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Learn to dive at WOSD

In
your
time

In
your
way

At
your
instructor

For
your
pleasure

Choose your primary education and start diving.

WOSD primary courses are courses for a student who has no experience with the underwater world. This group includes training courses in which full diving equipment is used.
The main purpose of a WOSD primary course is to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to stay safely and responsibly in an underwater environment.

People of almost all ages can follow a WOSD primary course.
Primary courses are divided into 'youth courses' (from 8 to 11 years old) and the standard 'primary courses' (from 12 years old).

With the following steps of a WOSD diving course you are ready for your underwater adventure!

Gaining knowledge

Getting a diving license is like getting a driver's license. During the theoretical part you will learn the 'ins and outs' of the underwater environment. You can also see this as learning the traffic rules from diving.
You can easily do this through our interactive D-Learning system, through the dive instructor or through a combination of the two.

Learn skills

Of course you also have to learn how to handle the diving equipment (learning how to drive). In addition, you must learn how to prevent and solve problems (preventing traffic accidents).
For this you will perform exercises in a controlled situation with your diving instructor.

Enjoying the underwater world

After you have completed a diving course you will receive a worldwide recognised scuba diving certificate so that you can enjoy the underwater world anywhere.

YOUTH COURSES

For children aged 8 to 11 years who want to follow a diving course, there are the WOSD youth courses.
WOSD youth courses are characterized by the fact that the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of a course are adapted to the level of knowledge and motor skills of the children.

Snorkel Diver

Logo SNOR D learningThe WOSD “Snorkel diver” course is designed for people who want to enjoy the underwater world, but do not want to use scuba equipment. During this course the techniques required to snorkel on and underwater using standard snorkel equipment. Following completion of the course you can enjoy the underwater world in a safe and relaxed fashion.

The WOSD "Snorkel Diver" course consists of the following sections:

SNOR foto siteTheoretical Knowledge:
In this section you learn about snorkel equipment works and what requirements snorkel equipment must meet. You are also taught how the body reacts in an underwater environment and of course, safety both underwater at the waters edge is covered in detail.

Practical Skills:
In this part, together with your snorkeling instructor, you will learn in a pool and open water how to handle your snorkeling equipment and how to behave in the water.

Pre-requisites:

  • Minimum 8 years of age;
  • Competent swimmer (swimming diploma not necessary);
  • Approved medical statement;
  • Signed Certificate of Understanding.

Authorized to:

  • Snorkel independently in a swimming pool or in the open water;
  • Snorkel with another Snorkel Diver or higher.

SCUBA Diving Introduction

logo INTRO D LearningEUFCertified 2009 03If you have always wondered what it would be like to breathe underwater, but you do not want to follow a full course, then the WOSD 'SCUBA Diving Introduction' (diving introduction with compressed air equipment) course is the perfect solution for you.

SCUBA is an acronym for “Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus”. Scuba was first developed around 1940 for use by the armed forces. Since then, scuba equipment has undergone substantial developments and this has helped lead to scuba diving becoming one of the safest recreation sports.

The WOSD ‘SCUBA Diving Introduction’ can be followed by individuals, pairs or groups and is also a perfect ‘challenge’ for bachelor and ‘hen’ parties, school outings, team building, etc.

The WOSD “SCUBA Diving Introduction” is comprised of the following sections:

W INTRO fotoTheoretical knowledge:
In this section the basic operation of diving equipment will be explained and you will learn how your body reacts to an underwater environment. You will then know how to use the various items of diving equipment so that you can enjoy the underwater experience from the start of the introductory dive.

Practical Skills:
In this part of the course, you will, together with a WOSD Instructor, dive in a swimming pool or open water environment using scuba equipment and can experience the underwater world.

Pre-requisites:

  • Minimum 8 years of age (swimming pool) or 10 years of age (open water);
  • Competent swimmer (swimming diploma not necessary);
  • Approved medical statement;
  • Signed Certificate of Understanding.

Authorised to:

  • Conduct only introductory non-decompression dives using scuba equipment under the direct supervision of a qualified scuba instructor;
  • Maximum dive depth: 12 metres.

Recognition:
This WOSD course is ISO 11121 certified. This means that this WOSD course meets the highest international standards for quality and safety.

Confined Ranger

logo CR 20140512 200pxThe WOSD course ‘Confined Ranger’ is the “beginners” scuba diving course for children.

Travel with Lex and Sandra who when on holiday, can follow a dive course at a WOSD dive centre. Share their adventures and learn about the beauty and wonders of the underwater world as you learn the basics of scuba diving in a swimming pool or confined water.

