Learn to dive • Level up • Go pro
Scuba Courses & Certifications
Understand the full scuba certification ladder—from your very first bubbles to professional instructor—and find the right next course for you.
The certification ladder at a glance
Most divers follow a simple progression:
Course comparison
| Course | Level | Depth limit | Prerequisites | Typical duration | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Water Diver | Beginner | 18m / 60ft | Basic swimming ability | 3–4 days | Complete beginners |
| Scuba Refresher | Beginner | — | — | Half day | Certified divers returning after time off |
| Advanced Open Water Diver | Continuing | 30m / 100ft | Open Water Diver | 2–3 days | New divers wanting more experience |
| Rescue Diver | Continuing | — | Advanced + CPR/First Aid | 2–3 days | Divers who want to be strong buddies |
| Emergency First Response | Continuing | — | — | Half to full day | Required for Rescue & Pro levels |
| Divemaster | Pro | — | Rescue Diver + CPR/First Aid | Varies | Divers who want to lead and work in diving |
| Assistant Instructor | Pro | — | — | Varies | Divemasters moving toward instructor |
| Open Water Scuba Instructor | Pro | — | — | Varies | Career-minded dive pros |
| Instructor Development Course (IDC) | Pro | — | — | Varies | Future instructors wanting a structured path |
Browse all courses
Open Water Diver
BeginnerYour first full scuba certification. Dive to 18m / 60ft.
- Depth limit
- 18m / 60ft
- Duration
- 3–4 days
Scuba Refresher
BeginnerBrush up skills after a break from diving.
- Duration
- Half day
Advanced Open Water Diver
ContinuingBuild confidence, go deeper, and try new dive types.
- Depth limit
- 30m / 100ft
- Duration
- 2–3 days
Rescue Diver
ContinuingLearn to prevent and manage problems in the water.
- Duration
- 2–3 days
Emergency First Response
ContinuingCPR and first aid training for divers and non-divers.
- Duration
- Half to full day
Nitrox / Enriched Air Diver
SpecialtyLonger bottom times using enriched air nitrox.
- Duration
- 2–3 hours
Wreck Diver
SpecialtyExplore shipwrecks safely with lines, mapping, and protocols.
Deep Diver
SpecialtyExtend your depth range to the recreational max.
- Depth limit
- 40m / 130ft
Night Diver
SpecialtyDiscover how different the ocean feels after dark.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
SpecialtyDial in trim and buoyancy for smoother, safer dives.
Underwater Photography
SpecialtyUse cameras, lighting, and composition underwater.
Dry Suit Diver
SpecialtyStay warm and extend your dive season.
Drift Diver
SpecialtyRide currents safely and comfortably.
Underwater Navigation
SpecialtyUse compass and natural references to find your way.
Divemaster
ProFirst professional rating. Guide certified divers.
Assistant Instructor
ProStart teaching portions of courses under supervision.
Open Water Scuba Instructor
ProTeach new divers and run most core courses.
Instructor Development Course (IDC)
ProFull program preparing you for the Instructor Exam.
Soon: find instructors & shops on scuba.org
We're building tools for dive shops and instructors so you can see exactly who offers each course in your area, and contact them directly from scuba.org.