The first two dives of the open water certification take place in the ocean, marking the shift from controlled pool training to real conditions. Entering the water with full gear and descending into open space feels very different from earlier fun dives done with instructors closely guiding every move. This time there is more independence, as the training allows for movement and decision-making under water. The ocean itself adds unpredictability, with visibility, currents, and marine life shaping the experience in ways a pool cannot replicate. The transition is both natural and unfamiliar, with comfort coming slowly as skills from training begin to take hold.
The first dive is focused on getting used to depth and surroundings. Equalizing becomes second nature as the descent reaches beyond the shallow three-metre pool, and the ears demand attention more frequently. Breathing patterns, once mechanical, start to feel steadier, though the sound of bubbles still dominates the senses. Marine life begins to appear, and seeing fish and corals at eye level while hovering mid-water shifts the perception of diving from exercise to experience. It is less about following instructions and more about existing in a new environment, one where stillness and observation feel just as important as movement.
By the second dive, there is a noticeable increase in comfort and control. Buoyancy starts to make more sense, with fine adjustments to breathing and BCD inflations leading to longer stretches of stable hovering. The earlier habit of constantly finning reduces, and there is a sense of drifting naturally with the water. Skills such as mask clearing and regulator recovery are repeated at depth, and they feel more manageable than during pool practice. The unfamiliarity of salt water and open space is still present, but it is no longer overwhelming. Instead, it becomes a reminder of how training translates into calm execution.
The independence of these dives stands out the most. Fun dives in the past were enjoyable but restrictive, with instructors holding on or directing constantly. In contrast, these certification dives allow personal control of direction, pace, and position in the water column. That freedom, even though closely monitored, brings a sense of ownership over the dive. Looking around and realizing that the body is suspended mid-water without constant assistance is both reassuring and motivating. The mind shifts from worry about survival to appreciation of movement, breathing, and the environment.
These first two open water dives create a foundation for what lies ahead. They show how preparation in the pool connects directly to practical use in the sea. They also demonstrate that comfort underwater does not come instantly but builds steadily with each descent and ascent. The mix of learning and exploration makes the day memorable, setting the tone for deeper dives and more advanced practice. It is tiring, but in the quiet moments after surfacing, there is a sense that diving is no longer an activity being tried but a skill being absorbed.