SDI Open Water Scuba Diver
Why Anilao?
World-Class Marine Life From Your Very First Dive
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.
Calm, Shallow Training Sites Perfect for First-Timers
Anilao has sheltered bays and sandy slopes with excellent visibility, making it safe, comfortable, and ideal for learning basic scuba skills.
Easy Access, Big Adventure
Just a short trip from Manila, Anilao offers world-class underwater experiences without long travel times — ideal for a quick getaway dive adventure.
WHY CHOOSE BLUE RIBBON?
Experienced, in-house instructors
3 resident instructors with decades of combined teaching experience, not freelancers passing through.
Training built for comfort
Purpose-built 3-meter pool, controlled class sizes, and step-by-step skill progression so you never feel rushed.Your skills start in our purpose-built 3-meter pool, giving you a smooth, stress-free foundation before heading into the ocean.
Course dives on real Anilao highlights
Once you master the basics, your Open Water dives are on proper reefs with schooling fish, turtles, and classic Anilao scenery.
What You Learn
Scuba equipment
How to assemble, check, and use your gear so it fits comfortably and works the way it should.Feel what it’s like to wear full dive equipment and move easily underwater with the guidance of an SDI Professional.
Buoyancy
How to float, hover, and move underwater without crashing into the reef or burning through your air. We will make you look good!
Essential safety skills
Mask clearing, regulator recovery, controlled ascents, proper descents, buddy checks, and basic problem-solving.
Course Structure
Before you arrive – SDI eLearning
Complete the theory online at your own pace, so you spend your time in Anilao diving instead of sitting in a classroom.
Pool training
Fit your gear, practice basic skills in our 3-meter pool, learn your skills neutrally buoyant BEFORE heading out into the ocean
4 Open Water dives
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.
Course Prerequisites
To take the Open Water, you must be typically 10+ years old (with parental consent for minors).
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.