IN THIS LESSON

Day 4-5: Adventure dives

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course builds on the foundational skills from Open Water and consists of five Adventure Dives, each introducing new challenges and techniques to expand divers’ capacity.

1. Peak Performance Buoyancy Dive

Refine buoyancy control to glide effortlessly, reduce air consumption, and protect fragile marine life. Skills include:

  • Fine-tuning weight and trim

  • Hovering in various positions

  • Streamlining equipment for efficient movement

2. Underwater Navigation Dive

Learn to find your way underwater using both natural and compass navigation. Skills include:

  • Compass use for straight-line and square patterns

  • Estimating distance and kick-cycle counting

  • Combining navigation techniques for return routes

3. Boat Dive

Gain experience diving from different types of boats and understand essential safety and etiquette. Skills include:

  • Boat entries and exits

  • Using surface lines and equipment setup in tight spaces

  • Managing gear and communication in a boat environment

4. Deep Dive

Explore deeper environments safely, to a maximum depth of 30 metres. Skills include:

  • Gas management and narcosis awareness

  • Buoyancy adjustment and descent/ascent control

  • Recognizing color and pressure effects at depth

5. DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) Dive

Develop practical safety and communication techniques for open-water conditions. Skills include:

  • Preparing and deploying a DSMB from depth

  • Managing line and reel handling

  • Using DSMBs for surface signaling and drift diving

Outcome

After completing all five dives, participants earn the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification, expanding their diving limits and opening access to specialty and professional-level training.