Advanced Open Water Diver in United Kingdom

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification is designed by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), one of the world's leading scuba diving training organizations. This course enables certified Open Water Divers to enhance their skills and experience through adventure dives, expanding their underwater capabilities and confidence under the supervision of a professional instructor.

Course Structure

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course includes five adventure dives, each focusing on a different specialty area. Two dives are mandatory, and three are elective, chosen based on interest and local availability.

Mandatory Dives

Deep Dive: Learn how to plan and execute dives beyond the 18-metre limit of Open Water certification, up to 30 metres.
Underwater Navigation: Practice compass use, natural navigation, and distance estimation underwater.

Example Elective Dives

Peak Performance Buoyancy
Wreck Diving
Night Diving
Drift Diving
Search and Recovery

Each dive includes a knowledge development component, which can be completed via eLearning or in-person briefings.

Dive to depths of up to 30 metres/100 feet (21 metres/70 feet for Junior Advanced Open Water Divers).
Access to more advanced diving experiences and specialty courses (e.g., Deep Diver, Wreck Diver).
Qualifies you to begin PADI Rescue Diver training.

Must be a certified PADI Open Water Diver (or hold an equivalent certification from another recognized agency).
Minimum age: 12 years old (with Junior Advanced Open Water Diver certification for those under 15).
Basic physical fitness and comfort in the water are required.

The course typically takes 2–3 days to complete and includes five adventure dives.

The course is performance-based and does not include a final exam. Divers are assessed on their ability to plan and execute the adventure dives safely and effectively under instructor supervision. Knowledge reviews are completed for each adventure dive, but the focus is on practical skills rather than theoretical testing. Most divers pass if they complete the required dives and demonstrate the necessary competencies.

The minimum age is 12 years old. Divers aged 12–14 will earn a Junior Advanced Open Water Diver certification and are limited to a depth of 21 metres/70 feet.

There is no final exam. Each adventure dive includes a short knowledge review, which can be completed online (via eLearning) or in person. The course emphasizes practical diving experience over classroom learning.

Yes, PADI certifications are globally recognized and accepted by dive centers and instructors around the world.

You must complete the Deep and Underwater Navigation dives, but you can choose the remaining three based on your interests and what's available locally.

Owning your own gear is not required. Most dive centers offer rental equipment, though having your own mask, snorkel, and fins is recommended for comfort and fit.

The certification qualifies you to dive to a maximum depth of 30 metres/100 feet (21 metres/70 feet for Junior Advanced Open Water Divers).

The course is designed to expand your skills at a comfortable pace. It's more about gaining experience than passing tests, and most divers find it enjoyable and manageable.

Yes, there is no required waiting period. You can start the Advanced Open Water Diver course as soon as you have completed your Open Water Diver certification.

Advanced Open Water Diver in United Kingdom

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PADI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver - Ages 12-14

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Overview

Syllabus

Course Structure

Mandatory Dives

Example Elective Dives

What it enables

Articles and resources

What PADI Course Should You Do? And Other FAQs Answered

Prerequisites

Duration

Assessment

Frequently asked questions

GO PRO - The PADI 'Zero to Hero' Diving Course

PADI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver - Ages 12-14

PADI Advanced Open Water - UK or Malta

SSI Advanced Open Water Diver Course in Borehamwood

Bookeo: Oyster Part A