In general an Open Water Diver course consists of 3 parts:
Academics, Pool Training and Open Water Sessions
Academics - You can complete them online FREE when you sign up for SSI's Online Training program, and then attend review sessions at your favorite SSI Dive Center.
Pool Training - you will learn all the skills you will be using in the open water in the safety of a pool.
Open Water Sessions - You will complete at least 4 open water dives and have the chance to experience everything you learned in the pool hands-on. (Open water can be defined as an open body of water such as a lake or the ocean).
After successfully completing the Academics, the Pool and Open Water Sessions you will be certified as a SSI Open Water Diver - It's your global license to dive!