Your Scuba Certification Path: What Comes Next?

SF Admin Jan 17, 2026

Your Scuba Certification Path: From First Dive to Confident Diver

If you’re new to scuba diving—or thinking about what comes next—it helps to understand how diver training typically progresses. Most recreational training agencies follow a clear, step-by-step certification path that allows you to build skills, confidence, and experience at your own pace.

Below is a simple overview of the standard scuba certification journey and what each level is designed to achieve.

Open Water Diver

Your foundation as a certified diver. This is where most divers begin. The Open Water Diver course teaches the essential knowledge and skills needed to dive safely and comfortably.

You’ll learn:

Basic dive theory and safety principles
How to use scuba equipment properly
Core skills such as buoyancy control, mask clearing, and air management
Dive planning and buddy procedures

After certification, you can:

Dive with a buddy within entry-level depth limits (typically up to 18 m / 60 ft)
Rent scuba equipment
Join guided dives around the world

Advanced Open Water Diver

Build confidence through experience. Advanced-level training focuses on gaining experience in a variety of diving environments. Instead of classroom exams, learning happens primarily through diving.

Common components include:

A deeper dive (often up to 30 m / 100 ft)
Underwater navigation
Elective dives such as night, wreck, buoyancy, or drift diving

This level helps divers feel more comfortable, aware, and capable underwater.

After certification, you can:

Dive with a buddy within your limits down to 100ft

Rescue Diver Training

Become a safer, more aware diver. Rescue-level training teaches divers how to prevent problems and respond effectively when issues arise. It emphasizes awareness, teamwork, and decision-making.

You’ll learn:

How to recognize and manage diver stress
Self-rescue techniques
Assisting tired or panicked divers
Handling realistic emergency scenarios

Many divers consider this one of the most challenging—and rewarding—courses they take.

Specialty Diver Courses

Customize your diving experience with numerous Specialty Diver course options. Specialty courses allow divers to focus on specific interests and conditions, including:

Buoyancy control
Enriched air (nitrox)
Night or low-visibility diving
Wreck diving
Deep diving
Dry suit diving
Underwater Photography
and many more!

Completing multiple specialties often leads to a master-level recreational diver rating, recognized across the industry.

Leadership & Professional Training

For divers ready to go further. For those interested in guiding or teaching, leadership-level training is available. These courses prepare divers to assist with training, guide certified divers, and act as role models for safe diving practices.

This path is ideal for divers considering a career in the dive industry or extended dive travel such as Divemaster or Instructor.

One Path, Many Possibilities

There’s no rush to move through certifications. Some divers progress quickly, while others take time to gain experience between courses. The goal isn’t speed—it’s confidence, competence, and enjoyment underwater.

If you’re unsure which course is right for you, our instructors are happy to help you choose the next step that fits your goals and experience.

Ready to continue your dive training?