The SSI Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed to enhance your diving skills and broaden your underwater experiences. This course is ideal for divers who have completed their Open Water Diver certification and wish to take their diving to the next level by exploring a variety of different environments and diving techniques.

### **Prerequisites:**

- **Certification:** You must be an SSI Open Water Diver or hold an equivalent certification from a recognized training agency.
- **Age:** Participants should be at least 15 years old. (Junior divers aged 12-14 can enroll in the SSI Advanced Adventurer program, which is a similar course with age-appropriate modifications.)
- **Experience:** A minimum of 24 logged dives is required to enroll in this course. This ensures that participants have sufficient experience and comfort in the water.
- **Medical Requirements:** A signed medical statement indicating your fitness to dive is required. If you have any medical conditions, a physician's approval may be necessary.
- **Equipment:** While some equipment may be provided, you should have access to personal diving gear including a mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and dive computer or depth gauge.

### **Course Overview:**

1. **Advanced Skill Development:**
   - **Deep Diving:** Gain experience and knowledge about deep dives, including how to plan and execute dives beyond the recreational limits of 18 meters (60 feet).
   - **Navigation:** Master underwater navigation techniques using compasses and natural references, allowing you to confidently explore new dive sites and return safely to your entry point.

2. **Specialty Dives:**
   - **Night Diving:** Explore the underwater world after dark, learning techniques for safe and enjoyable night dives. Discover how marine life behaves differently at night and how to use your dive lights effectively.
   - **Limited Visibility Diving:** Gain skills and confidence for diving in low visibility conditions. Learn techniques to navigate and manage your buoyancy when visibility is reduced, and practice communication and safety procedures.
   - **Wreck Diving:** Delve into the exciting world of wreck diving. Learn how to safely explore and navigate wreck sites, understanding the potential hazards and special considerations involved in this type of diving.

3. **Enhanced Safety and Planning:**
   - **Dive Planning:** Learn advanced dive planning techniques to ensure safety and efficiency, including how to manage multiple dives and handle various underwater scenarios.
   - **Emergency Procedures:** Refine your knowledge of emergency procedures and problem-solving techniques to handle unexpected situations with greater ease.

4. **Course Structure:**
   - **Theory Sessions:** Gain theoretical knowledge through engaging classroom sessions or online modules that cover the principles and procedures relevant to advanced diving.
   - **Confined Water Training:** Practice advanced skills and techniques in a controlled environment to build confidence and competence.
   - **Open Water Dives:** Apply what you’ve learned during a series of open water dives, guided by experienced instructors, to solidify your skills and gain real-world experience.

### **Course Benefits:**

- **Expanded Knowledge:** Develop a deeper understanding of advanced diving techniques and safety practices.
- **Increased Confidence:** Build confidence through practical experience and specialized training, allowing you to explore new dive sites and conditions with ease.
- **Personalized Learning:** Customize your experience by selecting specialty dives that align with your interests and diving goals, including night, limited visibility, and wreck diving.
- **Enhanced Opportunities:** Open up new opportunities for diving adventures and potential further education in advanced diving specialties.

The SSI Advanced Open Water Diver course is an exciting opportunity to advance your diving skills, explore new underwater environments, and prepare for more challenging and rewarding diving experiences. Whether you're looking to enhance your navigation skills, explore the mysteries of the night sea, or navigate through historic wrecks, this course will equip you with the knowledge and experience to continue your diving journey with confidence.