Advanced Open Water

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course at WeGoDown offers certified divers the chance to significantly expand their underwater experience. This program is structured around five 'Adventure Dives,' allowing participants to explore specialized areas of diving under direct PADI instructor supervision. While the course name suggests advanced skills, its primary goal is to build confidence and gain practical experience in diverse underwater environments. Participants can select from fifteen different Adventure Dive options, tailoring the course to their interests, with popular choices including deep diving, wreck exploration, night dives, and the use of underwater scooters (DPVs). Each completed Adventure Dive also counts as the first dive towards a corresponding PADI Specialty course, providing a clear pathway for continued diver education.

This course focuses on practical application and knowledge relevant to the chosen Adventure Dives. You will learn essential skills such as deep diving physiology and advanced navigation techniques, utilizing tools like underwater compasses and dive computers. The curriculum is adapted to your specific dive selections, ensuring the learning is directly applicable to the experiences you will have. For instance, if you choose a wreck diving adventure, your training will cover wreck penetration guidelines and search patterns. The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification is recognized globally, enabling you to plan and execute dives to greater depths.

WeGoDown utilizes your existing basic scuba gear for this course, supplemented by an underwater compass. Depending on your chosen Adventure Dives, you may also have the opportunity to use specialized equipment such as underwater photography gear, DPVs, dive lights, or drysuits. WeGoDown provides rental options for any specialized equipment required, ensuring you have access to the necessary tools for your chosen dives. The course is designed to be flexible, accommodating a range of interests within the broad spectrum of recreational diving.

To enroll in the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, you must hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification or an equivalent from another recognized agency and be at least 15 years old. Junior divers aged 12 to 14 can participate in the Junior Advanced Open Water Diver course with specific depth limitations. This certification unlocks the ability to dive to a maximum depth of 30 meters (100 feet), a significant increase from the Open Water Diver limit of 18 meters (60 feet). It is an excellent next step for divers eager to explore more of the underwater world and enhance their capabilities.

By completing this course, you will be better prepared for a wider variety of diving situations and locations. The skills learned, particularly in areas like deep diving and navigation, are transferable to many other diving activities. This certification is often a prerequisite for more advanced training, such as PADI Rescue Diver, and opens up opportunities for exploring deeper reefs, more complex wreck sites, and engaging in night dives with increased confidence. WeGoDown is committed to providing a high-quality learning experience that prepares you for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable diving adventures.