This course requires less time than the PADI Open Water Diver course, by covering only the first 3 of 5 sections of knowledge development, the first 3 of 5 pool sessions, and the first 2 of 4 open water training dives, resulting in a limited certification.
Particularly if you expect to go scuba diving primarily in the company of a dive guide or if you have limited time to devote to scuba certification, consider becoming a PADI Scuba Diver. This certification allows for ample dive experience and is a good warm-up for the Open Water Diver course, if that's your ultimate goal. PADI Scuba Divers are qualified to: Dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor or Instructor to a maximum depth of 12 meters / 40 feet, Obtain air fills, rent or purchase scuba equipment and participate in other diving activities as long as they have the required supervision, and continue their dive training and complete PADI Open Water Diver certification and other courses.