The WOSD ‘Confined Ranger’ course consists of the following sections:

FishTheoretical Knowledge:
In this section you will learn how dive equipment works and what requirements dive equipment must meet. You are also taught how the body reacts in an underwater environment and of course, safety both underwater at the water’s edge is covered in detail.

Practical Skills:
In this section you will learn, together with your dive instructor, in a pool or confined water how to handle your diving equipment and how to behave in the underwater world.

Pre-requisites:

  • Minimum 8 years of age;
  • Competent swimmer (swimming diploma not necessary);
  • Approved medical statement;
  • Signed Certificate of Understanding.

Authorized to:

  • Carry out non-decompression dives with scuba equipment in a swimming pool or confined water;
  • Dive to a maximum depth of 2 metres;
  • Dive only under the direct supervision of an 'Autonomous diver' (diver level 2) or higher, who has reached the age of majority that applies in the country where the dive is conducted;
  • The 'Autonomous diver' (diver level 2) may only accompany one Confined Ranger.

Ocean Ranger

logo OR 20140512 200pxThe WOSD course ‘Ocean Ranger’ is the advanced scuba diving course for children.

Lex and Sandra are now 10 years of age and can follow a more advanced dive course. Not only do they further develop their dive skills, but they also go diving in the open water. During this course you learn to use additional equipment and learn to take more responsibility for yourself and your buddy. The emphasis is of course, to enjoy the underwater world.

The WOSD "Ocean Ranger" course consists of the following sections:

DolphinTheoretical Knowledge:
Following on from where you left off in the WOSD Confined Ranger course, in this section you learn more about diving equipment, including how it works, the requirements and the maintenance. In addition, you learn more about the open water environment and the safety aspect in the open water, because in this course, that is where you will be diving.

Practical Skills:
In this section, together with your dive Instructor, diving in a swimming pool or confined water and then in the open water, you will learn how to use new items of diving equipment and perfect your dive skills in the underwater world.

Pre-requisites:

  • Minimum 10 years of age;
  • Competent swimmer (swimming diploma not necessary);
  • Approved medical statement;
  • Signed Certificate of Understanding;
  • Certified as a WOSD 'Confined Ranger' or equivalent.

Authorized to:

  • Conduct non-decompression dives with Scuba equipment in open water;
  • Dive to a maximum depth of 5 metres;
  • Dive only under the direct supervision of an ‘Autonomous diver’ (diver level 2) or higher, who has reached the age of majority that applies in the country where the dive is conducted;
  • The 'Autonomous diver' (diver level 2) may only accompany one Ocean Ranger.

What makes scuba diving so much fun?

  • The weightlessness - a feeling that otherwise only astronauts can experience

  • Relaxing and calming - there is no hurry and speed underwater

  • Escape from the daily hectic - No phone, mail or Internet to disturb you

  • The fantastic nature of the underwater world - no dive is the same

  • Huge variety of marine life - there are more different species of plants and animals under water than above water

  • Social - diving is always done with at least two people

Choose a WOSD dive center / instructor near you.
When learning to dive at an official WOSD diving school or instructor, more time is taken for you so that you really gain confidence in your own knowledge and skills.
First follow an introductory dive.
A WOSD diving school/instructor will always offer the possibility to follow an introductory dive. During this dive you can properly assess whether diving is your sport and whether you like the style of the diving school/instructor.
Which course should I follow?
On this page you will find an overview of the WOSD primary courses. For most new divers it will be the WOSD course 'Autonomous Diver' (diver level 2). Let your WOSD instructor inform you about this.

PRIMARY COURSES

From the age of 12 there are the standard WOSD primary courses.
WOSD primary courses are characterized by the fact that the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of each course are precisely matched.

Snorkel Diver

Logo SNOR D learningThe WOSD “Snorkel diver” course is designed for people who want to enjoy the underwater world, but do not want to use scuba equipment. During this course the techniques required to snorkel on and underwater using standard snorkel equipment. Following completion of the course you can enjoy the underwater world in a safe and relaxed fashion.

The WOSD "Snorkel Diver" course consists of the following sections:

SNOR foto siteTheoretical Knowledge:
In this section you learn about snorkel equipment works and what requirements snorkel equipment must meet. You are also taught how the body reacts in an underwater environment and of course, safety both underwater at the waters edge is covered in detail.

Practical Skills:
In this part, together with your snorkeling instructor, you will learn in a pool and open water how to handle your snorkeling equipment and how to behave in the water.

Pre-requisites:

  • Minimum 8 years of age;
  • Competent swimmer (swimming diploma not necessary);
  • Approved medical statement;
  • Signed Certificate of Understanding.

Authorized to:

  • Snorkel independently in a swimming pool or in the open water;
  • Snorkel with another Snorkel Diver or higher.

