Your Guide to the PADI Advanced Diver License: Explore the Deep Blue with Heart Ocean in Kenting

From OWD to AOWD — Level Up Your Dive Skills and Explore the Deep Blue in Kenting with Heart Ocean Diving Center

Published: 2025-03-28   Last Updated: 2025-03-28

1. Introduction: Take Your Diving Journey to the Next Level

Diving isn’t just a sport — it’s a deep conversation with the ocean. Once you’ve learned the basics of scuba diving, it’s natural to want to go deeper, stay longer, and explore more. The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) course is the next big step for beginner divers who want to level up. It helps you sharpen your skills, gain confidence, and better understand the underwater world — all while having fun and staying safe. It’s your bridge from beginner to real underwater explorer (and ocean protector!).

Heart Ocean Diving Center is located at No. 32-1, Shawei Rd., Hengchun, Pingtung — right near Kenting’s top dive spots like Houbihu and Wanlitong. Our experienced team of PADI-certified instructors is here to guide you. With our “Dive into the Ocean of your Heart” mission and people-first mindset, we make your learning journey safe, chill, and full of joy — from your first certification all the way to advanced adventures.

2. What’s in the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course?

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) course helps you level up your diving skills through real dives and hands-on experience. It includes two parts: theory learning and open water training, with both required and elective modules.

2.1 Theory: Building Knowledge from Science to Real-Life Skills

The classroom part focuses on building a solid foundation of underwater knowledge, including:

Intro to Ocean Science: Learn how water pressure affects your body, especially at depths like 30 meters (98 ft), and how your body adapts.

Decompression Basics: Understand how time and depth are connected. Learn how to safely do a Safety Stop to avoid decompression sickness (DCS).

Gear & Dive Terms: Get to know your gear — like the BCD (buoyancy control device) and regulator — plus important dive lingo like “ear equalization” and “no decompression limit.”

All this knowledge sets you up for success during your actual dives and helps you dive smarter and safer.

2.2 Practical Dives: Core & Elective Skill Modules

This is the fun part — real open water dives! You’ll complete at least 5 dives, each designed to teach key skills:

Required Dive – Deep Dive: Practice diving safely down to 30 meters. Learn how to manage breathing, equalize your ears, and handle the pressure changes.

Required Dive – Underwater Navigation: Use a compass and natural landmarks to navigate underwater and plan your way back.

Elective Dives (pick any 3):

Night Dive: Learn to navigate with a compass at night and use dive lights. A totally new vibe under the stars!

Boat Dive: Practice boat entry (giant stride) and exit skills. Learn tips for diving from a boat, like using a surface buoy line.

Peak Performance Buoyancy: Master your buoyancy using only your breath. It protects the reef and makes your dive smoother and more fun.

Underwater Photography: Learn basic photography tips to capture those sea moments — and sharpen your eye for marine life.

Friendly Reminder: Love ocean life? Try the Underwater Photography dive! Want to challenge yourself? A Night Dive will give you a whole new perspective.

3. What You Need Before Signing Up

To make sure you can safely enjoy and succeed in the AOWD course, here are a few things you’ll need before getting started:

3.1 Required Certification: Open Water Diver

📜 Certification Needed:
You must have a PADI Open Water Diver (OWD) license — or an equivalent certification like SSI Open Water Diver. This proves you already have basic scuba skills and know how to use the gear.

3.2 Other Requirements: Health & Experience

🎂 Age Requirement:
Usually 15 years old and above. If you're 12–14, no worries — there’s a Junior AOWD version just for you!

🩺 Health Check:
You’ll need to fill out a health declaration form. If you have any heart or lung conditions (or other medical concerns), a doctor’s clearance will be needed before diving.

🌊 Dive Experience:
It’s recommended that you’ve already done at least 4 open water dives. This helps you feel more confident and ready for the next level.

🧠 Mental Readiness:
Be ready to face deeper dives and learn new skills — with an open mind and adventurous spirit!

Did you know? PADI certifications are recognized in over 180 countries. Your scuba skills go wherever you go!

4. Skills & Safety: The Foundation of Successful Diving

Advanced diving isn't just about cool new skills — it's also about learning how to dive smart and safe. With the right guidance, every dive can be safe, fun, and stress-free.

4.1 Key Techniques You’ll Master

🌊 Deep Diving:
Learn how to equalize your ears, control your breathing, and manage the pressure at 30 meters (100 feet) — all essential for a safe descent and return.

