Advanced Open Water

The Advanced Open Water course at Dive Systems Malta runs across Malta's main dive sites, with practical dives conducted from shore and by boat. The centre sits on the water's edge in Sliema, so open-water dives can begin almost immediately after the classroom and pool components.

The course builds on existing certification with five adventure dives covering navigation, deep diving and additional specialties. At Dive Systems, deep dives are done on real Maltese wrecks rather than on a featureless sandy slope — the Um El Faroud and other sites nearby provide genuine depth and structure from the very first advanced dive.

Instruction is available in English, German, French, Italian and Russian depending on the assigned instructor. The multinational team means most European divers can complete the academic portion and dive briefings without relying on a second language. SSI's digital platform also allows the theory sections to be completed online before arrival, freeing up more time in the water.

The course can be combined with Nitrox certification as a combo package (SSI Advanced & Nitrox COMBO from €450), which is worth considering given that many Maltese dive sites benefit from the extended no-decompression limits nitrox provides. Dive Systems also offers the course as part of broader adventure combos that include wreck and marine specialties.