SCUBA Diving Introduction

logo INTRO D LearningEUFCertified 2009 03If you have always wondered what it would be like to breathe underwater, but you do not want to follow a full course, then the WOSD 'SCUBA Diving Introduction' (diving introduction with compressed air equipment) course is the perfect solution for you.

SCUBA is an acronym for “Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus”. Scuba was first developed around 1940 for use by the armed forces. Since then, scuba equipment has undergone substantial developments and this has helped lead to scuba diving becoming one of the safest recreation sports.

The WOSD ‘SCUBA Diving Introduction’ can be followed by individuals, pairs or groups and is also a perfect ‘challenge’ for bachelor and ‘hen’ parties, school outings, team building, etc.

The WOSD “SCUBA Diving Introduction” is comprised of the following sections:

W INTRO fotoTheoretical knowledge:
In this section the basic operation of diving equipment will be explained and you will learn how your body reacts to an underwater environment. You will then know how to use the various items of diving equipment so that you can enjoy the underwater experience from the start of the introductory dive.

Practical Skills:
In this part of the course, you will, together with a WOSD Instructor, dive in a swimming pool or open water environment using scuba equipment and can experience the underwater world.

Pre-requisites:

  • Minimum 8 years of age (swimming pool) or 10 years of age (open water);
  • Competent swimmer (swimming diploma not necessary);
  • Approved medical statement;
  • Signed Certificate of Understanding.

Authorised to:

  • Conduct only introductory non-decompression dives using scuba equipment under the direct supervision of a qualified scuba instructor;
  • Maximum dive depth: 12 metres.

Recognition:
This WOSD course is ISO 11121 certified. This means that this WOSD course meets the highest international standards for quality and safety.

MiniDiveSet™ user

logo MDS D Learning'Diving' with a MiniDiveSet™ is a revolution in Scuba diving. The MiniDiveSet™ and the MiniDiveSet™ User course has been developed especially for boat owners and crew, enabling them to inspect their boat and to perform minor repairs underwater, eliminating the need to hire specialists for this purpose.

In just one day, you can learn to dive safely, with the help of a sign-line. Upon successful completion of the MiniDiveSet™ User course, you will receive the WOSD MiniDiveSet™ User certification card, which will enable you to refill your dive cylinder anywhere in the world.

The WOSD "MiniDiveSet™ User" course is comprised of the following sections:

MDS set smallTheoretical Knowledge:
In this part of the course you will learn how the MiniDiveSet™ functions and how to use and maintain the equipment. In addition, you will learn how the human body reacts to the underwater environment and the safety procedures, both at the waterside and in the water, will be covered comprehensively.

Practical Skills:
In this part of the course, you will learn to use the MiniDiveSet™, accompanied by your instructor, in a swimming pool or confined water environment.

Pre-requisites:

  • Minimum 16 years of age;
  • Competent swimmer (swimming diploma not necessary);
  • Approved medical statement;
  • Signed Certificate of Understanding.

Authorized to:

  • Carry out non-decompression dives with the MiniDiveSet™;
  • Dive to a maximum depth of 3 metres;
  • Conduct dives only for the inspection of and/or repairs to the divers own boat or ship.

Supervised Diver
(Diver level 1)

logo DL1 D LearningEUFCertified 2009 03The WOSD course 'Supervised Diver' (Diver level 1) is perfect for people who want to learn to dive but do not want to explore the underwater world independently. He or she wants to be able to learn the basis of scuba diving so that, for instance, on holiday, he or she can enjoy the beauty of the underwater world, under the supervision of an experienced Dive Leader.

Because the 'Supervised Diver' (Diver level 1) dives continuously under supervision of a professional, the required level of dive knowledge is relatively low. Especially the theory section is much less. This is because during supervised dives, the Dive Leader ensures that the 'Supervised Diver' remains within the limits of safe diving.

The WOSD 'Supervised Diver' course consists of the following sections:

DL1 FotoTheoretical Knowledge:
In this part of the course, the trainee will learn how dive equipment functions and what the minimum requirements are. In addition, he or she will learn the effects of an underwater environment on the body. Safety aspects, both on the waterfront and underwater are also covered in detail.

Practical Skills:
In this part of the course, the trainee will, together with a WOSD Instructor, dive in a swimming pool or confined water to learn how to use dive equipment and how to behave in an underwater environment.

Open Water Skills:
In this part of the course, the trainee will not actually learn anything new, but will demonstrate that he or she can put all the acquired knowledge and skills into practice. Together with a WOSD instructor in an open water environment, the trainee will repeat the skills that were learnt during the 'Practical Skills' section. The trainee will experience the freedom and weightlessness of the breath-taking underwater world.

Pre-requisites:

  • Minimum 12 years of age;
  • Competent swimmer (swimming diploma not necessary);
  • Approved medical statement;
  • Signed Certificate of Understanding.

