Caribe Diving, advanced open water

The Advanced Open Water certification is probably one
of the most mis-understood courses available to certified
divers. Many newly certified divers believe that they
should gain more experience before they attempt to do
the Advanced Open Water Course.

The reality is that the Advanced Open Water Course
teaches you more skills so that you become a safer
diver. With these skills you are more likely to avoid
dangerous situations.

Not long ago I had a couple of students that did their
Open Water certification somewhere in the north, went
on vacation and their first dive after being certified was
a 110ft/33m dive. After completing the Advanced Open
Water Course they were horrified to think that they
attempted such an advanced dive without having had
the proper training and now realized how dangerous
their adventure was.

So what is the Advanced Open Water Course (AOW)?

The PADI AOW course consists of 5 Adventure Dives:

1. Underwater navigation (mandatory)
2. Deep (mandatory - max depth for 12-14 year olds
70ft/21m)

Dives 3, 4 & 5 are usually a combination of any of the
following:

a) Drift Dive
b) Night Dive
c) Peak Performance Buoyancy
d) Search & Recovery
e) Wreck Dive

Day one: we do 3 beach dives where we start with Peak
Performance Buoyancy Control. You learn to master the
techniques for controlling your buoyancy. This includes
breathing techniques and trimming your BCD. Being able
to control your buoyancy makes diving relaxed and more
fun.

Dive two we start with Underwater Navigation. You learn
how to work a compass, navigate different search
patterns, estimate distances and navigate during the
touring portion of the dive.

Dive three for the day is usually a night dive where you
learn navigation at night and exploring the wonderful
night life.

Day two: we typically do a two-tank boat dive with the
"Deep" dive as the first dive. We normally limit the depth
to around 70ft/21m. Being a intermediate depth, the
total bottom time still allows for a reasonable dive time
without pushing the limits. You also learn how to plan
your available air and make safety stops.

The second dive for the day and your graduation dive, is
usually a relaxing drift dive where we explore the
wonderful reefs at Fort Lauderdale.

If your schedule cannot fit into a typical two day course
you can always extend the duration of your course and
join different classes for the various dives until you have
completed the required 5 dives.

Must be 12 years or older, with an Open Water
Certification.

The course fee is $350.00. Gear can be provided
complimentary, if available.

Students are responsible for the boat fees. We pass on
the boat fees to you at no markup. Student boat fees
typically range from $30 to $50 for a two-tank dive.

Ready to sign-up? Click here for the sign-up form.