PADI Advanced Open Water Course
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia & Delaware
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed to build confidence, expand depth limits, and refine core diving skills after Open Water certification. Southern Maryland Divers trains certified divers from across the Mid-Atlantic with structured progression and real-world diving experience.
This course is ideal for divers looking to improve buoyancy, navigation, situational awareness, and comfort in varying dive conditions.
Training Location: 1 Quarry Ln, Rawlings, VA 23876 | Phone: (443) 295-3225
Availability: In Stock
What Is the Advanced Open Water Course?
Advanced Open Water is not an “advanced-only” course—it’s about experience, skill refinement, and guided exploration. You’ll complete a series of adventure dives under instructor supervision while expanding your comfort zone.
Most divers complete five adventure dives, including Deep and Navigation, along with electives chosen to match your interests and local diving conditions.
Is Advanced Open Water Right for You?
This course is ideal if you:
- Are already Open Water certified
- Want to dive deeper and with more confidence
- Plan to dive locally or travel more frequently
- Want to improve buoyancy, navigation, and awareness
Advanced training is often recommended before wreck diving, night diving, drift diving, and other specialty courses.
Advanced Training for Mid-Atlantic Conditions
Diving in Maryland, Virginia, and surrounding Mid-Atlantic areas often involves cooler water, limited visibility, and variable conditions. Advanced training helps divers adapt to these realities safely and confidently.
The skills learned in this course translate directly to better local dives, quarry checkouts, wreck diving, and international travel.
What Comes After Advanced Open Water?
Many divers continue their training with specialty courses or begin preparing for technical or professional-level diving.
Advanced Open Water FAQs
How soon can I take Advanced Open Water after Open Water?
Many divers enroll shortly after Open Water certification. Your instructor can help determine readiness based on comfort and experience.
Do I need my own gear?
While rental gear is available, many divers begin purchasing personal equipment at this stage for fit, familiarity, and consistency.
Is Advanced Open Water required?
It’s not required for all diving, but it’s strongly recommended for deeper dives, wreck diving, and many specialty courses.
Questions about Advanced training? Contact us →
***The PADI E-Learning code portion of this class is NON REFUNDABLE once redeemed by the customer on the PADI website***