So, you’ve got your Open Water certification—congratulations! You’re officially a diver, and a whole new world has opened up to you. But let’s be honest: after a few dives, you might find yourself craving more. More depth, more adventure, more confidence in the water. That’s where advanced scuba training comes in.
Taking an advanced course isn’t just about earning another certification card—it’s about becoming a better, safer, and more capable diver. Whether you want to extend your bottom time, explore sunken wrecks, or become the dive buddy everyone trusts, there’s an advanced scuba course that’s perfect for you.
Here are my top five recommendations for taking your diving skills to the next level.
1. Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver – More Bottom Time, Less Fatigue
If I could recommend just one specialty to every diver, it would be Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx). Why? Because it’s one of the easiest and most beneficial upgrades you can make to your diving.
What is Nitrox?
Simply put, Nitrox is a blend of air with a higher percentage of oxygen (typically 32% or 36%) and less nitrogen. Less nitrogen means reduced nitrogen absorption, which leads to longer bottom times and shorter surface intervals.
Why Take This Course?
- Extend your dive times safely by reducing nitrogen buildup.
- Feel less fatigued after multiple dives—perfect for dive trips!
- Increase safety margins by reducing decompression risk.
Prerequisites & Course Structure
- Open Water Diver certification required.
- No in-water training required—just classroom or online learning.
- Learn how to analyze Nitrox tanks and calculate safe dive limits.
I remember taking my Nitrox course before a week-long dive trip, and the difference was night and day. While my buddies were cutting their dives short due to nitrogen limits, I was enjoying longer bottom times and feeling fresher after back-to-back dives. It’s a no-brainer for anyone serious about diving.
2. Deep Diver – Explore the Limits
Ever looked down into the blue and wondered what’s just beyond your depth limit? That’s where the Deep Diver course comes in.
What You’ll Learn
- How to safely dive to 130 feet (40m) while managing air consumption and gas narcosis.
- Dive planning, redundant air sources, and deep diving techniques.
- How to recognize and handle nitrogen narcosis—yes, that euphoric “drunken” feeling at depth is real!
Why Take This Course?
- Access deeper wrecks, walls, and reef formations.
- Learn how to better manage air consumption at depth.
- Gain confidence in your ability to handle deeper dives safely.
Prerequisites & Course Structure
- Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) required.
- Typically includes three or four dives, each progressively deeper.
For me, the Deep Diver course was a game-changer. My first dive beyond 100 feet had my heart racing, but by the last dive, I felt in total control, knowing I had the skills to handle it.
3. Wreck Diver – Dive into History
There’s something mesmerizing about descending onto a shipwreck—the history, the marine life, the eerie beauty of it all. But wreck diving comes with unique challenges, which is why proper training is essential.
What You’ll Learn
- How to safely navigate wrecks and assess their stability.
- Proper finning techniques to avoid stirring up silt.
- How to use penetration lines and reels for safe entry.
Why Take This Course?
- Explore historic wrecks and artificial reefs with confidence.
- Learn advanced buoyancy control techniques.
- Discover hidden passageways and marine life that thrive in wrecks.
Prerequisites & Course Structure
- Open Water Diver certification required.
- Typically includes three or four dives, with options for penetration training.
My first wreck dive was a thrilling yet humbling experience. I remember hovering over a sunken ship, peering into dark passageways, knowing that without the proper training, venturing inside would be too risky. After completing the Wreck Diver course, I felt prepared and excited to explore safely.
4. Navigation Diver – Find Your Way Like a Pro
Ever been on a dive where you completely lost track of where the boat was? I have. And trust me, it’s not a fun feeling.
What You’ll Learn
- How to use a compass accurately underwater.
- Natural navigation techniques using depth, landmarks, and sunlight.
- How to estimate distance and return to your starting point confidently.
Why Take This Course?
- Never feel lost underwater again.
- Boost confidence in self-reliant diving.
- Become the diver everyone trusts to lead the dive.
Prerequisites & Course Structure
- Open Water Diver certification required.
- Typically includes two or three dives with compass drills and real-world scenarios.
I can’t stress enough how valuable this skill is. After taking my Navigation course, I went from aimlessly following the divemaster to leading dives myself with confidence.
5. Rescue Diver – The Course That Changes Everything
If there’s one course that completely transformed the way I dive, it’s Rescue Diver. This is where you go from focusing on yourself to watching out for others, and it makes you a stronger, more aware diver.
What You’ll Learn
- How to recognize and respond to diver emergencies.
- Self-rescue techniques and assisting panicked divers.
- Handling unconscious divers and managing realistic emergency scenarios.
Why Take This Course?
- Become a safer and more confident diver.
- Gain skills that can save lives, including your own.
- Many dive professionals say this is their favorite course because of how much they learn.
Prerequisites & Course Structure
- Advanced Open Water certification required.
- Includes both classroom and in-water rescue drills.
When I took Rescue Diver, I did it in freezing November waters in a quarry, wearing a drysuit for the first time. It was tough but incredibly rewarding. By the end, I felt like I could handle anything thrown my way underwater.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
Whether you want to extend your dive time, explore deeper sites, or become the diver that everyone trusts, advanced training is the key. These courses will make you a more skilled, confident, and safe diver—and they’ll open doors to experiences you never thought possible.
Tri-City SCUBA offers all of these courses and more. Ready to take the next step? Sign up today and start your next underwater adventure!
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