Which Scuba Diving Course is Right for Me and Why?
Have you decided to start scuba diving or improve your skills? The question now is: Which diving course is right for you? Whether you’re a beginner, an advanced diver, or considering a professional path – this guide will help you understand all available diving courses and training options!
Which Diving Organization is Right for Me?
In principle, it does not matter which diving organization you choose, as long as it is a member of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC). The WRSTC ensures that all affiliated organizations adhere to the same global training standards.
Some of the best-known WRSTC members include:
- PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) – The world’s largest diving organization with an extensive range of courses.
- SDI (Scuba Diving International) – Modern teaching methods & flexible training options.
- TDI (Technical Diving International) – Specialized in technical diving (e.g., Trimix, cave diving).
- SSI (Scuba Schools International) – Digital learning platform, globally recognized.
- NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) – Focus on strong theoretical knowledge, non-profit organization.
- RAID (Rebreather Association of International Divers) – Specialized in eco-friendly diving & rebreathers.
- CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) – Standardized training system through national diving federations.
Every course offered by a WRSTC member organization follows the same global training standards.
This means you can, for example, start an Open Water course with SDI and complete it with PADI or SSI. You can also continue your advanced training, such as the Advanced Open Water or Rescue Diver course, with a different organization as long as it is WRSTC-certified.
Exception: Specialty courses like wreck diving, deep diving, or sidemount have their own organization-specific standards and may not always be interchangeable.
1. The Basics: Which Diving Course is the First Step?
If you have never dived before, there are different ways to get started:
- Try Dive: Not sure if diving is for you? Start with a Try Dive. Under professional guidance, you can take your first breaths underwater in shallow water.
- Open Water Diver (OWD): The world’s most recognized beginner’s course, allowing you to dive independently to 18 meters. You will learn essential skills, safety rules, and how to use your equipment properly.
- Scuba Diver Course: A shortened version of the OWD course, allowing you to dive to a maximum of 12 meters – but only under the supervision of a professional. Ideal for travelers with limited time. You can upgrade to the full Open Water Diver certification at any time.
? Sign up for the Open Water Diver Course!
2. Advanced Courses: What Comes After Open Water?
Once you have your Open Water Diver certification, you may want to develop your skills further or explore deeper sites. Here are your options:
- Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD): Allows you to dive up to 30 meters. While PADI requires this course for many specialties, SDI does not, so you have more flexibility in your training.
- Specialty Courses: If you have a specific interest in diving, you can specialize in certain areas.
3. Specialties & Advanced Training
At Chang Diving, we offer a wide range of specialty courses that help you refine your skills. These include:
- Wreck Diving: Explore wrecks like the HTMS Chang, Thailand’s largest shipwreck.
- Deep Diving: Allows you to dive to 40 meters – ideal for wrecks and deeper reefs.
- Solo Diver: Learn how to dive independently and manage yourself in the water.
- Nitrox (Enriched Air Diver): Extend your bottom time using oxygen-enriched air – ideal for frequent divers.
- Gas Blender: Learn how to safely mix breathing gases for advanced dives.
- Digital Underwater Photography: Improve your underwater photography skills with specialized training.
- Night Diving: Discover the fascinating underwater world after sunset.
- Navigation: Enhance your ability to navigate underwater – a must for advanced divers.
- Search & Recovery: Learn how to locate lost objects underwater and safely recover them.
- Sidemount Diver: Use an alternative tank configuration for more flexibility and comfort.
SDI: You can take specialty courses immediately after your Open Water certification without needing the AOWD course first.
PADI: Many specialty courses require the Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
? Explore our Specialty Courses now!
Our Specialty Package: Deep, Wreck & Nitrox
If you want to get the most out of your dives, our Deep, Wreck & Nitrox Package is the best choice. These three certifications will prepare you for almost all diving activities worldwide:
- Deep Diving: Allows you to dive to the maximum recreational limit of 40 meters.
- Wreck Diving: Limited overhead penetration – perfect for exploring shipwrecks.
- Nitrox (Enriched Air Diver): Extends your no-decompression limits and reduces nitrogen absorption – ideal for longer, safer dives.
? Book the Deep, Wreck & Nitrox Package now!
4. Rescue Diving & Safety: The Next Big Step
The Rescue Diver Course is not just for those aiming to become professionals – it is often described as one of the most rewarding courses because it greatly enhances confidence and awareness. This course teaches you how to recognize, manage, and respond to emergencies underwater.
- Rescue Diver: Many divers say this is the most exciting and educational course. It is challenging but fun, and it significantly improves your diving skills.
- First Aid & CPR Course:
- Teaches essential lifesaving skills that are useful not just for diving but in everyday life.
