SDI OPEN WATER SCUBA DIVER
WHY ANILAO?
Anilao is the center of the center of marine biodiversity — even beginners get to see vibrant reefs, colorful fish, and amazing critters on their very first breath underwater. With sheltered bays and sandy slopes offering excellent visibility, it’s safe, comfortable, and ideal for learning basic scuba skills. Just a short trip from Manila, Anilao offers world-class underwater experiences without long travel times — ideal for a quick getaway dive adventure.
- World-class marine biodiversity from your very first dive
- Calm, shallow training sites perfect for first-timers
- Easy access from Manila — big adventure without long travel
WHY CHOOSE BLUE RIBBON?
At Blue Ribbon Dive Resort, you’ll learn from 3 resident instructors with decades of combined teaching experience — not freelancers passing through. Your skills start in our purpose-built 3-meter pool, with controlled class sizes and step-by-step skill progression so you never feel rushed. Once you master the basics, your Open Water dives are on proper reefs with schooling fish, turtles, and classic Anilao scenery.
- Experienced, in-house instructors with decades of combined experience
- Purpose-built 3-meter pool for a stress-free foundation before ocean dives
- Course dives on real Anilao highlights — reefs, turtles, and vibrant marine life
WHAT YOU LEARN
You’ll learn how to assemble, check, and use your gear so it fits comfortably and works the way it should. Master the art of buoyancy — how to float, hover, and move underwater without crashing into the reef or burning through your air. We’ll make you look good! Essential safety skills include mask clearing, regulator recovery, controlled ascents, proper descents, buddy checks, and basic problem-solving.
- Scuba equipment — assemble, check, and use gear with confidence
- Buoyancy control — float, hover, and move effortlessly underwater
- Essential safety skills — mask clearing, ascents, descents, buddy checks
COURSE STRUCTURE
Complete the theory online at your own pace with SDI eLearning, so you spend your time in Anilao diving instead of sitting in a classroom. In our pool, you’ll fit your gear, practice basic skills in our 3-meter pool, and learn your skills neutrally buoyant before heading out into the ocean. Across four ocean dives, you’ll use the skills you’ve learned while exploring Anilao’s vibrant reefs — each dive builds confidence as you master buoyancy, communication, and safe diving habits.
- SDI eLearning — complete theory online at your own pace before you arrive
- Pool training — master skills in our 3-meter pool, neutrally buoyant
- 4 Open Water dives — build confidence exploring Anilao’s vibrant reefs
COURSE PREREQUISITES
To take the Open Water, you must be typically 10+ years old (with parental consent for minors). You’ll need the ability to swim 200 meters (any stroke) and float/tread water for 10 minutes. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be relaxed and willing to learn in the ocean. You need to complete a Medical Form to make sure you are safe for diving — please review it prior to your course.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Jonathan Venn
Jon is the founder of Blue Ribbon Dive Resort in Anilao, Batangas, established in 2010. With over two decades of diving experience, he specializes in technical diving instruction and professional-level SDI/TDI courses.
A passionate explorer and dive educator, Jon is known for discovering new dive sites around Anilao and beyond. He enjoys deep-water exploration and the challenge of spotting elusive pelagic species rarely seen by recreational divers. Whether teaching advanced courses or leading technical expeditions, Jon’s focus is always on safety, precision, and adventure beneath the surface.
Ronel "Dang" Federico
Ronel, known to most as Dang, began his diving journey at Blue Ribbon Dive Resort and earned his Divemaster certification in 2016. With years of experience guiding both recreational and macro photographers around Anilao’s famous dive sites, Dang has developed a reputation for his incredible eagle eyes — spotting the tiniest frogfish, pygmy seahorses, and nudibranchs that others might miss.
In 2022, he became a certified SDI Instructor, sharing his deep knowledge and passion for marine life with new divers. Whether leading fun dives or teaching students, Dang’s calm, friendly nature and unmatched spotting skills make every dive both educational and unforgettable.
Jeff Zapata
Jeff has been part of the Blue Ribbon Dive Resort family since the early days, starting his professional journey as a Divemaster in 2011. With over a decade of experience exploring the reefs and slopes of Anilao, Jeff is renowned for his sharp spotting skills and calm, confident guidance underwater.
In 2023, Jeff achieved his Instructor certification, expanding his passion for diving into teaching. Known for his patience and detailed approach, he loves helping divers improve their skills while introducing them to Anilao’s incredible macro marine life — from colourful nudibranchs to rare frogfish. Whether guiding or teaching, Jeff ensures every dive is safe, relaxed, and full of discoveries.