An introductory course can be a great way to get started if you are keen to dive but not sure where you should start. Also known as a buceo (or baptism of water), this course is a great choice for those with little or no experience and those who are short on time. While you can dive up to 12m, you will need a certified instructor to complete the course. If you want to take more classes, you can upgrade your certification to Rescue or Advanced open water.
PADI Scuba Diver
There are many PADI Scuba Diver Course Levels. The introductory course can be taken by those just starting out and they can then move up to the next level after they have reached certain competency levels. PADI Scuba Diver is made up 14 modules. Each module can be broken into three sections. The course usually lasts three days, but can be upgraded in as little as 1/1.5 days. This course allows you to go to 18 meters. It is the most popular in the world.
Advanced open water diver
Open water divers who have completed the Open Water Diver Course have an AOW certification. AOW divers can dive deeper than the recommended 60 feet. AOW divers are also capable of improving buoyancy and air consumption. Advanced open water divers are also able to do specialty diving such as wreck diving. There are several levels of AOW certificates. Below are the differences between the levels. To learn more about these different levels, read on!
Rescue diver
There are three levels to your Rescue Diver certificate: the technical, recreational, and the dive leader. International Standards Organisation (ISO) sets the standards for these levels. These training levels are based respectively on BS EN14413-2:2004 & ISO 24801-1. Level-one instructors are qualified to instruct recreational divers, assess their knowledge up to the diver level one and plan and conduct dives. They can also teach rescue techniques and guide other divers in open water.
Cave-1 class
An instructor must have minimum 40 hours of experience and academic instruction to be certified as a cave diver. Course content includes cave diving techniques and skills, standard procedures and emergency procedures, and information on the hazards and challenges of the environment. The cave course consists of two parts. One is academic and the other is water-based. Students are evaluated on their skills. The students must pass a quiz, take an exam, and prove their skill and proficiency. Students must complete the cave diving course manual.
Master Scuba Diver
Master Scuba Diver certification is available in five levels. The first level is the Open Water dive, which is where you learn how to dive, and manage yourself and your scuba gear. The next two levels include electives that you choose. As a Master Scuba Diver, you can choose to dive with others as long as they are certified as well. This level offers a 10% discount on five courses.