Top 8 Specialty Scuba Diving Courses

There’s only so much you can do with an open-water certification. Sure, it gets you entry-level access to the underwater world, but rec-friendly sites are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the best diving in the world (or in your own backyard). If you’re ready to satiate your craving for adventure and take your dive skills to the next level, read on for our top recommendations for certifications.

 

The Must-Have: Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) Diver

If your open-water certification didn’t include Nitrox, stop what you’re doing and register for this certification. A Nitrox certification willteach you how to safely plan dives with air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen, and it is a pre-requisite for virtually all other continued-education courses. Most Nitrox certifications can be completed in just a few days, and the rewards include longer bottom times, shorter surface intervals, and a new category of dive sites to explore.

Essential Gear: For a great entry-level computer with easy-to-use Nitrox settings, the Aladin A1 Dive Computer is perfect for divers new to Nitrox.

 

The Social Skill: Underwater Photographer/Videographer

We all know the adage “Take only pictures. Leave only bubbles.” But not all underwater photos are created equally. So if you want to take only beautiful photos and leave only bubbles, there’s no better way than enrolling in an underwater photography or videography certification course. Whether you’re on the hunt for macro critters or diving with the big guys, underwater photography and videography training will help you capture each and every spectacular moment. In these courses, you’ll learn the fundamentals of underwater photography – from effectively using your camera equipment, proper lighting, and color correction to post-dive care – as well as the skills you need to master your buoyancy and air consumption. Plus, you’ll get tips and tricks for color correction, reducing backscatter, and ensuring that your photos are Instagram-worthy.

Essential Gear: With a black skirt, low-profile, and optional prescription lenses, the Zoom Dive Mask is a favorite for underwater photographers.

 

The Game Changer: Dry Suit Diver

Ask any cold-water diver and they’ll tell you: A dry-suit certification unlocks a whole new world of adventure in some of the most breathtaking sites on the planet. In this course, you will learn to perfect your buoyancy and navigate the ins and outs of your drysuit, so that you can dive safely and comfortably no matter the temperature

Essential Gear: Built with a breathable fabric, stitched and waterproof taped seams, a diagonal front waterproof zipper, a Si-Tech ring seal system and Si-Tech valves, the Evertech Dry Breathable Drysuit is the ultimate in warmth, comfort, and performance.

 

The Fast Track: DPV/Scooter Diver

If you’re looking to maximize your bottom time and minimize your effort, a DPV certification will get you where you want to go. Plus, you’ll add another dive gadget to your repertoire. Diver propulsion vehicles and scooters offer a fast pass to explore more of the reef, wreck, or wall on a single tank. Adrenaline junkies take note – DPV diving does not supercharge your speed. But if you’re looking to take in as much of the underwater world as you can, this course will make it happen.

Essential Gear: For an added layer of warmth – and a hood to keep your hair out of your face during DPV excursions – our Hooded Vest is a must-have.

 

The Next Level: Deep Diver

Leave recreational diving limits behind and descend into new territory with a Deep Diver certification. This course is a great step for divers who plan to pursue more advanced certifications, and it will give you the skills and equipment knowledge you need to explore the wrecks and walls in the 60- to 130-foot depth range.

Essential Gear: With effortless breathing and easy adjustments, the MK19/A700 Regulator System delivers reliable performance in advanced conditions.

 

The Explorer: Wreck Diver

From historic structures lost in battle to vibrant artificial reefs, wreck dives are among the most breathtaking sites in the world. And while it’s true that many of these are accessible at rec-friendly depths – why would you want to miss the treasures inside their hulls? In this training, you’ll learn to perfect your buoyancy and navigate overhead environments so that you can explore these incredible structures without damage or disruption.

Essential Gear: Diving in an overheard environment requires additional gear, including a knife or cutting tool to quickly get yourself out of potentially dangerous situations. We recommend the new JAWZ Ti for sharp, clean cuts every time.

The Adrenaline Junkie: Night Diving

From scary movies to fast-food runs, some things are just better at night. And diving is no exception. Descending after sundown offers encounters with bioluminescent macro critters, nocturnal predators, and epic big-animal encounters unseen in daylight hours. To make the most of these late-night thrills, a night-diving certification is a must. In the training, you’ll learn how to properly use your flashlight, tank markers, and other night diving equipment and to expertly navigate and communicate in the dark.

Essential Gear: Delivering 850 lumens in a 80-degree beam, the Nova 850R WIDE Dive Light is the perfect primary light for night diving.

 

The Cavern Diver

Before we get into this certification, we’d like to make it abundantly clear: Cavern diving is not synonymous with cave diving. Cave diving requires rigorous training, commitment, and skill that can take years to attain. Cavern diving, on the other hand, is a perfect gateway to explore partial-overhead environments and whet your appetite for more advanced experiences. The training is also an excellent way to master buoyancy, and safely explore stunning locations like the cenotes in Mexico and Florida’s springs.

Essential Gear: If you’re thinking of taking your cavern certification to the next level, invest in a BCD system that will grow with you. The S-Tek Pure and Pro Systems offer unparalleled comfort and performance, and are easily adaptable for recreational and technical diving.

 

Check with your local dealer to see which specialty scuba diving courses are available in your area.