Advanced Diver

Advanced Scuba Diver

During training, students complete a minimum of six open-water dives, including three separate dives for navigation, night or low visibility diving, and deep diving (130 feet/40 meters of maximum depth), plus three additional dives based on your individual preferences and available options. Possible activities include:
  • Search and recovery
  • Boat diving
  • Light salvage
  • Hunting and collecting
  • Exploration and underwater mapping
  • Wreck diving (non-penetration)
  • Observation and data collecting
  • Diving in surf or currents
  • Altitude diving
  • Salt Water diving (in areas where most diving is in fresh water)
  • Fresh water diving (in areas where most diving is in salt water)
  • Shore diving
  • Diving for photos and videos
  • Using dive computers
  • The minimum age for Advanced scuba diver is 15 years old. Don’t worry ages 10 – 14 can complete the class as a Junior advanced Scuba Diver and dive with a parent or legal guardian.

    Step 1: Paperwork

    Every diver must fill out a NAUI liability waiver prior to a certification class or a dive trip. Please read and sign this form and bring it with you to class. A NAUI/DAN medical release form is required prior to any class/ dive trip or any time you’re medical information has changed.

    Step 2: E-Learning

    NAUI E-Learning is an online self-paced learning environment for students to learn advanced scuba skills.  This must be completed prior to classroom sessions.  During our classroom session we will discuss what you learned, have open dialog to confirm understanding of the materials, and review any missed questions from the final test.

    Step 3: In-Person Class

    While eLearning is becoming a new norm in today’s society, there is still no substitute for gaining face to face time with students and re-affirming knowledge while conveying experience. Students will discuss what they learned with their instructors, meet the UA staff, learn from hands on activities, and gain real world experience. Classroom work consists of a single 3 hour session typically in the middle of the week. 

    Step 4: Pool Sessions

    Now for the fun! After you have completed in-person class and passed your e-learning exams we bring you to one of our partnering pools for 1 – 3 hour dive session. During this session you will experience a blackout mask, search patterns, lift bags, simulated night dives, and more.

    Step 5: Checkout

    Once you have successfully completed you’re learning pool sessions and your instructor has given you a referral, you are free to complete a checkout trip with UA. UA runs a monthly trip to Panama City Beach for anyone interested. We ask that you complete you’re checkout within 6 months of starting you’re e-learning so that information stays fresh in your mind. If you exceed 6 months you may be asked to complete a refresher class and/or pool session. 

    Step 6: Instructor Evaluations

    Once your checkout is complete we will upload images from you dive trip for you to remember your dives with us by. We also ask that you fill out our anonymous instructor evaluation form so that we can learn if there was anything we can improve upon for future classes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does it cost?

    Scuba certification generally costs anywhere from $500-$1500 from start to finish. That cost includes equipment, eLearning, instruction and checkout fees and may vary depending on student needs, attendance, and other factors.

    Why do I need advanced?

    Advanced diver allows scuba divers to advance their skills to enjoy a larger number of dive types and environments. It increases your diving depth the 130 ft and builds comfort in scuba.

    What equipment do I need?

    Advanced divers will need a compass, dive slates, dive computer, fish ID reference cards, finger spool and SMB.

    Can I do Private instruction?

    Absolutely! If you would like private instruction and smaller class sizes we can accommodate this request. Private instruction may cost a bit more and we will have to work with our instructors schedules but we can make it happen.

    What is the difference between scuba and advanced scuba?

    During openwater scuba class you learn the critical skills needed for scuba diving during your Knowledge Development, confined water dives and open water dives. During your advanced class, you will complete tasks which focus on a particular activities or skill. 

    Is advanced scuba required?

    No, the Advanced course is not mandatory, however, it will build your skills and confidence level underwater. It’s also a fun and exciting experience!

    Am I guaranteed to pass?

    No, certification is NOT guaranteed. While most people can complete classes, Instructors reserve the right to withhold certification if they do no feel that you are or will be a safe diver.