In March this year, right after my class X board exams, I did PADI open water certification at Koh Tao. After the course completion, I knew I wanted to learn more. So when planning for summer break, we decided to go to Maldives - an underwater paradise. It was a perfect destination for both - my advanced open water certification and my snorkeling enthusiast parents.
Taking up PADI Advanced open water course proved to be one of the best decisions. Many aspects of my diving improved greatly, particularly my buoyancy control and air efficiency. Additionally, my confidence grew, as did my safety awareness. I discovered that with my new skills, I could enjoy my time underwater even more. Here’s why I am glad I completed the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course.
1. ACCESS DEEPER WATER
An open water diver can only dive to the maximum depth of 18 meters but after getting the advanced open water certification, you can dive to a depth of 30 meters. The reality is that the most exciting dive sites are deeper than 18m and some require an advanced certification just to dive there at all. In Koh Tao, our dive company would not take us to dive at the site of Whale Sharks without the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver qualification. I listened with envy as an advanced diver told me of his experience there.
Deep diving, an essential part of advance open water course, allows you to experience underwater life at a different level than what you could do with just an open water certification. Deep-water corals and ecosystems are different than those found in shallower water and the marine life that inhabits them is often unique to that depth. Deeper sites are also more pristine and beautiful.
2) IT'S MORE FUN
While the Padi open water course was all about learning and practicing basic skills, there was more exploration in advanced course. Moreover, I was more comfortable with myself and my equipment this time and I could focus more on my surroundings. I had an opportunity to see beautiful creatures like Manta rays, Eagle rays, Reef sharks, and many other colorful fishes and appreciate them.
3. ACQUIRE MANY ADVANCED DIVING SKILLS
There are five dives to complete for the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, including two compulsory dives: a deep-water dive and an underwater navigation dive. Then there are three other specialist dives of your choice. The specialist dives to give you a chance to develop your interests and focus on a certain skill set like night diving, wreck diving, underwater photography, etc. I did boat diving, drift diving, and fish identification dives.
4) SHARPEN BASIC SKILL
While doing the advance open water certification you not only learn new skills but also improve your basic skill set like buoyancy control and underwater breathing. During the advanced course, I also developed a better understanding of my scuba gear and my dive computer. These skills help you to remain safe underwater.
5) BOOST CONFIDENCE
After doing the advanced open water certification my confidence soar both underwater and on land. I was now comfortable diving till 30 metres. Better buoyancy control helped me to be safe underwater and not hit anything. My breathing was also better and I could stay underwater almost as long as the rest of the group.
6) A STEP CLOSER TO BECOMING A DIVE MASTER
It gives me immense pleasure and a sense of thrill to know that after completing the Advanced Open Water course, I am now a step closer to becoming a divemaster. My vacation adventure is turning into a lifelong passion.
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