PADI Advanced Open Water Course: Complete Guide

Updated 2026 • Course structure, dives & who it’s for

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed for certified divers who want to improve their confidence, experience new types of diving, and explore deeper and more challenging sites.

This course focuses on practical diving experience rather than classroom exams, making it one of the most enjoyable and confidence-building certifications in recreational scuba diving.

What Is the PADI Advanced Open Water Course?

The course typically takes 2–3 days and consists of five open water dives, each designed to introduce a new diving skill or environment.

Required Adventure Dives

Deep Dive

Learn how to safely plan and execute dives to a maximum depth of 30 metres / 100 feet, including gas management and depth awareness.

Underwater Navigation

Develop compass and natural navigation skills, improving confidence and orientation underwater.

Elective Adventure Dives (Choose 3)

• Night Diving
• Wreck Diving
• Peak Performance Buoyancy
• Underwater Photography
• Fish Identification
• Drift Diving

Elective dives allow divers to customise the course based on personal interests and local dive conditions.

Why Take the Advanced Open Water Course?

• Increase maximum diving depth to 30 metres
• Improve buoyancy, navigation, and confidence
• Access more dive sites worldwide
• Prepare for Rescue Diver and specialty courses

Who Is This Course Suitable For?

The Advanced Open Water course is ideal for:

• Newly certified Open Water divers
• Divers wanting to explore deeper sites
• Travelers planning advanced dive destinations
• Divers preparing for Rescue or professional training

Related Diving Guides

• PADI Open Water Diver Course
• Night Dive in Tioman Island
• Diving Safety Tips & Precautions