Authorized to:

  • Carry out non-decompression dives with Scuba equipment;
  • Dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres;
  • May only dive under the direct supervision of a ‘Dive Leader’ or higher;
  • A Dive Leader may accompany a maximum of 4 'Supervised Divers’.

Recognition:
This WOSD course is ISO 24801-1 certified. This means that this WOSD course meets the highest international standards for quality and safety.

For WOSD divers certified as 'Supervised Diver' (Diver level 1), there is a special WOSD “upgrade” course so that they can become 'Autonomous Diver' (Diver level 2).

Upgrade to
Autonomous Diver

logo DL2 D LearningThe upgrade program from WOSD "Supervised Diver" (Diver level 1) to "Autonomous Diver" (Diver level 2) has been especially developed for divers who want to take the next step and explore the underwater independently. He or she can dive together with another Autonomous Diver or higher, without being led by an experience dive leader.

Because this places more demands on the knowledge and skills than with a Supervised Diver, this training teaches this additional theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The "Upgrade to Autonomous Diver" course consists of the following sections:

DL2 foto siteTheoretical Knowledge:
In this section, the trainee will learn how to use the WOSD dive planner so that he or she can independently plan dives, calculating the safe dive time and depth limits. The trainee will also learn how a compass works and how to navigate underwater using natural navigation techniques and a dive compass. In addition, the trainee will learn how to inspect and maintain dive equipment.

Practical Skills:
In this section, you will, together with your WOSD dive instructor, learn some additional skills in a pool or confined water. In addition, some well-known skills will be re-practiced

Open Water Skills:
In this section, the trainee will not actually learn anything new, but will demonstrate that he or she can put all the acquired knowledge and skills into practice. Under guidance of a WOSD instructor in an open water environment, the trainee will repeat the skills that were learnt during the “Practical Skills” section. The trainee will practice navigation techniques and dive deeper than in the Supervised Diver course.

Pre-requisites:

  • Certified as a WOSD "Supervised Diver" (Diver level 1) or equivalent;
  • Minimum 14 years of age;
  • Competent swimmer (swimming diploma not necessary);
  • Approved medical statement;
  • Signed Certificate of Understanding.

Authorized to:

  • Conduct non-decompression dives with Scuba equipment;
  • Dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres;
  • May dive together with another "Autonomous Diver" (Diver level 2) or higher, as long as one of the divers has reached the age of majority that applies in the country where the dive is conducted.

Autonomous Diver
(Diver level 2)

logo DL2EUFCertified 2009 03The WOSD 'Autonomous Diver' (diver level 2) course is a complete diver training course, ideal for those wishing to explore the underwater world independently. He or she can, together with an autonomous diver buddy or higher, enjoy the beauty of the underwater world without supervision of an experienced Dive Leader.

Because the requirements are higher than for a 'Supervised Diver', the theoretical and practical sections are more detailed. This is because an 'Autonomous Diver' must be able to calculate the safe dive time limits for specific depths and ensure that he or she keeps within those limits and also master more navigation techniques.

The WOSD “Autonomous Diver” course consists of the following sections:

DL2 foto siteTheoretical Knowledge:
In this section, the trainee will learn how dive equipment functions and what the minimum requirements are. In addition, he or she will learn the effects of an underwater environment on the body and what the time and depth limits are, which must be adhered to dive safely. Safety aspects, both on the waterfront and underwater are covered in detail.

Practical Skills:
In this section the trainee will, together with a WOSD Instructor, dive in a swimming pool or confined water to learn how to use dive equipment and how to behave in an underwater environment.

Open Water Skills:
In this section, the trainee will not actually learn anything new, but will demonstrate that he or she can put all the acquired knowledge and skills into practice. Under guidance of a WOSD instructor in an open water environment, the trainee will repeat the skills that were learnt during the 'Practical Skills' section. The trainee will experience the freedom and weightlessness of the breath-taking underwater world.

Pre-requisites:

  • Minimum 14 years of age;
  • Competent swimmer (swimming diploma not necessary);
  • Approved medical statement;
  • Signed Certificate of Understanding.

Authorized to:

  • Carry out non-decompression dives with Scuba equipment;
  • Dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres;
  • May dive together with another "Autonomous Diver" (Diver level 2) or higher, as long as one of the divers has reached the age of majority that applies in the country where the dive is conducted.

Recognition:
This WOSD course is ISO 24801-2 certified. This means that this WOSD course meets the highest international standards for quality and safety.

For WOSD divers certified as 'Supervised Diver' (Diver level 1), there is a special WOSD “upgrade” course so that they can become 'Autonomous Diver' (Diver level 2).

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