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1. Why Take the Advanced Open Water Diver Course with Us?
Take a fresh look at expanding your diving horizons. If you are already certified as an Open Water Diver and want to gain more practical experience without committing immediately to full specialty certifications, the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver course is the perfect next step. Over 5 ocean dives, you will get a hands-on introduction to 5 distinct SSI specialty areas. Guided by your instructor, you will refine your underwater skills, improve your buoyancy, and gain the confidence to explore a wider variety of dive sites down to 30 meters.
- 5 Specialty Introductions: Experience a taste of 5 different SSI specialties in the ocean, giving you a strong foundation for future training.
- 2 Mandatory Core Dives: Master essential deep diving techniques and underwater navigation skills on two dedicated core dives.
- Expanded Depth Limit: Automatically extends your maximum depth limit from 18 meters down to 30 meters (100 feet).
- Open to Certified Divers: Ideal progression right after your Open Water Diver course.
2. Course Curriculum (2 or 3 Days, 5 or 6 Dives)
The course combines interactive digital learning on the MySSI app, pre-dive briefings, and 5 open water adventure dives at Koh Lanta’s top dive sites (such as Koh Haa, Koh Bida, or Kled Keaw Wreck):
🔹 Key Topics Covered:
- Mandatory Deep Diving: Managing gas supply, monitoring depth, and experiencing the effects of pressure and nitrogen narcosis down to 30 meters.
- Mandatory Underwater Navigation: Combining compass bearings, kick cycles, and natural underwater features to orient yourself on the reef.
- 3 Elective Specialty Dives: Choose 3 additional adventure dives based on your interests (e.g., Perfect Buoyancy, Enriched Air Nitrox, Photo & Video, or Marine Ecology, see list below).
3. Prerequisites
- Certification: Must hold an SSI Open Water Diver certification (or an equivalent certification from another recognized agency).
- Minimum Age: Must be at least 10 years old (Divers aged 10–11 are limited to 12m depth; ages 12–14 earn the Junior Advanced Adventurer certification up to 21m).
- Logged Dives: No prior logged dives required after your Open Water certification.
- Health & Fitness: Must be in good physical health and complete a standard dive medical questionnaire.
4. Your International Certification
- Digital SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification recognized worldwide (valid down to 30 meters).
- Each of your 5 adventure dives counts directly as credit toward full SSI Specialty certifications in those respective subjects.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between this course and the SSI Advanced Specialty Diver rating?
The SSI Advanced Open Water Diver is a 5-dive introductory course (completing 1 dive per specialty). The SSI Advanced Specialty Diver is a higher-level recognition rating earned after completing 4 full specialty certifications and logging 24 dives.
Are Deep Diving and Navigation really mandatory for this course?
Yes! SSI standards require every Advanced Open Water student to complete the Deep Diving and Navigation adventure dives, alongside 3 elective dives of your choice.
Can I take this course right after my Open Water Diver certification?
Yes, absolutely! It is even highly recommended to reinforce your safety reflexes, perfect your buoyancy, and quickly gain confidence in the water.