🧭 Underwater Navigation:
Use a compass and natural references to plan your route and find your way back with confidence — even in more complex dive sites.

🎈 Buoyancy Control:
Fine-tune your BCD to achieve perfect neutral buoyancy — this helps protect the ocean and makes your dives smoother and more relaxing.

4.2 Safety First: How We Manage Risks

🛠 Gear Check:
Before every dive, you’ll do a full equipment check — tanks, regulators, BCD — to make sure everything’s working perfectly.

🗺 Dive Briefing:
We’ll go over the dive site, today's dive plan, and emergency procedures so you're clear on what to expect and how to stay safe.

🚨 Emergency Skills:
Learn how to share air, make emergency ascents, and assist other divers — so you're ready for anything.

⚠️ Risk Prevention Tips:
Avoid alcohol before diving, and wait at least 12 hours before flying after a dive — this lowers your risk of decompression sickness (DCS).

Cool Thought: Safe diving is like a perfectly choreographed dance — every step matters. Get it right, and you’ll move in harmony with the ocean itself.

5. Heart Ocean Diving Center's Support

Picking the right dive center really matters. Heart Ocean Diving Center has years of experience and a solid coach team. We give you personal help and guide you from beginner to advanced.

5.1 Coaches & Location

Our Team：
All our instructors are PADI certified. Most have over 10 years of teaching experience. We use a 1-on-2 small group style to make sure you get enough guidance.

Location：
Heart Ocean is right between Kenting, Houbihu, and Wanlitong. You can try many dive sites here, like coral reefs and wrecks.

5.2 True storie

Wen's Story：
“I used to be scared of deep water. But my coach at Heart Ocean was so patient. I finished the 30-meter dive and now I feel super confident!”

Min's Story：
“I joined the night dive. When I saw glowing plankton, it felt like diving into the stars. It totally changed how I feel about diving!”

At Heart Ocean, we don’t just teach diving. We help you love the ocean and feel safe in every dive.

6. FAQ

Q1: Who is the Advanced Open Water Diver course for?

A1: It's for anyone who already has a PADI Open Water Diver (OWD) license and wants to level up their skills or explore deep diving and underwater navigation.
 

Q2: How long does the course take?

A2: Usually 2 to 3 days. It includes theory and 5 dives. The schedule might change depending on weather and your pace.
 

Q3: Do I need to bring my own gear?

A3: Heart Ocean provides professional rental gear. You just need to bring a swimsuit and a towel.
 

Q4: How do I deal with deep diving pressure?

A4: Start from shallow water, follow your instructor’s tips on how to relax, and slowly get used to it.
 

Q5: What can I do with an advanced license?

A5: You can explore deeper dive sites, join advanced diving activities, or even start your journey toward becoming a dive pro.
 

Q6: I haven’t dived in a long time — do I need a refresher?

A6: No worries! If it’s been a while, we suggest joining a PADI ReActivate session before starting. We’ll help you review basics like using the gear and staying safe underwater. At the start of the course, your instructor will also check how you're doing to make sure you're all set.
 

Q7: How much time do I need to finish the course?

A7: The Advanced Open Water course usually takes 2 to 3 days. It includes theory and at least 5 open water dives (some required, some you choose). Heart Ocean will adjust the schedule based on your pace and the weather, so you can learn in a relaxed and efficient way.
 

Q8: I’m afraid of night diving — can I skip it?

A8: Of course! Night diving is optional. You can choose from other fun dives like underwater navigation, buoyancy control, or fish ID — whatever you’re into and comfortable with.
 

Q9: How deep can I dive after the course?

A9: Once you get your AOWD license, you can dive up to 30 meters (depending on the dive site rules). Our instructors will teach you deep diving techniques and safety tips, so you’ll be confident exploring the deeper blue.
 

7. Final Thoughts: Dive Deep, Start with Heart Ocean

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is a big step into the pro diving world. You’ll learn everything from deep diving and underwater navigation to how to stay safe and handle real dive situations. If you already have an Open Water license and some dive experience, Heart Ocean Diving Center is here to guide you warmly and professionally on your next dive journey.

Call us at 08-8866110 or visit us at No. 32-1, Shawei Road, Hengchun, Pingtung County to learn more. Let’s “Heart Ocean, Dive into the Ocean of your Heart and find inner peace with you.” Explore the deep safely and joyfully — your next dive chapter starts here!