Advanced Diver Certification (SDI)

This certification is designed for certified divers who want a structured, experience-driven path to advance skills, confidence, and judgment through specialty training. You’ll earn an advanced-level certification by completing a set of SDI specialty courses tailored to your goals and diving plans.

Training is private or semi-private (1–2 students) and built only from SDI specialty courses I am certified to teach. Pricing starts at $1,750 and may increase depending on the specialty courses you select; available options are listed on our Courses page.

Next step: We’ll review your experience, confirm eligible specialties, and map out a clear, safety-forward plan. Schedule a Free Phone Chat

• Advanced dive planning and risk awareness across varied environments
• Refined buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques
• Specialty-specific skills based on your selected courses
• Improved gas management and situational decision-making
• Better task loading management and team awareness
• Consistent execution of dives within training limits
• How to build experience deliberately between training dives
• Strategies for continuing development after certification

• Builds confidence through progressive, structured specialty training
• Strengthens core control skills that improve every dive
• Improves safety margins with clearer planning and awareness
• Reduces stress by matching training pace to your readiness
• Creates a practical pathway for long-term diver development

1. Consult & Specialty Selection: We review your goals and experience, then select eligible SDI specialties from those I am certified to teach. Timing varies by availability and goals.
2. Knowledge Development: Self-paced academics for each selected specialty. Most students complete these over several short sessions.
3. Practical & Open-Water Training: Instructor-led sessions and open-water dives for each specialty. Total time commitment varies by the number and type of specialties selected.
4. Certification Review: Final review and processing once all specialty requirements are completed.

Required personal scuba gear:

• Mask, snorkel, fins
• BCD, regulator, computer
• Exposure protection appropriate to conditions (wetsuit or skins as needed)
• Additional specialty-specific equipment as required by selected courses

If you don’t have all required gear, we’ll help you select properly fitting equipment suited to your chosen specialties.

• Included:
• Private (1 student) or Private Group (2 students) instruction
• SDI digital learning materials for selected specialties (as applicable)
• Instructor-led planning, in-water coaching, and debriefing
• Advanced certification processing upon successful completion

• Not included (varies):
• Personal scuba gear (you supply your own or rent; rental availability varies by location)
• Location or entry fees
• Charter boat fees (if applicable)
• Travel, lodging, meals, and optional purchases

We confirm third-party costs during the consult before you commit.

• Minimum age: 18
• Prerequisites: Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent)
• Water skills expectations: Comfort with buoyancy control, controlled ascents/descents, and basic navigation
• Medical: Completion of a medical questionnaire is required; physician sign-off is needed if indicated prior to in-water training

• How many specialties are required? The advanced certification is earned by completing a defined set of SDI specialty courses and logged dives; exact selection is confirmed during your consult.
• Which specialties can I choose? You may select only from SDI specialties I am certified to teach. Available options are listed on our Courses page.
• How long does it take? Timing varies based on the number and type of specialties selected and your schedule.
• Is this taught privately? Yes. Training is private or semi-private (1–2 students) for focused pacing and coaching.
• What affects the final price? The specialties chosen and any site, boat, travel, or equipment requirements.
• What if I need more time? Additional sessions can be added; certification is based on demonstrated competence, not a fixed timeline.
• Where does training take place? At locations appropriate for your selected specialties and local conditions.

Your phone consult is where we design your advanced training path. We’ll confirm eligible specialties, review pricing, and outline a realistic timeline that fits your goals.

That way, you know exactly what’s included before moving forward.

Schedule a Free Phone Chat