Niveles de certificación de buceo: guía rápida PADI

PADI Diving Certification Levels: A Quick Guide

BY NAMUBAK

If you're thinking about getting certified as a scuba diver, you've probably heard about PADI and its levels. But how does this system actually work? In this quick guide, we explain the main diving certification levels , from beginner to professional, so you know how to progress step by step.

What are diving certification levels?

Certification levels are stages that recognize your training, experience, and underwater skills. Each level allows you to:

  • Dive to greater depths
  • Access more challenging dives
  • Learn new techniques
  • And even work in the diving industry

PADI Recreational Certification Levels

  1. PADI Scuba Diver
    Basic certification for those short on time. Allows diving up to 12 meters, always accompanied by a professional.
  2. Open Water Diver (OWD)
    It's your first big step. You'll learn how to use your equipment, breathe underwater, and move with confidence. You can dive up to 18 meters. This is the course we offer on our Namubak diving experiences.
  3. Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD)
    You'll learn to dive deeper (up to 30 m) and explore specialties like night diving, navigation, and advanced buoyancy. Read more: What is Scuba Diving? A Simple Guide for New Explorers
  4. Rescue Diver
    You focus on preventing and responding to emergencies. You gain a lot of confidence and security in the water. You become a key player in any group, wherever you go.
  5. Master Scuba Diver
    This is the highest level of recreational diving. It requires experience, the Rescue Diver course, and at least five specialties.

PADI Professional Levels

  1. Divemaster
    Your first professional level. You guide dives, assist instructors, and lead groups underwater.
  2. Instructor (OWSI)
    You can teach, mentor, and certify new divers. For many, it's the start of a purposeful career.
  3. Other advanced levels
    They include Master Instructor and Course Director , for those who dedicate their lives to training other professionals.

What level does Namubak offer?

In partnership with The Clean Wave and BA Divers , you can currently get certified with us in:

  • PADI Open Water Diver (beginner level)
  • SSI Advanced Adventurer (for those already certified)

We do this in biodiverse marine environments in Costa Rica, with a sustainable, educational, and humane approach. Read more: Can you dive without knowing how to swim? Find out more here.

What's the next step?

It all starts with a decision: to explore with purpose. If you're not yet certified, start with the Open Water course.
And if you already have experience, you can advance with the SSI Advanced Course. In both cases, you'll be accompanied from your first breath underwater.

Ready to get certified?

👉 Find out about our certification dates with The Clean Wave and BA Divers

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