Hola amigos, my name is Gilberto S. Olachea, I’m a PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor and the founder of “DiveInCaboPulmo.com“
Today I want to give you a little intro about the courses you can take in Cabo Pulmo. These courses range from beginner levels all the way to the first professional level with PADI. Keep in mind that this is just a quick overview of the courses so you can get a better idea of what you’re buying or being offered.
In future posts, we’ll dive deeper into each course and explain them in detail.
Discover SCUBA Diving
This course is perfect if you’ve never been diving and want to try what it feels like to be underwater. You don’t need any certification to join. We’ll give you a quick theory session on basic diving principles, and then you’ll get a practical experience in controlled water, always with an instructor right by your side. You won’t get a formal certification, but it’s an awesome way to have your first diving experience.
SCUBA Diver
If you’re looking to get certified, the SCUBA Diver course is your first step. It allows you to dive under the supervision of a Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, or Instructor, and you can go up to a depth of 12 meters (40 feet). In this course, you’ll learn the basics of diving and the necessary skills to do it safely.
Open Water Diver
This is the most popular course and the one everyone recognizes. With the Open Water Diver certification, you can dive independently with a certified buddy up to 18 meters (60 feet). It includes theory lessons, confined water practices, and, of course, open water dives. It’s your ticket to explore the underwater world!
Adventure Diver
The Adventure Diver course lets you build your skills by choosing three adventure dives, all under your instructor’s supervision. You can choose from things like underwater navigation, deep diving, or underwater photography, among others. It’s a great way to boost your confidence and develop specific diving skills that interest you.
Advanced Open Water Diver
This course is the next step after getting your Open Water certification. The Advanced Open Water Diver lets you expand your experience and skills with five adventure dives, which could include underwater navigation, deep diving, drift diving, night diving, and more. The best part? No exams – it’s all about practical learning and having fun.
Rescue Diver
The Rescue Diver course is one of the most challenging but also one of the most rewarding. It teaches you how to prevent and handle problems in the water, with a focus on self-rescue, managing diver stress, and dealing with emergencies. It’s ideal for those who want to be more prepared and help in tricky situations.
Master SCUBA Diver
This is the highest non-professional level in the PADI system. To earn this title, you need to complete the Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver courses, and at least five PADI specialty courses. It’s a recognition of your experience and accomplishments as a diver.
Divemaster
The Divemaster course is the first level of professional certification. As a Divemaster, you’ll supervise certified divers, assist instructors during training, and gain practical experience managing dive groups. It’s the first step if you’re looking to start a professional diving career.
So, these descriptions give you a general idea of each PADI course, from your first steps to advanced and professional diving certifications.