Advanced Certification
Advanced Certification Course
Take your diving skills to the next level with our Advanced Certification program. Known as Advanced Open Water Diver or Advanced Adventure Diver depending on the training agency, this course is designed to build confidence, expand your abilities, and introduce you to new underwater experiences.
You will complete a series of adventure dives that go beyond the basics, such as deep diving, navigation, and specialty skills like buoyancy control or night diving. Each dive is guided by our instructors to help you refine techniques and explore new challenges safely.
This certification opens the door to greater opportunities in diving, including access to deeper sites, advanced specialty courses, and more adventurous dive trips worldwide. It is the perfect next step for divers who want to grow their skills and enjoy the full range of scuba experiences.
Sign up for a course below or contact us for scheduling an on-demand course.
Availability: Contact us for booking information
Frequently Asked Questions – Advanced Certification
Q1: What is the Advanced Certification course called?
Different agencies use different names. It may be called Advanced Open Water Diver or Advanced Adventure Diver, but both represent the same level of training and recognition.
Q2: Do I need to be certified before taking this course?
Yes. You must already hold an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent to enroll.
Q3: What skills will I learn in the Advanced course?
You will complete adventure dives such as deep diving, navigation, buoyancy control, night diving, and specialty skills. These dives expand your confidence and prepare you for more challenging underwater environments.
Q4: How long does the Advanced Certification take?
The course typically requires five adventure dives, which can be completed over a weekend or spread across multiple sessions depending on your schedule.
Q5: Is the Advanced Certification recognized worldwide?
Yes. Whether listed as Advanced Open Water or Advanced Adventure Diver, this certification is accepted globally and allows you to dive deeper and pursue specialty courses.
Q6: Why should I take the Advanced course?
It opens the door to deeper dive sites, specialty training, and more adventurous trips, while building confidence and safety skills that make every dive more enjoyable.
What's Included (the fine print)
Classes fees cover learning materials, classroom, pool and/or lakeside instruction, applicable dives, and electronic certification cards.
eLearning: Most classes use eLearning and some may be instructor led.
Continuing Education Classes Gear: Students are expected to have their own gear. We offer purcase and rental options. Some classes include use of specialized gear or have specialized gear available for an additional fee, as noted in each class description.
Lake entry fees, lake tank and weight rentals/air fills, transportation, lodging, camping, meals, and miscellaneous expenses are not included in course fees.
All courses must be completed as scheduled and are not refundable due to absence or inability to perform the required standards. We will attempt to accommodate students who miss due to an unforeseen event, or need extra time, however a $150 fee for each three hour block of additional lake or pool time will apply if unable to work-in with other classes.
Discounts
OCD Divers Class Discounts Available:
- 15% for Active Scouting America Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Trail Life Scouts
- 10% for Scout Leaders and Scout Family Members
- 10% for Active or Retired Military
- 10% for Emergency First Responders (Firefighters, EMTs., Police)
Add These Certification Classes with your Open Water or Advanced and save $30 tuition each:
- Nitrox Diver
- Buoyancy Diver
