After the pathway
Core capabilities
- 01Constant weight with bifins performance requirement: 24m
- 02Static apnea performance requirement: 2 minutes 45 seconds
- 03Dynamic apnea with bifins performance requirement: 55m
- 04Constant Weight discipline technique
- 05Deep pressure physiology analysis
- 06Optimal finning and hydrodynamics
- 07Psychological management (hypoxia, narcosis)
- 08Advanced rescue and recovery
Course content
Session-by-session pathway
8 sessions · 4 days. The pathway combines knowledge, supervised practice and competency-based review.
Knowledge & preparation
- Theory1 hr 30 min
Objectives
- Dynamic apnea with bifins performance requirement: 55m
- Deep pressure physiology analysis
Core activities
- Review pressure, barotrauma, buoyancy, surface intervals and the dive response
Target capability
- Explain the main risks and their mitigations
- Dry training1 hr 30 min
Objectives
- Static apnea performance requirement: 2 minutes 45 seconds
- Prepare techniques before in-water practice
Core activities
- Dry drills for equalisation, body awareness, stretching and training tables
Target capability
- Set technical limits and goals for water sessions
Confined-water skills
- Pool / confined water2 hr
Objectives
- Deep pressure physiology analysis
- Optimal finning and hydrodynamics
Core activities
- Static, buddy support, rescue and individual response analysis
Target capability
- Maintain a stable procedure as challenge increases
Safety noteAll breath-hold practice is supervised by the instructor and a capable buddy; sequence and depth are adjusted to readiness.
- Pool / confined water2 hr
Objectives
- Constant Weight discipline technique
- Optimal finning and hydrodynamics
Core activities
- Dynamic bi-fins, streamline, pacing, buddy and rescue
Target capability
- Move efficiently with repeatable technique
Safety noteAll breath-hold practice is supervised by the instructor and a capable buddy; sequence and depth are adjusted to readiness.
Application & review
Sequence, depth and completion always depend on direct instructor assessment.
- Open water2 hr 30 min
Objectives
- Constant weight with bifins performance requirement: 24m
- Dynamic apnea with bifins performance requirement: 55m
Core activities
- Line, equalisation and body-position drills
Target capability
- Progress within instructor-approved personal limits
Safety noteAll breath-hold practice is supervised by the instructor and a capable buddy; sequence and depth are adjusted to readiness.
- Open water2 hr 30 min
Objectives
- Static apnea performance requirement: 2 minutes 45 seconds
- Constant Weight discipline technique
Core activities
- Descent, free-fall, turn and ascent drills
Target capability
- Progress within instructor-approved personal limits
Safety noteAll breath-hold practice is supervised by the instructor and a capable buddy; sequence and depth are adjusted to readiness.
- Open water2 hr 30 min
Objectives
- Dynamic apnea with bifins performance requirement: 55m
- Deep pressure physiology analysis
Core activities
- Depth buddy, rescue and scenario management
Target capability
- Progress within instructor-approved personal limits
Safety noteAll breath-hold practice is supervised by the instructor and a capable buddy; sequence and depth are adjusted to readiness.
- Assessment2 hr 30 min
Objectives
- Constant Weight discipline technique
- Optimal finning and hydrodynamics
Core activities
- Consolidate remaining skills and review course criteria
Target capability
- Progress within instructor-approved personal limits
Safety noteAll breath-hold practice is supervised by the instructor and a capable buddy; sequence and depth are adjusted to readiness.
This is an expected pathway. Content may be reordered for health, readiness, water conditions and instructor safety decisions.
Reference: AIDA International — AIDA 3 ↗Training approach
How coaching and progress assessment work
Advanced open-water training within the AIDA 3 course depth limit of 30m. Develop pressure adaptation, efficient finning, free fall, training design and depth-management skills.
How coaches adapt the pathway
Advanced follows a progressive framework, but sequence, repetitions and challenge are adjusted after the coach observes readiness, movement quality and safety behaviour.
- Readiness is confirmed before difficulty, distance or depth increases.
- Feedback prioritises repeatable technique and safe decision-making over a single performance number.
- The next task is selected from observed capability, not from attendance alone.
At 30 metres, the world changes. You will change with it.
How progress is assessed
- Coach observation during preparation and technical practice.
- Application with the required supervision, communication and recovery procedure.
- A progress note identifying what is stable, what needs work and the recommended next step.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Advanced for?
AIDA 2 certified freedivers ready to dive open water and extend their depth limits.
What are the prerequisites?
AIDA 2 certification or approved crossover assessment
How long does the programme take?
4 days / 8 sessions