- A prerequisite for the Rescue Diver course, ensuring you can respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.
- Suitable for non-divers as well.
? Enroll in the Rescue Diver Course now!
? Sign up for a First Aid Course!
5. The Path to Becoming a Professional: Divemaster & Instructor
Many divers dream of turning their passion into a profession. Whether you are considering a career or just looking for an extended diving adventure, the Divemaster course is the first step into the professional diving world.
- Divemaster:
- The first professional level in diving.
- As a Divemaster, you can lead groups, organize dives, and deepen your theoretical knowledge.
- Perfect for those who want to dive as much as possible at a great price while gaining professional experience.
- Important: Unlike standard diving certifications, professional levels such as Divemaster require an annual membership fee with the certification agency (SDI, PADI, SSI, etc.).
- The membership fee amount depends on your certification level – the higher your qualification, the more benefits you receive, such as insurance, training materials, and professional resources.
- Instructor (Dive Instructor):
- The next step after Divemaster is the Instructor Development Course.
- As an instructor, you will learn how to teach others to dive and pass on your passion for the underwater world.
- You can work globally and enjoy one of the most rewarding lifestyles – diving as a profession!
- Like the Divemaster level, instructors must also pay an annual membership fee to maintain their active teaching status.
- The cost varies by level – from entry-level instructors to Course Directors with extended responsibilities.
? Start your Divemaster Course now!
? Become a certified Instructor!
6. Technical Diving (TDI) – More Depth, More Knowledge
Technical diving (Tec Diving) opens up completely new possibilities and challenges for divers who want to push their limits. While recreational diving is limited to a maximum depth of 40 meters, technical divers can explore deeper wrecks, caves, and extended decompression dives. This involves specialized gas mixtures, redundant equipment, and advanced safety procedures.
What Technical Courses Are Available?
At Chang Diving, we offer a selection of technical diving courses suitable for our local conditions:
- Intro to Tec: The entry-level course for technical diving – covers basic Tec diving gear, buoyancy control, and gas management.
- Technical Sidemount Diver: Learn to dive with side-mounted tanks for improved flexibility and redundancy.
- Advanced Nitrox Diver: Use Nitrox with up to 100% oxygen as a decompression gas to shorten ascent times.
- Decompression Procedures: Learn how to plan and execute decompression dives using gas switching.
- Advanced Wreck Diver: **Unrestricted overhead environment diving** – no depth or light zone limitations, including guideline and reel use.
Why Consider Technical Diving?
- Explore depths beyond 40 meters.
- Access wreck dives that are off-limits to recreational divers.
- Utilize Nitrox and decompression techniques to extend bottom times and improve safety.
- Expand your diving knowledge and skillset.
- Ideal for ambitious divers looking for new challenges.
What Are the Challenges?
Technical diving requires extensive training, specialized equipment, and a strong mental attitude. Unlike recreational diving, there is often no immediate option to ascend directly – detailed dive planning and emergency procedures are essential.
Is Technical Diving Right for You?
- Do you want to dive deeper and learn more about decompression and gas management?
- Are you willing to invest in longer training and more challenging dives?
- Do you want access to specialized wreck diving and sidemount techniques?
If so, then **technical diving** is your next step!
? Learn more about our TDI Courses!
7. Conclusion – Which Course is Right for You?
Whether you’re just starting your diving journey or already have experience – there is always a course that suits your goals and interests. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
- ? **Beginner?** Start with the Open Water Diver or try a Try Dive.
- ? **Advanced Diver?** Advanced Open Water Diver or a specialty course.
- ? **Improve safety?** Rescue Diver + First Aid Training.
- ? **Want to go pro?** Divemaster or Instructor.
- ⏬ **Want to dive deeper and longer?** Technical Diving.
Our Recommendation: The Perfect Specialty Course Package
If you want to get the most out of your dives after the Open Water Diver course, we highly recommend our Deep, Wreck & Nitrox Package. These three specialty courses will prepare you for almost any recreational diving adventure worldwide:
- **Deep Diving (Deep Diver):** Allows you to dive to the maximum recreational depth of 40 meters.
- **Wreck Diving (Wreck Diver):** Limited overhead diving permitted – perfect for exploring sunken ships.
- **Nitrox (Enriched Air Diver):** Extends your no-decompression limits and reduces nitrogen absorption – perfect for longer and safer dives.
? Learn more about our Specialties now!
Still Not Sure? We’re Here to Help!
Every diving journey begins with a single step – find the perfect course for you and grow as a diver! The Chang Diving team is always ready to offer expert guidance.
Have questions? No problem! Contact us directly, and we’ll help you choose the best course.