ADVANCED DIVER
FOR TAKING ON THE MOST CHALLENGING DIVES

The SDI Advanced Diver Development Program is designed with the goal of creating truly “advanced” divers, ready to face the most challenging underwater experiences. This innovative program stands out for its more rigorous and comprehensive approach compared to traditional diving training paths. In the traditional methodology, a student could begin the Advanced Course immediately after completing the Open Water Course, having completed just 9 dives, all under the close supervision of an instructor.

However, the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program significantly raises the standards, requiring students to undergo a more in-depth and challenging training path. To achieve Advanced Diver certification, a student who has just completed the Open Water course must complete at least 4 SDI specialties or their equivalents. Each specialty provides specific and focused skills in various areas of diving. These specialties may include night diving, deep diving, underwater navigation, drift diving, or emergency management. Each specialty offers a unique and enriching experience, allowing students to hone their skills and gain greater awareness and confidence underwater.

Additionally, the program requires that students complete a minimum of 25 dives before receiving Advanced Diver certification. This requirement ensures that divers have sufficient practical experience and familiarity with the underwater environment before being considered “advanced.” SDI believes that only through this combination of theoretical training, practical specialization, and field experience can a student truly be regarded as an advanced diver.

Upon completing the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program, participants will be prepared to take on more complex dives independently and safely, with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that will support them throughout their diving careers.