PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course (with Drysuit Orientation)
Ready to expand your diving horizons and build true underwater confidence? The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is where many recreation divers transform their hobby into a lifelong passion. This program builds directly on what you learned in your entry-level course, honing your buoyancy, underwater navigation, and deep diving capabilities in BC's marine waters.
Earning your Advanced certification extends your maximum depth limit from 18m (60ft) to 30m (100ft), unlocking world-class deep wrecks, wall dives, and tropical marine reserves that require an Advanced rating. If you haven't experienced local cold-water diving yet, this course includes a full drysuit orientation so you can stay warm, dry, and comfortable.
Price: $449.95
Course Highlights & Fast Facts
- Course Length: 1 Evening (Classroom + Heated Pool) + 1 Ocean Weekend (5 Dives).
- Ocean Dives: 2 dives Saturday, 3 dives Sunday at Whytecliff Park or Porteau Cove.
- Certification Depth: Qualifies you to dive to 30 metres / 100 feet worldwide.
- Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying equivalent) and clean medical statement.
- Age Requirement: 12+ years old (12–14 year olds earn Junior Advanced Open Water certification).
Detailed Course Curriculum
Part 1: Knowledge Development & eLearning
Your course includes the PADI Adventures in Diving eLearning Pass ($209.95 value). You'll complete self-paced online reading for your assigned adventure dives before the weekend. There are no formal exams—just practical knowledge reviews and quick safety assessments!
Part 2: Weekday Classroom & Heated Pool Session
Prior to your ocean weekend, you'll join us for a quick academic review and pool orientation to master drysuit buoyancy control, trimming, positioning, and ascent techniques.
- 7:00 PM: Meet at IDC for Quick Review & classroom drysuit briefing.
- 8:45 PM: On deck at pool for gear assembly and equipment overview.
- 9:30 PM – 10:30 PM: In-water heated pool session focusing on drysuit control and buoyancy trim.
Part 3: Ocean Weekend Dives (5 Adventure Dives)
You will complete 5 ocean Adventure Dives over Saturday and Sunday (usually 2 on Saturday, 3 on Sunday) at top local marine sites like Whytecliff Park or Porteau Cove:
| Adventure Dive | Type | Core Practical Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Dive | Mandatory | Managing gas supply, pressure effects, color changes, and narcosis at 100 ft. |
| Underwater Navigation | Mandatory | Mastering compass navigation, kick-cycle distance estimation, and underwater search patterns. |
| Drysuit Adventure | Included Elective | Fine-tuning drysuit buoyancy, squeeze prevention, and thermal management. |
| Peak Performance Buoyancy | Elective | Streamlining gear, weight checks, hovering, and efficient propulsion techniques. |
| Night / DSMB / Wreck | Elective | Light communication techniques, surface marker buoy deployment, or wreck surveys. |
*Note: Sunday morning start times and night dive timing may vary slightly based on tides, sunset schedules, and seasonal conditions.
What We Supply (Included):
- PADI Adventures in Diving eLearning Pass ($209.95 Value).
- Rental drysuit, hood, boots, and wet gloves.
- Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) & Regulator set.
- Underwater compass, scuba tanks, and all air fills.
- PADI Advanced Open Water Certification processing fees.
What You Supply:
- Personal Snorkeling Gear: Mask, Snorkel, and personal Silicone Regulator Mouthpiece.
- Dive Lights: Primary light and backup light (required for night dives).
- Safety Tools: Dive knife or cutting device.
- Rental Items (if not owned): Dive Computer (available to rent for $25) and Dive Fins (available to rent).
- Transportation: Travel to ocean dive sites (IDC Rideshare Van available for $15/day).
