If we look for an easy analogy, diving is like a video game: the first levels are simpler, accessible to most players, designed to be fun without too many challenges. As you progress through the underwater world, things get more complex, exciting, and challenging.
For this reason, not every course suits every level. Choosing the right one can make the difference between an incredible experience… or a course that doesn’t teach you anything new.
So, if you’re at the point where you don’t know whether to sign up for your first Open Water course, take an advanced course, or dive straight into the pro world, keep reading. This article is for you.
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The importance of choosing the right diving course
It may sound obvious, but picking your next diving course carefully is essential if you want to unlock the next steps as a diver. It goes beyond learning new skills or using certain gadgets. Ultimately, it’s about:
- Feeling comfortable and safe at every stage of your training.
- Making the most of your time (and money).
- Enjoying the process without frustration from going too fast or boredom from repeating what you already know.
- And most importantly, continuing to grow as a diver without skipping stages.
The good news is that diving is well-regulated, with international certifications defining standardized levels, so courses tend to be very similar across certified diving schools.
Are you a beginner? Here are your best options
If you’re at the stage where you want to get in the water but have no prior experience—or maybe tried once on vacation but can’t remember the course name—this is your zone. Welcome to diving—you’re about to get hooked.
Discover Diving
Also called a “Try Dive.” It’s a simple, introductory dive ideal if you just want to experience it without commitment. You’ll be accompanied by an instructor the whole time. No knowledge is required—just a desire to try something new.
Yes, it’s available at any DPM Diving center. Discover it here.
Open Water Diver
This is the flagship course for beginners. It certifies you as a diver up to 18 meters and opens the door to the underwater world anywhere on the planet. You’ll learn all the basics: theory, equipment, in-water practice… and most importantly, you’ll gain confidence for future dives or to continue with more advanced courses.
Start your Open Water course here.
If you already have experience, these courses will take you further
If you already have your international certification allowing you to dive anywhere in the world (Open Water is a prerequisite for further courses) and are looking to deepen your skills, these courses are your next step: more depth, more technique, more challenge—and therefore, more excitement.
Check out our advanced courses here.
Advanced Open Water
Here things get serious (but still fun). You’ll learn to dive down to 30 meters, dive at night, navigate underwater, master buoyancy, and more. This course is perfect for building confidence and exploring further.
See the course here.
Specialty Courses
Interested in underwater photography? Deep diving? Perfect buoyancy? These are diving “addons”—specific specialties that let you explore a particular aspect of diving. There are many to choose from, depending on your interests. They’re short one- or two-day courses that make you a more complete and versatile diver.
Rescue Diver
One of the most valued courses. You’ll learn to handle emergencies, assist other divers, and improve your control underwater. Challenging? Yes. Rewarding? Absolutely.
Want to become a diving professional?
This is a whole other level. Diving transitions from an occasional hobby to a lifestyle—a profession that lets you teach and guide others, travel the world, and continue marveling at the underwater world every day. Professional diving courses naturally involve more training time and greater challenges, as they cover extensive knowledge of all aspects of diving.
Divemaster
The first step into the pro world. You’ll learn to guide dives, assist in courses, care for students, and above all, become a reference in the water.
Dive Instructor
Want to teach, certify, and change lives through diving? Then it’s time to take the big step: become a dive instructor. You’ll study hard, but the reward is incredible.
How do I know what level I’m at?
The answer isn’t always clear, as several variables come into play. Here are some guidelines:
- If you’ve never dived, or only did an intro with an instructor, start with Open Water.
- If you already have Open Water and want to explore more, go for Advanced or a specialty course.
- If you’re comfortable underwater but want to improve safety and control, Rescue Diver is your next step.
- Already assisting others, doing many dives per year, and want to work in diving? Go for Divemaster.
- And if you’re a Divemaster ready to teach, then it’s time for Instructor.
If you’re still unsure, you can always ask us directly at any DPM Diving school or via social media. We’ll guide you with pleasure!
Remember, if you just want to enjoy diving during vacations or short trips, many courses aren’t necessary. Open Water is enough.
Diving isn’t a one-way path—each diver chooses their journey. Ultimately, picking the right course isn’t just about experience—it’s about the experiences you want to have underwater. Every step opens new doors (and bubbles), so don’t be afraid to progress. The most important thing is to enjoy the process, at your own pace, with the right equipment.
Manager in DPM Gili Trawangan.
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