How Deep Do You Need to Dive for AIDA 2?

AIDA 2 includes a 12m depth requirement for certification. The maximum training depth during the AIDA 1+2 course is 20 meters. These numbers describe different things: 12 meters is the AIDA 2 certification requirement, while 20 meters is the deepest course-training limit.

The AIDA 2 depth requirement is 12 meters

AIDA 2 includes a 12m depth requirement for certification. This is an AIDA certification requirement and is separate from the maximum depth that may be used during course training.

Why the course also mentions 20 meters

Course pages often mention both numbers, which can be confusing. Twelve meters is the depth used to award AIDA 2 certification. Twenty meters is simply the deepest depth the course allows during training, offered only when it is appropriate for a particular student and the day's conditions.

Is 20 meters required for AIDA 2?

No. Twenty meters is the maximum training depth for the course, not the depth you must reach to earn certification. Your training depth depends on your comfort, equalization, technique, safety, conditions, and the instructor's judgment.

Does reaching 12 meters guarantee certification?

No. Reaching 12m does not automatically satisfy the depth requirement or earn AIDA 2 certification. The qualifying dive must also demonstrate the required duck dive, line orientation, head position, finning technique, turn, and surface protocol. Depth is only one part of the course. Certification is awarded only after all applicable theory, confined-water, open-water, safety, rescue, technique, and performance requirements are successfully completed.

What happens if you do not reach 12m?

You can still benefit from the instruction and complete the portions of the course that are safe and appropriate for you. Certification is awarded only when every applicable requirement is successfully completed. Contact Mitch if you need to discuss additional training or another opportunity to complete an outstanding requirement.

Skills required in addition to depth

No. Depth is only one part of AIDA 2 certification. You must also complete the applicable theory lessons, confined-water skills, safety and rescue procedures, and performance requirements described in the beginner course guide.

What happens if you do not finish every requirement?

Booking a course does not guarantee certification. If something is still outstanding at the end of the course, you will be told exactly what remains and what to practise, and the outstanding requirement can be completed later rather than starting again.

How long do you have to complete the remaining requirements?

You have one year to complete an outstanding requirement. How many further sessions that takes depends on the requirement, your progression, and conditions, so no particular number of sessions is promised. If certification is your goal, you can train toward AIDA 2 certification on Oahu in the two-day beginner course and keep working on anything left over from there.

How instructors choose an appropriate training depth

Training depth is chosen session by session. It reflects how comfortable a student is equalizing, how relaxed their technique looks, current ocean conditions, and general safety judgment. A student who is still working on equalization using Frenzel may spend more time at a shallower depth before progressing further.

Preparing for your open-water session

Arriving rested, comfortable with basic equalization, and familiar with recovery breathing and buddy procedures all help a training day go smoothly. Reviewing beginner freediving safety beforehand can also help you know what to expect.

Still deciding which level to start at? You can compare AIDA 1 and AIDA 2, or book the AIDA 1+2 course on Oahu.