If you still have questions you want answered before you feel ready to take your diving to the next level — don’t worry! The chances are that you’re not the only one and there are a whole bunch of other divers who have the same questions!
Read on to discover the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the PADI Advanced Open Water course.
How Is It Different From the PADI Open Water Diver Course?
During the PADI Open Water Diver Course you learn the critical skills needed for scuba diving. This education includes knowledge development, confined water dives and open water dives. In the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course, you complete five Adventure Dives which focus on a particular activity or skill. For a more detailed outline of the differences between the two courses, check out this blog.
Do I Have To Take the Advanced Open Water Course?
No, the Advanced Open Water Course is not mandatory. However, it will help to further build your skills and confidence level underwater. In addition, the course has lots of fun elements and will likely be a memorable experience!
What Should I Expect From the Advanced Open Water Course?
Firstly, you should expect to have a lot of fun while completing your Advanced Open Water Course. You should also expect to become a more skilled and more confident diver.
More Specifically, Though, What Should I Expect?
Well, for each Adventure Dive, you will be required to complete a theory portion — this can be done at home through PADI eLearning or in a classroom setting. You’ll also need to complete some basic knowledge reviews to ensure you have a sound knowledge of the theory behind each dive.
The Advanced Open Water course is made up of five Adventure Dives. The Deep Adventure Dive and the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive are both compulsory and will give you some essential skills to become a more competent diver. You then get to choose another three Adventure Dives to help build your skill set and complete the course.
What Adventure Dives Should I Choose?
As mentioned, the Deep Adventure Dive and the Underwater Navigation Adventure dive are required components of the Advanced Open Water course. However, the other three Adventure Dives are yours to choose from the range of 26 PADI Adventure Dives. Available dive choices range from Digital Underwater Imaging and Fish Identification to Peak Performance Buoyancy and Night Diver. The choice really is yours! Speak with your local PADI Dive Centre to see what Adventure Dives are on offer.
How Much Does the Course Cost?
As each PADI Dive Shop is independently owned, the price of the PADI Advanced Open Water course will vary from shop to shop and place to place. We suggest getting in touch with your local PADI Dive Centre to enquire about price and availability.
Why Should I Take the Advanced Open Water Diver Course?
The Advanced Open Water Diver course gives you more experience diving under the supervision of an instructor. During the course, you’ll learn new skills, meet new people and, of course, dive more!
You’ll also increase you allowable depth level from 18 meters (60 feet) to 30 meters (100 feet)! This will open up new dive sites to you and lead to more underwater adventures!
This course is also a great way to sample the other different specialties on offer to see what interests you.
Ready To Embark on the Next Step of Your Diving Adventure?
Getting started with your Advanced Open Water course is easy! Enroll in the eLearning segment below to begin learning from the comfort of your own home. Once you’ve completed the online portion, contact your local PADI dive center to schedule your in-water training. Or, if you prefer, reach out to a dive center now to complete the entire course in person.
Remember – the Advanced Open Water Diver eLearning course is 20% off for PADI Club members. Join PADI Club for a low annual fee today!
