Training Path: What Comes After Open Water?
Finishing your Open Water certification is just the beginning. Scuba diving offers a wide range of follow-up classes, specialty certifications, and skill-building opportunities—but most divers don’t get clear advice on what’s actually worth doing.
This section helps you plan your next steps with purpose, whether you want to improve safety, learn new skills, or just have more fun in the water.
What’s Next After Open Water?
You don’t have to take every class in your agency’s catalog. Learn which courses provide real value and which ones can safely be skipped or replaced with better training.
Best & Worst Specialty Classes
Not all specialties are created equal. Some are fantastic for skill development, while others are short, overpriced, or poorly taught. Here’s what to prioritize (and avoid).
When Are You Ready for Nitrox, Deep, or Rescue?
Some classes—like Nitrox or Rescue—make a huge difference in how you dive. Others, like Deep Diver, can be useful but come with caveats. Learn the best timing for each.
Are You Curious About Technical Diving?
You don’t need to become a tech diver to benefit from tech-curious training. Intro to Tech, GUE Fundamentals, and skills-focused workshops can dramatically improve your recreational dives.
Want to Build a Stronger Foundation First?
If your Open Water class felt rushed or left you uncertain about core skills like buoyancy or trim, it’s never too late to go back and build those fundamentals.
- Skills – Buoyancy, Trim, Control
- Safety – Gas Planning, Situational Awareness
- Gear Guides – Get Set Up Right from the Start