Home / Diving Courses / How the Open Water and Advanced Open Water Course Package at Chang Diving is Conducted – Step by Step (2025, Koh Chang)

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

Two easy learning options:

SDI eLearning: Complete online browser-based theory – user-friendly, practical, no app downloads required.
PADI Basic: Study from a PDF manual and complete your exams online via the PADI portal.

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

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:

👉 Book Your OWD + AOWD Package Now

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.

What Our Guests Say About Us

At Chang Diving Center, we’re proud to have earned the trust and admiration of divers from around the world.
Their reviews highlight the passion and professionalism we bring to every dive, and we’re excited to share their thoughts with you!

Google Reviews

Guests love our professionalism, safe diving practices, and the beauty of Koh Chang’s dive sites. See why we’re a top-rated center!

Tripadvisor Reviews

On Tripadvisor, travelers highlight our friendly atmosphere, personalized diving experiences, and dedication to creating unforgettable adventures.

Facebook Reviews

Our Facebook community is filled with stories of happy divers sharing their unforgettable moments. Join the conversation and see for yourself!

Your feedback inspires us to continue providing world-class diving experiences. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Book your diving adventure!

For all your fun dives or dive courses from beginner to professional divers!

Be safe wherever you dive. Get your own safe and clean personal diving equipment that you can trust for all your diving adventures around the blue planet! We got it!