Advanced Open Water Diver
Take Your Diving Further. Your Next Adventure Starts Here.
About the Advanced Open Water Diver Course
What Will You Learn?
Rather than spending all your time in a classroom, much of this course is about getting in the water and putting your skills into practice. You'll complete a series of adventure dives designed to introduce you to new experiences, improve your confidence and help you become a more capable diver. Depending on the training programme and available options, you could explore deeper diving, underwater navigation, buoyancy, wreck diving, night diving and other exciting areas of scuba diving.
Knowledge & Preparation
- Understand the planning and safety considerations for different types of diving.
- Learn about deeper diving and the effects of increased depth.
- Develop your understanding of underwater navigation.
- Explore the skills and techniques involved in different adventure dives.
- Learn how to recognise and manage potential risks during different types of dives.
Practical Skills
- Improve your underwater navigation and orientation.
- Develop better buoyancy and control underwater.
- Practise deeper diving techniques within your training limits.
- Experience different types of diving through your selected adventure dives.
- Improve your awareness, positioning and confidence underwater.
- Build experience working with your buddy and instructor in different diving environments.
How Does the Course Work?
The Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about gaining experience and developing your skills in the water. You'll complete the required learning before taking part in a series of adventure dives with your instructor, exploring different aspects of scuba diving along the way.
Complete your online learning materials at your own pace, covering the knowledge and preparation needed for your 5 selected adventure dives.
Meet your instructor to discuss your selected dives, review the relevant procedures and understand what you'll be doing during each training session.
Complete your five adventure dives, gaining practical experience in different areas of scuba diving. Each dive introduces new skills, techniques and experiences under the guidance of your instructor.
Once you've successfully completed the course, you'll receive your Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or agency equivalent).
Prerequisites & Requirements
Certification Requirements
- You can take this course if you already hold at least an Open Water Diver certification.
- Be comfortable in the water and able to complete the required practical training.
- Meet any additional requirements for your selected adventure dives.
What Else Do I Need?
- 12 Years or older.
- Complete a medical questionnaire. Doctor's approval may be required if any medical conditions are flagged.
- Own mask and snorkel; all other equipment is provided.
What's Included?
Included in Your Course
- Professional Divecrew instructor tuition.
- Online learning materials (eLearning).
- Five adventure dives.
- Use of required scuba equipment, subject to the course package.
- Practical training and dive planning.
- Certification processing.
Additional Information
- Mask & Snorkel: Bring your own for a comfortable, secure fit and familiar feel in the water.
- Dive site entry fees are payable separately on the day of your dives.
Why Train With Divecrew?
More Than Just a Course
At Divecrew, we want your training to be enjoyable, supportive and something you can build on long after certification.
- Experienced and supportive instructors.
- Training tailored to your experience and confidence.
- A friendly diving community.
- Access to further courses, trips and diving opportunities.
- A dive centre and shop to support your ongoing diving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advanced Open Water Diver course?
The Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed to build on the skills you learned during your Open Water training. You'll complete five adventure dives, gaining experience in different areas of scuba diving while developing your confidence and abilities underwater.
Do I need to be an experienced diver to take this course?
No. You simply need to hold an Open Water Diver certification (or an equivalent qualification) and meet the course requirements. It's designed to help you develop your experience as you progress beyond beginner-level training.
How many dives are included?
The course involves five adventure dives. These introduce you to different types of diving and allow you to develop new skills under the supervision of your instructor.
Will I learn to dive deeper?
Yes. The course includes deeper diving experience, helping you understand the additional planning and safety considerations involved. Your training will take place within the depth limits set by your course and certification agency.
What types of dives will I do?
Your dives will depend on the training agency, available options and your interests. They can include areas such as underwater navigation, deep diving, buoyancy, wreck diving and other adventure dives.
How long does the course take?
The course is usually completed over 2–3 days, although this can vary depending on the training schedule, dive conditions and how your sessions are arranged.
Do I need to complete eLearning before starting?
Yes, the course includes knowledge development which is normally completed through online learning materials. We recommend completing this before your practical training so you can get the most out of your dives.
What can I do after completing Advanced Open Water?
There are plenty of options! You can continue developing your experience through speciality courses such as Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Night Diver and Peak Performance Buoyancy. You can also join Divecrew on UK dives and overseas trips to put your new skills into practice.
Ready to Take Your Diving Further?
Interested in this course? Get in touch with our team or book your place and take the next step in your diving journey.
