How Deep Can You Dive With Your Certification?
Posted by Debi Anderson on
Recreational divers can dive as deep as 130 feet (40m). Although, this exact depth does not apply to all recreational divers as it all depends on the age and training of the divers.
The maximum depth of a certified PADI Scuba Diver is 40ft (12m) and the maximum depth for a certified PADI Open Water Diver is 60ft (18m). There is an exception for Junior Open Water Divers. A PADI Junior Open Water Diver aged 10 or 11 can dive a maximum of 40ft (12m) while those aged 12 up to 14 years can dive a maximum of 60ft (18m) deep. Junior divers must always be accompanied by a certified adult. The exact same depths apply for SSI certified divers.
Once you’re Open Water certified, the next step is Advanced Open Water. When you’re an Advanced Open Water Diver your maximum depth limit increases to 100ft (30m).
The last (optional) step is becoming a deep diver. You achieve this by following the specialty course PADI Deep Diver. Completing this course will allow you to dive up to 130ft (40m). This is the deepest you’re allowed to dive as a recreational diver. This is also the limit for professional Dive Masters and Instructors unless they’ve had technical dive training.
In Conclusion, new depth records are still attempted and set by advanced technical divers. Most recreational divers will stop their dive education at Advanced Open Water diver, which limits them to a depth of 100ft (30m). This is often more than sufficient, as 100ft is also the depth limit set by most dive shops. This depth allows you to have a nice dive of around an hour while enjoying beautiful corals, fish, and other marine life. Simply, it’s perfect.