The PADI Open Water Diver course is designed to equip individuals with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to safely explore the underwater world. Here's an overview of what you can expect to learn during the course:

1. Diving Theory: You'll learn about the principles of scuba diving, including the physics and physiology of diving, effects of pressure underwater, dive equipment, dive planning, and safety procedures.

2. Equipment Familiarization: You'll become familiar with the basic scuba diving equipment, including the mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), and dive tank. You'll learn how to assemble, use, and maintain this equipment properly.

3. Dive Planning and Execution: Understanding how to plan and execute a dive safely is crucial. You'll learn how to use dive tables or dive computers to plan dive profiles, calculate no-decompression limits, manage air consumption, and navigate underwater.

4. Basic Dive Skills: You'll be taught essential dive skills such as equalization techniques, mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, underwater communication, and emergency procedures like buddy breathing and sharing air.

5. Confined Water Training: In a pool or shallow water environment, you'll practice and master basic diving skills under the supervision of a certified instructor. This includes buoyancy control, regulator use, mask clearing, and emergency procedures.

6. Open Water Dives: You'll apply the skills you've learned in confined water sessions to real diving situations in open water environments like lakes, quarries, or oceans. You'll typically complete a series of four open water dives, where you'll demonstrate your ability to plan and execute dives safely while practicing essential skills.

7. Environmental Awareness and Conservation: Throughout the course, you'll gain an understanding of the underwater environment, including marine life, conservation principles, and how to minimize your impact on aquatic ecosystems.

8. Emergency Management: You'll learn how to recognize and respond to common diving emergencies, including equipment malfunctions, underwater distress, and diver injuries. This includes practicing rescue techniques and emergency first aid.

By the end of the PADI Open Water Diver course, you'll have the knowledge, skills, and certification to dive independently with a buddy, to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet), in conditions similar to or better than those where you received your training. However, it's essential to remember that diving safely requires ongoing practice, experience, and adherence to diving standards and guidelines.