SCUBA DIVING UNIVERSITY / TRAINING

PADI courses & pathways

Explore entry-level certification, continuing education, specialties and professional training.

10 COURSE TUTORIALS · EXERCISES & FAQs
YouDive mascot illustration for PADI courses & pathways; not an instructional demonstration
Advanced Open Water introduces different types of diving. Specialty training and experience develop those interests further. Divemaster is a professional route, distinct from the recreational Master Scuba Diver recognition.

Choose a direction

These are learning directions, not automatic eligibility sequences. Specialties are choices; each course has its own prerequisites. Experience and assessment matter between steps.

PADI · Entry level

Open Water Diver

Build the knowledge and practical skills for your first scuba certification. Learning takes place through theory, confined-water practice and open-water training.

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PADI · Continuing education

Advanced Open Water Diver

Try different types of diving with an instructor and develop experience beyond entry-level training.

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PADI · Rescue and prevention

Rescue Diver

Develop awareness of problems, self-rescue, assistance and coordinated responses to diving emergencies.

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PADI · Breathing gas specialty

Enriched Air Diver

Learn to plan and manage recreational enriched-air nitrox use.

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PADI · Recreational specialty

Deep Diver

Develop planning and awareness for deeper recreational dives under appropriate instruction.

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PADI · Core skills specialty

Peak Performance Buoyancy

Refine weighting, trim and buoyancy so you can control position with less unnecessary effort.

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PADI · Equipment specialty

Dry Suit Diver

Learn how a drysuit changes preparation, buoyancy and in-water responses.

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PADI · Environment specialty

Wreck Diver

Develop awareness, planning and techniques for exploring wrecks within the course’s defined scope.

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PADI · Professional

Divemaster

Develop the skills and knowledge used to assist instructors and support certified divers within professional standards.

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PADI · Instructor

Open Water Scuba Instructor

Prepare for teaching through instructor development and the required evaluation process.

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A selection of core pathways, not the agency’s entire catalogue. YouDive is independent and does not issue agency certifications. Explore the official PADI information ↗