Excellent buoyancy control is what defines skilled scuba divers. The Advanced Buoyancy Specialty course improves the buoyancy skills you learned as a new diver and elevates them to the next level.

This specialty is designed to increase the open water diver’s understanding of the factors that influence buoyancy, and train the diver in using those as methods for controlling their buoyancy. We will demonstrate how different amounts of weight affect your buoyancy, and then fine-tune the placement of your weights so that you are neutral and “flat” in the water (e.g., in trim).

As part of this course, you will experience how your weights feel with empty and full cylinders, and practice using your lungs and breathing to fine-tune your buoyancy. Over a series of exercises, we will practice hovering (staying still in the water without moving fins or hands) and exercising skills while close to the bottom (without touching) and neutrally buoyant.

This is an excellent option for newly-certified divers looking to get more experience and dial in their buoyancy prior to taking Advanced Open Water. This is also a good option for advanced divers looking to fine-tune their buoyancy and trim for divers to perfect these skills in preparation for moving onto technical or cave diving. Please let us know your goals and experience when booking, so we can customize your course accordingly.

Prerequisites: Open Water Diver (or qualifying entry-level certification)

Course Details: PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy or SDI Advanced Buoyancy Diver (pick your agency when booking)

Total time commitment: 1 day (2 dives)

Minimum age: 10 years or older

Maximum Course Size: 4 Students

Course Cost: $200 USD* - Complimentary rental gear is available upon request, at no additional cost. Additional fees may be required for air fills, transportation, and dive site entrance cost. Contact us for more information.

This price includes certification/training through SDI; you may upgrade to a PADI certification for an additional $150/student.