PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course (with Drysuit Option)
Ready to expand your diving horizons and build true underwater confidence? The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is where recreational divers transform their skills 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 marine reserves worldwide that require an Advanced rating. If you haven't experienced local cold-water diving in a drysuit yet, our course includes a complete drysuit orientation—preparing you to enjoy BC's coastal waters in complete warmth, comfort, and safety.
Course Pricing & Pool Options
Standard Course Rate: $549.95 CAD
Includes Base Tuition ($499.95) + Heated Pool & Drysuit Orientation ($50.00).
How to Select Your Setup:
- Standard Package ($549.95 Total): Selected by default. Most students require this option to complete their pool orientation and drysuit skills before heading to the ocean.
- Drysuit Certified Exemption ($499.95 Total): If you are already a Certified Drysuit Specialty Diver or completed the Drysuit Upgrade during your PADI Open Water course at IDC, you do not need the pool session. Simply remove the Pool Session option from your cart to receive the $50 discount.
Course Highlights & Fast Facts
- Course Schedule: 1 Evening (Classroom + Heated Pool Orientation) + 1 Ocean Weekend (5 Dives).
- Ocean Dives: 2 dives Saturday, 3 dives Sunday at local sites like 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 official PADI Adventures in Diving eLearning Pass ($255.95 value). You'll complete self-paced online reading for your assigned adventure dives prior to your ocean weekend. There are no formal written exams—just practical knowledge reviews and quick safety briefings with your instructor!
Part 2: Weekday Classroom & Heated Pool Session ($50.00 Standard Option)
Prior to your ocean weekend, students joining the pool session will meet with us for an academic review and pool orientation to master drysuit buoyancy control, trim, positioning, and ascent procedures.
- 7:00 PM: Meet at IDC (2865 West Broadway) for Quick Review & 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.
*Note: Certified Drysuit divers or students who completed the Drysuit Upgrade during Open Water training at IDC may bypass Part 2 and proceed directly to Part 3.
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 Vancouver marine sites like Whytecliff Park or Porteau Cove:
| Adventure Dive | Type | Core Practical Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Dive | Mandatory | Managing gas supply, pressure effects, colour changes, and narcosis at 100 ft. |
| Underwater Navigation | Mandatory | Mastering compass navigation, kick-cycle distance estimation, and search patterns. |
| Drysuit Adventure | Elective / Included | Fine-tuning drysuit buoyancy, squeeze prevention, and thermal management. |
| Peak Performance Buoyancy | Elective | Streamlining gear, weighting checks, hovering, and efficient propulsion. |
| Night / DSMB / Wreck | Elective | Light communication techniques, surface marker buoy deployment, or wreck mapping. |
*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 ($255.95 Value).
- Rental drysuit, thermal undergarments, 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).
