Advanced Open Water (PADI)

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver is the most common next step after Open Water—designed to expand your comfort, awareness, and in-water control through five supervised “Adventure Dives.” You’ll complete the required Deep and Underwater Navigation dives, then choose three additional dives based on your goals and local conditions.

This is not a “quick add-on.” Diving deeper and navigating more independently increases task loading, and that’s where structured coaching matters. With Scuba Dives’ private or semi-private adult instruction (1–2 students), you get more feedback, more time to dial in buoyancy and pacing, and a calmer path to building real capability.

Next step: Schedule a Free Phone Chat so we can align the best Adventure Dive options, confirm locations/logistics, and clarify any third-party costs before you commit.

• How the Advanced Open Water course works and how to choose Adventure Dives that match your goals and local conditions
• Deep-dive planning fundamentals: managing task loading, gas awareness concepts, and appropriate ascent/safety procedures
• Underwater Navigation skills using a compass plus natural navigation and situational awareness
• Improved buoyancy control, trim, and propulsion habits to reduce effort and increase stability
• Better dive planning and execution: briefings, roles, communication, and buddy procedures
• How to manage common challenges (workload, visibility changes, current/boat procedures when applicable) within training limits
• How to refine weighting, equipment configuration basics, and pre-dive checks for more consistent performance
• Course-specific skill development tied to your elective Adventure Dives (e.g., Peak Performance Buoyancy, Night, Wreck, Drift, Boat, Search & Recovery, Digital Underwater Imaging, Underwater Naturalist—availability varies)

• Deep and navigation skills reduce uncertainty and improve decision-making when conditions are less than perfect
• Better buoyancy and trim lower stress, reduce exertion, and improve air consumption and comfort
• Structured task management helps you stay calm and effective as dives become more complex
• Improved awareness and buddy procedures support safer diving and better teamwork
• More control means better diving outcomes—cleaner ascents, better positioning, and a smoother overall experience

1. Plan your training. We start with a short consult to confirm your recent experience, comfort level, and the best dive environments for your goals.
2. Knowledge development. You complete the required knowledge reviews (often online) for Deep, Navigation, and your selected elective Adventure Dives. Time varies by reading pace and which electives you choose.
3. Five Adventure Dives with your instructor. You’ll complete a total of five open-water training dives: Deep and Underwater Navigation plus three elective Adventure Dives (availability depends on site/season/conditions).
4. Debriefs and next-step planning. After each dive, we debrief what went well, what to improve, and how to apply the skills on your future dives.

Timing note: Many divers complete the in-water portion over 2–3 days once academics are done, but completion time varies with scheduling, conditions, and how much coaching time you want for mastery.

Required personal gear (recommended for fit and hygiene):

• Mask (properly fitted)
• Fins (and boots if using open-heel fins)
• Exposure protection appropriate to local water temperature

Provided / rental gear (as arranged for your sessions):

• BCD (buoyancy control device)
• Regulator system (including alternate air source)
• Cylinder (tank) and weights
• Other equipment required by the training environment (varies by site)

Strongly recommended (and sometimes required by site/operator): a dive computer suitable for the planned depths. If you don’t have one, we’ll review options before training.

If you’re still building your kit, we’ll help you select properly fitting gear and explain what matters for comfort and safety.

Included:

• Private (1 student) or semi-private (2 students) adult instruction
• Training plan and elective Adventure Dive selection guidance
• Five open-water Adventure Dives with instructor supervision and coaching
• PADI course materials/eLearning for Advanced Open Water (if included with your purchase on this product page)
• Certification processing (as specified on this product page)

Not included (varies):

• Charter boat fees (when dives require a boat)
• Site/entry fees, park fees, permits, or facility fees
• Travel, lodging, meals, and transportation
• Personal gear purchases (mask, fins, exposure protection, dive computer, etc.)
• Optional add-ons or extra dives beyond course requirements

We confirm expected third-party costs during the consult so you have clear numbers before you commit.

• Minimum age (PADI): 12 for Junior Advanced Open Water; 15+ for Advanced Open Water. Scuba Dives teaches adults only (18+).
• Required prior certification: PADI Open Water Diver (or qualifying entry-level certification).
• Water skills expectations: You should be comfortable in open water and able to maintain control of buoyancy and basic skills from your Open Water training. If you haven’t been diving recently, we’ll help you build an appropriate refresher plan.
• Medical screening: You must complete a scuba medical questionnaire. If it indicates a need for physician evaluation, written medical clearance is required before in-water training.

• What exactly is “Advanced” about this course?
  It’s advanced training, not “expert level.” You build capability through five instructor-led Adventure Dives, including Deep and Underwater Navigation, plus three electives that match your goals and local diving conditions.
• Do I have to do the Deep and Navigation dives?
  Yes. Deep and Underwater Navigation are required components of the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course.
• How long does it take?
  Many divers complete academics plus five dives over about 2–3 days of diving, but timing varies with scheduling, conditions, and how much coaching time you want to feel truly confident.
• Which elective Adventure Dives can I choose?
  Options depend on environment, season, and logistics. We’ll recommend the best choices for your goals—often buoyancy-focused options are a smart investment even for experienced divers.
• Where will the training dives happen?
  Your five training dives are completed in suitable open water (spring, lake, or ocean) based on conditions and what best supports your learning. We’ll confirm locations and any site/boat fees during the consult.
• What if I’m nervous about going deeper?
  That’s common. Private or semi-private coaching lets us slow the pace, reduce task loading, and build comfort step-by-step. You stay in control of the process and we train within appropriate limits.
• What if conditions cancel diving?
  If conditions are not appropriate for training, we reschedule. Depending on location, certain third-party fees (e.g., charter deposits) may be non-refundable—these are reviewed before you commit.
• What if I need more time to master a skill?
  Training is performance-based. If you want more repetitions or additional coaching time, we can add sessions so you earn the certification with competence—not pressure.
• Will this certification change my depth limit?
  For adult divers, the course is commonly associated with training to a recommended maximum of 30m/100ft. If a diver is under 15, Junior limits are more conservative. We’ll keep training within standards and conditions appropriate for you.

If you want to become a more capable diver—with better buoyancy, better navigation, and more confidence in real-world conditions—start with a short phone consult. We’ll match the right Adventure Dive plan to your goals, confirm where your dives will happen, and clarify any third-party costs that may apply.

Once everything is clear, we’ll schedule your training in a private or semi-private format that supports calm pacing, strong fundamentals, and safety-forward progress.

Schedule a Free Phone Chat