diving.
Adventure Dives Available at Chang Diving
- Deep Diving (mandatory)
- Underwater Navigation (mandatory)
- Wreck Diving
- Peak Performance Buoyancy
- Fish Identification
- Nitrox Diving (Enriched Air)
- Night Diving
- Search and Recovery
- Underwater Digital Photography
- Sidemount Diving
Important to Know: What is an Adventure Dive?
Adventure Dives are not full Specialty Courses! Each Adventure Dive is the first dive of a corresponding Specialty course. If you wish to earn a full Specialty certification later, your Adventure Dive may be credited toward it.
Why Book the OWD + AOWD Package with Chang Diving?
- Save time and money with a combined program
- Small groups for maximum safety and personal attention
- Experienced instructors certified by PADI, SDI & TDI
- Eco-friendly dive boat Pirm Udom Sub
- Dive in one of Thailand’s most beautiful marine environments: Koh Chang
Cost Overview 2025
- SDI Open Water Diver: 14,490 THB
- SDI Advanced Open Water Diver: 13,490 THB
-
SDI OWD + AOWD Package: 22,490 THB
(Save 5,490 THB ≈ 160 EUR compared to booking separately) - PADI Open Water Diver: 14,990 THB
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver: 13,990 THB
-
PADI OWD + AOWD Package: 23,490 THB
(Save 5,490 THB ≈ 160 EUR compared to booking separately)
Note: Prices include all manuals, pool training, boat dives, equipment rental, and certification fees.
⚠️ All prices are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
Book Now and Save Your Spot!
Secure your course dates early to get the best choice of Adventure Dives and instructors. Contact us if you have questions or book directly online:
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How long does the Open Water + Advanced Open Water package
take?
Minimum 4 days – including pool training and 9 dives from the boat. -
Can I complete the theory before I arrive?
Yes! We highly recommend completing your full Open Water theory beforehand. For Advanced Open Water, only the theory for your selected Adventure Dives needs to be completed. -
Is Deep Diving and Navigation mandatory for AOWD?
Yes, both Deep and Underwater Navigation dives are required for AOWD certification. You can choose your 3 remaining Adventure Dives freely. -
What if I change my mind during the course?
No problem – if you complete OWD but wish to postpone AOWD, we can split your training and issue the certifications separately (additional costs may apply if courses are split significantly). -
Do Adventure Dives count toward Specialty Courses?
Yes! Each Adventure Dive is the first dive of a corresponding Specialty Course. It may be credited later if you continue with full Specialty certification (subject to instructor and agency approval). -
What equipment is included?
All necessary dive gear is included: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, tanks, weights. Nitrox tanks are included if you choose the Nitrox Adventure Dive – no extra charge. -
Can I choose Nitrox as an Adventure Dive?
Absolutely! Nitrox Diving is one of the most popular Adventure Dives. It improves safety and bottom time for recreational diving – and it’s included in your package if selected.
