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 in water), this course can be a great option for beginners or those who don't have much time. To begin diving at 12 metres or more, you'll need to be accompanied by a professional instructor. You can take additional classes to upgrade to Advanced open water or Rescue certification.
PADI Scuba Diver
There are many PADI Scuba Diver Course Levels. For those who are just beginning, the introductory course is a good starting point. Once they have achieved certain levels of competence, they can move on to a higher level. PADI Scuba Diver's course is comprised of 14 modules. The modules are broken into three sections. The course takes three days to complete, but you can also upgrade the course in as little at 1/1.5 days. This is the most well-known course and will permit you to dive up 18 meters.
Advanced open water diver
Advanced open water divers are those who have completed an Open Water Diver Course and have obtained an AOW certification. AOW divers can dive to depths greater than 60 feet. AOW divers can also work on buoyancy or air consumption. Advanced open water divers can also dive in specialty areas like wreck diving. There are several levels of AOW certificates. Listed below are the differences between these levels. Read on to find out more about these different levels.
Rescue diver
There are three types of Rescue Diver certificates: one for recreational diving, the other for technical diving and one for dive leader. International Standards Organisation (ISO) sets the standards for these levels. This training is based on BS EN14413-2:2004 and ISO 24801-1;2004. Level-one instructors can teach recreational divers, assess them up to level one, and plan and execute dives. They are also certified to instruct rescue and lead other divers in open sea.
Cave-1 class
Cave diver certification requires at least 40 hours of classroom instruction and practical experience. This course covers the basics of cave diving, standard procedures, emergency procedures, as well as information about the dangers and challenges that the environment presents. During the cave course, students are assessed on their skills through two sections: academics as well as water-based exercises. They also must demonstrate their skills and proficiency by taking an exam and passing a quiz. The cave diving course requires that the student complete a manual.
Master Scuba Diver
There are five levels of the Master Scuba Diver diving certification. Open Water diving is the first level. This is where you will learn to dive and how to manage your scuba gear. The next two levels include electives that you choose. As a Master Scuba Diving Diver, you are allowed to dive with certified others. This level also comes with a 10% discount on the five courses.