If you’re fascinated by the underwater world, you’ve probably wondered what diving levels exist and how you can progress in your training. At Scubanana Dive Center in Tenerife, we guide you from your first breaths underwater to becoming a professional diver who works underwater. In this article, we’ll explain the different certification levels, from beginners to advanced and professional courses.
What Are Diving Certification Levels?
Diving levels are certifications that validate your skills and knowledge in recreational or professional diving. Each level is designed to teach you new techniques and expand your underwater limits, enabling you to explore the ocean more safely and excitingly.
Beginner Diving Levels
Discover Scuba Diving
A try dive is your first introduction to the underwater world. It’s perfect for those who have never dived before and want to experience the sensation of breathing underwater. No prior experience or certification is required and it’s a good chance to see if you want to join an Open Water Diver course.
Open Water Diver
This is the first official course that certifies you as a diver. With the Open Water Diver certification, you can dive up to 18 metres deep anywhere in the world. During the course, you’ll learn basic diving concepts, buoyancy techniques, and equipment handling.
This diving certification is valid for your whole life, basically like a driving license but under water!
Intermediate Diving Certifications
Advanced Open Water Diver
If you enjoy diving and want to go a step further, well then the Advanced Open Water Diver course is the next step in your training. This course includes five adventure dives, such as deep diving, underwater navigation, and optional specialities like underwater photography or night diving. With this certification, you can dive up to 30 metres deep.
Diving Specialities
Specialities allow you to focus on specific areas, such as diving with Nitrox, wreck diving, buoyancy control, or marine life identification. These are short courses that deepen your knowledge and skills in particular topics.
Advanced and Professional Certifications
Rescue Diver
The Rescue Diver course teaches you to prevent and manage underwater emergencies. You’ll learn to recognise signs of stress in other divers, perform rescues, and handle complex situations effectively. This course is essential for those who want to become safer and more reliable divers.
Divemaster
The Divemaster is the first professional level in diving. This certification allows you to work as a dive guide and assist in training new divers. It’s an intensive course that includes physical training, leadership development, and the refinement of technical skills.
Why Choose Scubanana in Tenerife for Your Training?
At Scubanana, we are experts in all diving levels. Our team of qualified and passionate instructors will guide you through each stage of your training. Tenerife, with its incredible marine biodiversity and crystal-clear waters, is the perfect place to learn and enjoy diving. Additionally, we offer small groups and high-quality equipment to ensure a personalised and safe experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diving Levels
What is the minimum level to dive independently?
With the Open Water Diver certification, you can dive independently with a certified buddy up to 18 metres deep.
What level do I need to dive beyond 30 metres?
To dive deeper, you need to complete speciality courses, such as deep diving, or advance to specific technical certifications.
How long does it take to complete diving levels?
The duration varies by course. For example, the Open Water Diver course can be completed in 2–3 days, while advanced courses like the Divemaster may take several weeks.
