The IAHD “Open Water Diver” course is comprised of the following modules:

Theory 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 in order to dive safely. Safety aspects, on the surface, at the waters edge and underwater are covered in detail.

Practical Skills:
In this section the trainee will, together with an IAHD 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 demonstrate that he or she can put all the acquired knowledge and skills into practice. Under guidance of an IAHD 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.

For IAHD divers certified as a 'Confined Water Diver' (I_CWD), there is a special IAHD “upgrade” program so that they can become an 'Open Water Diver' (I_OWD).