Learn All The Requirements For Advanced Open Water Diving

There's an undeniable magic in scuba diving—the thrill of weightlessness, the vibrant colors of coral reefs, and the mesmerizing marine life that glides gently through the water. For many, the ocean's potential becomes an irresistible call to explore deeper and more diverse underwater environments. 

The Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) certification is your passport to the underwater world. It offers certified open-water divers the opportunity to enhance their skills and unlock new diving adventures.

Let’s explore all the requirements for your advanced open-water diving certification.

But before we explore the requirements, it’s important to understand the difference between open water and advanced open water certifications. 

Your journey to discover the underwater world will typically begin with the open water diver certification. This foundational course is designed to equip new divers with the essential skills needed to explore underwater environments safely, such as buoyancy control, underwater navigation, and basic safety procedures. The certification process involves a combination of classroom sessions, pool training, and open-water dives.

As an open water diver, you're limited to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet), and while this opens up many incredible diving opportunities, it also restricts access to some of the more intriguing and challenging dive sites. 

The AOWD certification is designed to break those barriers. With a PADI advanced open water certification, you can dive to a depth of 30 meters (100 feet) and explore specialty areas that are often off-limits to less experienced divers. The AOWD course builds on the foundational skills from the open water course and introduces advanced techniques and knowledge.

In addition to diving deeper, you'll gain skills in areas such as underwater navigation and night diving, allowing you to experience the ocean in a completely new light. The AOWD course is structured to provide a well-rounded education, mixing theoretical knowledge with practical application through a series of adventure dives.

To become an advanced open water diver, you must first hold a valid open water diver certification (or its equivalent from another recognized agency). 

The minimum age requirement varies but typically ranges from 12 to 15 years old, depending on the certifying agency. Additionally, you must complete a medical questionnaire to ensure you're fit for diving.

The structure of the AOWD course is designed to be both comprehensive and flexible. It generally includes knowledge development sessions, confined water (pool) sessions, and a series of open water dives. Core dives such as deep diving and underwater navigation are mandatory, providing critical skills and experience. Other than these core dives, you have the flexibility to choose from a variety of elective dives that align with your interests—whether it's exploring shipwrecks, diving at night, or mastering your buoyancy skills.

When it comes to finding the perfect AOWD course for scuba diving in Thailand, Giant Stride is your ultimate dive buddy. We connect you with a wide range of verified and trusted PADI dive centers across Thailand, making it easier to find the right course to match your needs and preferences. 

One of the key advantages of using Giant Stride is the ability to compare prices and locations for AOWD courses. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxurious liveaboard dive vacation, we offer a range of choices to suit different budgets and travel plans. By providing detailed information about various dive centers and their services, we ensure that you can make an informed decision and find the perfect course for your advanced underwater adventures.

Becoming an advanced open water diver opens up a world of possibilities, from exploring deeper and more challenging dive sites to gaining confidence and proficiency in the water. With the enhanced skills and knowledge gained through the AOWD certification, you'll be better equipped to handle diverse diving conditions and enjoy the full spectrum of underwater experiences.

Embrace the adventure, explore new depths, and discover the magic of the ocean with Giant Stride. Explore our website today.