IMPORTANTCourse scheduling, prerequisites, minimum age, equipment needs and instructor availability vary by specialty. We confirm the current requirements before enrolment.
01Core Diving Skills
Build practical confidence, control, navigation and safer dive-planning skills.
- ✓
Deep DiverLearn to plan and safely execute dives down to a maximum depth of 40 metres (130 feet).
- ✓
Enriched Air (Nitrox) DiverPADI's most popular specialty. Learn how to extend your no-decompression time safely.
- ✓
Peak Performance BuoyancyPerfect your weight distribution, trim, and breathing control to save air and protect reefs.
- ✓
Underwater NavigatorMaster the use of a compass and natural clues to avoid getting lost.
- ✓
Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) DiverLearn to safely deploy an inflatable signal buoy from underwater.
- ✓
Night DiverExplore the ocean after dark using dive lights to see nocturnal marine life.
- ✓
Search and Recovery DiverLearn various search patterns and how to use a lift bag to retrieve lost items.
- ✓
Boat DiverLearn the specific etiquette, terminologies, and safety procedures for diving off different vessels.
- ✓
Drift DiverMaster the techniques of riding ocean currents safely.
02Marine Conservation & Ecosystems
Develop marine-life knowledge and turn every dive into an opportunity for better ocean stewardship.
- ✓
Dive Against Debris®Learn how to safely remove marine debris and log the data to support ocean clean-up efforts.
- ✓
Fish IdentificationLearn to categorize and identify fish families by their unique physical features.
- ✓
Coral Reef ConservationUnderstand the complex ecology of coral reefs and how to protect them.
- ✓
Underwater NaturalistLearn to identify symbiotic relationships, behaviors, and the roles of underwater organisms.
- ✓
AWARE Shark ConservationBecome an advocate for sharks and learn about the threats to their survival.
- ✓
PADI AWARE® SpecialistExplore global citizen science opportunities to help protect the oceans.
03Environment & Special Equipment
Train for new underwater environments and alternative equipment configurations.
- ✓
Wreck DiverLearn the safety protocols for exploring artificial reefs and navigating around sunken shipwrecks.
- ✓
Sidemount DiverLearn to dive with tanks mounted at your sides rather than on your back.
04Arts, Support & Non-Diving Specialties
Build creative, equipment and emergency-support skills in and around the water.
- ✓
Digital Underwater PhotographerLearn the basics of underwater lighting, framing, and capturing macro or wide-angle shots.
- ✓
Underwater VideographerFocuses on video composition, camera stability, and editing underwater footage.
- ✓
Emergency Oxygen ProviderA dry, non-diving course that teaches you how to recognize scuba illnesses and administer oxygen.
- ✓
Equipment SpecialistLearn how your gear works and how to perform routine field maintenance or quick fixes.