If you are an already qualified BSAC Ocean Diver (or other agency equivalent) and would like to extend your diving range progressively, then Advanced Ocean Diver is for you.
An optional step between Ocean Diver and Sports Diver, Advanced Ocean Diver will enable you to dive up to 30m which opens up even more of our fabulous underwater environment to explore!
Advanced Ocean Diver appealed to me not just so I could dive deeper, but because it offered the opportunity to develop vital underwater skills in a shorter timeframe than doing the whole Sports Diver course.
– Connor Robson, Sheffield University Sub-Aqua Club
Advanced Ocean Diver sits between Ocean Diver and Sports Diver and is open to qualified BSAC Ocean Divers (or an equivalent other agency grade) who would like to progress their maximum diving depth to 30m. You will develop your existing Ocean Diver knowledge to support deeper diving.
To enrol on the Advanced Ocean Diver, you must have successfully completed the BSAC Ocean Diver course. It is also open to those who have an equivalent certification from another recognised diver training agency and have completed Nitrox training. You must also be aged 14 or over to be able to progress to depths up to 30m.
Current BSAC Sports Diver trainees who have completed the necessary skills and theory modules and are aged 14 or over can also apply for their Advanced Ocean Diver qualification to dive to 30m.
Building on what you have learnt during the Ocean Diver course, as an Advanced Ocean Diver, you will be able to conduct no-decompression dives to 30m accompanied by a Sports Diver (or equivalent) or above.
You will be required to complete four theory sessions (either classroom-based or via eLearning) followed by a minimum of two open water sessions and two depth progression dives during which you will:
- Expand on your knowledge and experience using Nitrox mixes up to 36% to extend dive time, increase safety and provide a better experience
- Complete two of the Sports Diver course theory modules
- Learn how to use a compass for navigation underwater
- Undertake your open water dives to progress your depth to 25m, then 30m
- Become proficient in the use of a surface marker buoy (SMB) and delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB)
- Continue to develop underwater buoyancy control
What you’ll qualify to do
As an Advanced Ocean Diver, you will be qualified to dive with another Advanced Ocean Diver to a maximum depth of 30m, accompanied by a Sports Diver or above. Your dives to 30m must be no-decompression dives in conditions you have already encountered during your training. You will still be able to buddy with an Ocean Diver on dives to a maximum depth of 20m.
Your new Advanced Ocean Diver qualification will be internationally recognised, enabling you to enjoy your diving to 30m anywhere in the world!
What diving experiences will this open up for me?
As the next step in your diving journey, qualifying as an Advanced Ocean Diver means you will be able to safely expand your diving to enjoy many of the 30m maximum depth dive sites, both in the UK and overseas. Use of Nitrox 36% will help make your diving safer and more enjoyable and add to your progressive diving experience.
Advanced Ocean Diver is also an excellent way to build up your skills and experience as you work towards Sports Diver and can enable you to participate in more of your BSAC club’s diving trips and activities.
There are two ways to take the Advanced Ocean Diver course – via a BSAC centre (in the UK or overseas) or with a local BSAC club. Find a club.
With a BSAC centre, it is possible to progress from Ocean Diver to Advanced Ocean Diver qualification in two days. This can be delivered either as a stand-alone course or an add-on to BSAC’s entry-level Ocean Diver.
Find a UK training centreFind an overseas training centre
Completing the Advanced Ocean Diver with a BSAC club can take longer, but it does mean you will be able to progress at your own pace and continue to dive with your club to build up your skills.
You don’t need any special kit to become an Advanced Ocean Diver – a swimsuit and towel should be enough, although you may soon want to buy your own mask and snorkel.
Already a Sports Diver trainee? If you are already training towards Sports Diver, then you will need to discuss with your instructor the possibility of gaining the Advanced Ocean Diver qualification as an interim step.
This will require payment of a small administrative fee and then your instructor will need to confirm that you have completed the required theory and practical sessions. You can then dive within the restrictions of Advanced Ocean Diver to 30m while continuing your Sports Diver training.
Your next steps – developing your skills
Advanced Ocean Diver is not a mandatory course, but it can be a thoroughly enjoyable next step on your diving adventure. Advanced Ocean Diver means you can safely progress your maximum diving depth, post-Ocean Diver, and can also be used to build your skills and experience as you work your way to Sports Diver.
After completing Advanced Ocean Diver, you could also:
- Continue to progress towards Sports Diver which will develop your skills and diving depth to 35m with decompression.
- Not yet dived in UK waters but want to try? Then our Drysuit Workshop is perfect for you!
- Start exploring and expanding your specific diving interests with one of BSAC’s Skill Development Courses (SDCs). From boat handling, wreck appreciation and first aid, there’s a host of SDCs you can now enjoy.
