Advanced Open Water Diver

Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) is a recreational scuba diving certification level provided by several diver training agencies. Agencies offering this level of training under this title include Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), and Scuba Schools International (SSI). Other agencies offer similar training under different titles. Advanced Open Water Diver is one step up from entry level certification as a beginner autonomous scuba diver. A major difference between Autonomous diver equivalent Open Water Diver (OWD) certification and AOWD is that the depth limit is increased from 18 to 30 metres (60 to 100 ft).

Prerequisite certification level for AOWD training is OWD or a recognized equivalent (ISO 24801-2[1]). Certification requirements for AOWD includes theory learning and assessment, practical training and assessment, and a minimum requirement for number of logged dives, that varies between agencies. SSI requires 24 logged dives.[2] PADI requires 5 dives on course, and the prerequisite is OWD which requires 4 open water dives. No additional logged dives are specified.[3][4]

Scuba diving education levels as used by ISO, PADI, CMAS, SSI and NAUI
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  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference SSI was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference DA-OWD was invoked but never defined (see the help page).