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

How the Open Water Diver Course at Chang Diving is Conducted – Step by Step (2025, Koh Chang)

Ready to become a certified diver in Thailand? At Chang Diving Center on Koh Chang, we provide flexible and professional Open Water Diver (OWD) training taught by certified SDI, TDI, and PADI instructors. You can choose between SDI or PADI certification – both are globally recognized and follow very similar standards in training and safety.

To make the most of your time on the island and secure your preferred course dates, we highly recommend booking your diving adventure in advance. It helps us prepare your theory access, schedule your pool session, and assign you the best possible instructor based on your experience level.

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Choose Your Certification Agency – SDI or PADI?

Whether you choose PADI or SDI, your certification will be valid worldwide. The difference lies mainly in the theory platform and certification materials.

If you’d like a detailed comparison, check out our guide:
SDI/TDI vs. PADI – What’s the Difference?.

We’re happy to help you decide which option fits your schedule and learning style best.

Theory Materials – SDI vs. PADI

Great question! Let’s break down the options for completing the theory portion of your first diving certification:

1. SDI eLearning (Browser-Based):
   • Fully online, no app or downloads required – works in any web browser.
   • Straightforward, beginner-friendly design with clear, practical content.
   • SDI also offers free course videos on YouTube for review and preview.
   • Great for students who want easy access without extra costs for multimedia.
2. PADI Basic (PDF + Online Exams):
   • You receive a downloadable PDF of the manual.
   • After reading, you take the quizzes and final exam online via the PADI platform.
   • Budget-friendly, but not interactive – no videos or guided media included.
   • Best for self-motivated learners who like reading at their own pace.
3. PADI eLearning (Fully Interactive):
   • Includes videos, animations, and interactive quizzes integrated throughout the course.
   • Guided structure – ideal for those who enjoy multimedia and step-by-step learning.
   • Costs more, but provides a premium digital learning experience.

⏱️ Time Required:

All formats (PADI Basic, PADI eLearning, and SDI eLearning) take approximately 8 to 14 hours to complete, depending on your pace. Here’s how they compare:

• SDI eLearning: Balanced, user-friendly, with free video access
• PADI Basic: Requires more independent reading
• PADI eLearning: Most interactive and streamlined

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Complete Your Theory Before You Arrive

• Choose your format: SDI eLearning, PADI Basic, or PADI eLearning.
• Finish all knowledge reviews and exams before your course starts.
• Create your diver profile with a photo at
  tdisdi.com or
  padi.com.

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Arrival & Scheduling

Please arrive on Koh Chang at least one day before your Open Water Diver course begins (any option). We’ll inform you in advance about your pickup time for the swimming pool or Try Dive session.

What You’ll Learn – Full OWD Course: Skills in Pool & Open Water

All Open Water Diver students complete the same core skills, regardless of which option they booked (SDI or PADI). These skills are first practiced in the pool and then repeated and refined during open water dives.

Examples of skills include:

• Buoyancy control and trim
• Mask removal and clearing
• Regulator recovery and out-of-air procedures
• Controlled emergency ascent (CESA)
• Underwater navigation with compass and natural reference

You can view the full skill overview in our downloadable OWD Skill Slate (PDF).

✔️ Included in the Open Water Course Price:

• 1x Open Water Diver Manual (SDI or PADI – depending on option)
• 1x Full day pool training (confined water)
• 2x Boat days with a total of 4 open water dives
• Full equipment rental, boat fees, instructor guidance

⚠️ All prices are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Option 2 – Course Start for the Unsure

This option is perfect if you want to sign up for the full Open Water Diver course but are still unsure if it’s the right fit for you. With Option 2, you begin just like any other full OWD student:

• You choose your theory format – SDI eLearning, PADI Basic (PDF), or PADI eLearning
• You complete the full pool session and all required confined water skills

Then comes the decision day: Your first open water dive from the boat.

After this first dive, you decide how far you want to go:

• ✔️ Continue to full OWD certification: Do 1 more dive the same day and 2 more dives the next day (4 open water dives in total)
• ✔️ Choose the Scuba Diver certification: Complete just 1 more dive (2 total) and receive a limited certification to dive up to 12 meters with a dive pro
• ✔️ Stop after 1 dive: No certification, but a safe and exciting underwater experience to remember

✔️ Included in Option 2 base price:

• 1x Open Water Diver manual (PADI or SDI)
• 1x Full-day pool training
• 1x Open water dive from the boat

Note: Any additional dives (e.g., for Scuba Diver or full OWD) will be added to the base price accordingly.

⚠️ All prices are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

This option gives you peace of mind and full flexibility – no pressure, no stress. We support your journey every step of the way.

Option 3 – Start with a Try Dive, Then Decide

Option 3 is ideal if you’re not yet sure whether you want to commit to a full Open Water Diver certification. It starts with a Try Dive experience – a safe, guided introduction to scuba diving with 2 dives from the boat.

During this day, you’ll already complete some basic scuba skills in real open water settings, such as shallow training areas or during surface intervals.

If you enjoy the Try Dive and want to continue:

• Pool Day: You’ll complete the full Open Water skill set in a dedicated pool session (same as Option 1)
• Final Day: You’ll complete 3 more open water dives to earn your Open Water Diver certification
• Total: 5 dives in open water, including the initial Try Dive day

Important: If you decide to continue, you will need to complete all theory (PADI or SDI) within a short time frame after your Try Dive. This option gives you a great first taste of diving before committing to the full course – but also requires motivation to catch up on the academic part quickly.

Included in the base price of Option 3: 1x Try Dive day with 2 dives from the boat, full equipment, and instructor guidance.

Note: An additional upgrade fee is required if you decide to continue with the full Open Water Diver course (including pool session, 3 more dives, theory & certification).

⚠️ All prices are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

More details about the Try Dive and skill requirements can be found in our
DSD Fresh-Up Guide (PDF).

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Why Take the OWD Course with Chang Diving?

• Experienced instructors certified by PADI, SDI & TDI
• Small groups for focused, safe training
• High-quality equipment and our own dive boat – Pirm Udom Sub
• Located in beautiful Koh Chang – a relaxed diving paradise

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Ready to Dive In?

If you’re still unsure which option or agency is right for you, contact us directly – we’re happy to advise you. You can also book your Open Water Course online to lock in your preferred dates and get started on your dive adventure in paradise!

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Course Prices 1/2025

• SDI OWD with eLearning: 14,490 THB
• PADI OWD Basic PDF manual & online exames): 14,990 THB
• PADI OWD with eLearning: 15,490 THB
• Try Dive + SDI OWD (Option 3): 15,490 THB
• Try Dive + PADI OWD Basic (Option 3): 15,990 THB

Note: The core course (equipment, training, dives, instructor and boat fees) is priced at 10,490 THB. The remaining amount covers agency fees, manuals, and certification materials.

Please note: These additional costs are set by the certification agencies – not by us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How many dives are included? Depending on the option, between 4 and 5 open water dives.
• Can I start with a Try Dive and still get certified? Yes, that’s Option 3 – Try Dive plus full certification.
• Is pool training mandatory? Yes, every student completes pool-based skill sessions before or after the Try Dive day.
• How long does the course take? 3 days minimum, including pool and boat dives.

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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!

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