How Deep Can You Dive With Basic Scuba Certification?

How Deep Can You Dive With a Basic Certification?

If you’re just starting your scuba diving journey, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: How deep can I dive with a basic certification? It’s a good question—and an important one.

When you complete an Open Water Diver course with a major agency like SSI or PADI, you earn your basic scuba certification. This certification gives you the freedom to dive anywhere in the world, but within safe limits. One of those limits is depth.

The 18-Meter Limit

With an Open Water certification, you can dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters, or about 60 feet. That might not sound very deep, but it’s more than enough to experience some of the best diving in the world. Reefs, wrecks, and marine life are often found in shallower water, especially in tropical regions. In fact, many certified divers spend most of their time between 10 and 18 meters.

The 18-meter limit isn’t just a rule—it’s based on science and safety. At this depth, you can enjoy longer dives without needing to worry about decompression stops. You also reduce the risk of nitrogen narcosis and other pressure-related issues that become more likely on deeper dives.

What If You’re Not Fully Certified Yet?

If you’re not ready for the full Open Water course, you can start with the Scuba Diver certification. This gives you access to a limited depth of 12 meters and always under the supervision of a professional. It’s a great way to ease into diving and build confidence before going deeper.

Going Deeper With Advanced Training

Once you’re comfortable in the water and want to explore beyond 18 meters, you have options. One popular next step is the Advanced Adventurer or Advanced Open Water course. This program typically includes a deep dive and raises your depth limit to 30 meters (100 feet), while also expanding your skills in areas like navigation or buoyancy control.

The Deep Diving Specialty: Down to 40 Meters

If your goal is to reach even deeper, consider the SSI Deep Diving specialty course. This standalone program is an alternative to the Advanced Adventurer and qualifies you to dive to 40 meters (130 feet). It focuses on deep dive planning, gas management, and the effects of depth on both your body and equipment. The Deep Diving course is ideal for divers who want to explore deeper wrecks, walls, or sites where marine life thrives beyond 30 meters.

By continuing your dive education, you open up an entirely new level of adventure—safely and with confidence.

Start with 18 Meters, Go as Deeper

For beginners, the 18-meter depth limit is more than enough to discover incredible dive sites. With further training and experience, the ocean gets deeper—and so does the adventure. Whether you stick to shallow coral gardens or eventually dive into the blue at 40 meters, your journey starts with that first certification.