Advanced
Open Water
Diver Course
Go deeper. Dive at night. Explore wrecks. The PADI AOW course takes your skills beyond the basics — 5 real adventure dives in Tioman Island's tropical waters.
Your next step
beyond Open Water
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course is designed for certified Open Water Divers who want to build confidence, refine underwater skills, and experience new types of diving under professional instructor supervision.
This course focuses on experience-based learning — no classroom exams. You'll develop advanced skills through 5 real ocean dives, including deep diving to 30 metres, night diving, wreck exploration, precision buoyancy, and underwater navigation.
Many divers choose to continue directly into AOW immediately after completing their Open Water certification. With calm sea conditions and diverse dive sites, Tioman Island is an ideal environment to take the next step.
Who should take this course?
What you'll
experience
Deep Dive Adventure
Expand your depth limit to 30 metres (100 feet). Learn physiological effects of deeper diving, gas management, and safety procedures while exploring Tioman's deeper dive sites under direct instructor supervision.
Underwater Navigation
Fine-tune your observation skills and learn to use a compass accurately. Practice navigating square and reciprocal patterns, plus use natural landmarks to find your way underwater — a crucial skill for diver confidence.
Wreck Dive Adventure
Explore Tioman's artificial reefs and wrecks. Learn to safely navigate wreck structures, observe unique marine life, and understand wreck diving hazards and excitement.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Master the art of hovering. Precise weight distribution, breath control, and streamlining — reduce air consumption, protect marine life, feel weightless.
Night Dive Adventure
Experience the ocean after dark! Torch handling, light communication, and navigation — observe nocturnal marine life like crabs, shrimps, and hunting barracudas.
Choose your
package
All packages include PADI course, equipment, meals, and accommodation. Course-only option available.
🏠 TDB Tioman Resort
🌴 Idaman Beach Holiday Resort
🏝️ Aguna Resort
🌺 Impian Inn
📋 Course Only (No Accommodation)
💳 0% Interest Installment available — 3 months. Purchase online here →
Course
package
Complete training resources
All scuba gear provided
Official dive log included
Professional PADI instructors
To local dive sites
3 meals/day × 2 days
2 nights at your chosen resort
Free with social media review
During your course
AOW Diver e-card processing
Ideal conditions for
advanced training
🌊 Calm Waters
Generally calm sea conditions — focus on skill development without fighting currents.
👀 Good Visibility
Clear tropical waters with 10–20m visibility for safe deep diving and navigation practice.
📐 Gradual Depths
Depth profiles suitable for progressive skill development from 12m to 30m.
🐠 Diverse Marine Life
Healthy reefs, wreck sites, and abundant marine life for real-world training experiences.
Benefits of being
a TDB student
At TDB Tioman, TDB Tenggol, TDB SunBeach, and more locations.
Discount on food and dining at 老蒋石板烧.
Discount on equipment at TDB Scuba Dive Equipment.
Complimentary during your certification course.
Registration
& terms
RM 300 per person. Non-refundable but transferable, valid one year.
1 March 2026 – 20 November 2026.
Free 3 boat dives (worth RM 300) for deposits paid on or before 28 Feb 2026. Personal use only. Does not include accommodation, meals, or equipment rental (RM 60/day).
3 days / 2 nights.
No refunds if course cannot be completed due to weather conditions.
Must be informed 14 days in advance. Late changes result in deposit forfeiture.
If certification not passed, full fees apply. Return within one year paying only accommodation and meals.
Package includes 6 meals (3/day × 2 days). 7th meal chargeable separately.
Frequently asked
questions
What are the prerequisites for the PADI Advanced Open Water course?
You must hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent from another recognized agency). No additional dive experience beyond the Open Water course is required. Many divers at Tioman Dive Buddy take the AOW course immediately after completing their Open Water certification.
How many dives are included in the AOW course?
The PADI Advanced Open Water Course includes 5 Adventure Dives. At Tioman Dive Buddy, these are: Deep Dive (mandatory), Underwater Navigation (mandatory), Wreck Dive, Peak Performance Buoyancy, and Night Dive. All dives are conducted in the open water around Tioman Island.
Is the Advanced Open Water course difficult?
No. The AOW course is experience-based, not exam-based. There are no final written exams. Each Adventure Dive builds on skills you already learned in your Open Water course, with your instructor guiding you through new techniques at a comfortable pace. Most students find it enjoyable and confidence-building.
Do I need to be very experienced before taking this course?
No. The Advanced Open Water course is designed as the natural next step after Open Water certification. You do not need extensive dive experience. The course is structured to progressively build your skills, comfort, and confidence through hands-on diving experience under instructor supervision.
Is night diving safe for beginners?
Yes. Night diving during the AOW course is conducted in familiar, calm dive sites around Tioman Island with full instructor supervision. You will learn torch handling, light communication, and navigation techniques before entering the water. The experience introduces you to nocturnal marine life and builds essential low-light diving skills in a safe, controlled environment.
How deep will I dive during the course?
The Deep Dive Adventure takes you to a planned depth of up to 30 metres (100 feet), which is the maximum recreational depth for Advanced Open Water Divers. Other dives are conducted at shallower depths appropriate for each skill being practised. Upon certification, you are qualified to dive to 30 metres worldwide.
How long does the AOW certification take?
The PADI Advanced Open Water Course at Tioman Dive Buddy takes a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights. During this time, you complete 5 Adventure Dives with instructor-led dive planning and skill practice. There are no written exams — the course is entirely experience-based.
Can this course be done in Tioman year-round?
The dive season at Tioman Island runs from March to November, when sea conditions are generally favourable. Tioman Dive Buddy offers PADI Advanced Open Water courses throughout this season with flexible start dates that can begin on almost any day, making it easy to combine with your travel plans.
Ready to go
deeper?
5 adventure dives. 30-metre depth certification. Night diving. Wreck exploration. Take the next step with Tioman Dive Buddy.