RAID - Advanced 35
RAID Advanced 35 Course
The RAID Advanced 35 course is a continuing education program for certified Open Water divers, focusing on extending depth limits and refining key skills through practical training. It qualifies divers for no-decompression dives to a maximum depth of 35 meters (115 feet) with a certified buddy of equal or higher qualification, in conditions similar to or better than those experienced during training.
This course emphasizes hands-on experience with six open water dives, including mandatory skills in buoyancy control, navigation, rescue techniques, and deep diving (two deep dives), plus one elective dive from available specialties.
Minimum age: 15 years. (Younger certified divers should pursue the Explorer 30 course instead.)
Benefits of the RAID Advanced 35 Course
- Extends diving depth to 35 meters (115 feet), accessing deeper reefs, walls, and marine life.
- Enhances core skills: advanced buoyancy control, underwater navigation, deep dive planning and procedures, and basic rescue techniques.
- Includes practical exposure to varied diving scenarios through six training dives.
- Builds confidence and competence for more challenging dives.
- Promotes advanced safety awareness, including physiology and risk management at depth.
- Dives and skills may credit toward further specialties or advanced certifications.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age: 15 years.
- Certified as RAID Open Water 20, Explorer 30, or equivalent from a recognized agency.
- Minimum of 4 hours logged underwater time (some centers may require more based on experience).
- Completion of a medical questionnaire. Certain conditions require physician approval.
- Required personal items: Swimsuit and towel (all scuba equipment typically provided by the dive center during training).
Participants must complete or update standard RAID forms, including a liability release and safe diving practices agreement, via the RAID User Portal.
Course Structure
The course is conducted by a certified RAID instructor and combines online theory with practical water sessions:
1. Academic Development
Completed via RAID’s online FREe-Learning platform. Topics include:
- Advanced dive physics and physiology (e.g., nitrogen narcosis, decompression theory)
- Deep dive planning and management
- Equipment considerations for deeper dives
- Rescue procedures and emergency management Students access digital manuals, complete quizzes, and pass a final exam at their own pace.
2. Equipment Orientation
Review and configuration of scuba equipment for advanced and deeper diving scenarios.
3. Open Water Training
Confined water training (optional/minimal, depending on center): Refinement of skills.
Open water training: Minimum of six dives (typically 4-5 hours underwater time):
- Buoyancy Control dive
- Navigation dive
- Rescue dive
- Two Deep dives (progressing to 35 meters/115 feet)
- One Elective dive (e.g., from Boat, Drift, Night, Search & Recovery, Wreck, or other available specialties)
Skills emphasize real-world application, safe ascents, and adaptation to deeper environments.
Duration and Depth Limits
- Theory: Self-paced online (typically several hours to days).
- Practical sessions: Usually completed over 3-4 days, including the six open water dives.
- Maximum training depth: 35 meters (115 feet).
- Certification limits: Independent buddy dives to 35 meters (115 feet) in comparable or better conditions (no decompression).
Equipment Provided
During training, the dive center typically supplies all required scuba equipment, including:
- Tank
- Regulator
- Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
- Mask, snorkel, fins
- Weights
- Specialty items as needed for the elective dive
Participants need only bring a swimsuit and towel.
Certification
Upon successful completion, students receive a globally recognized electronic certification (e-card) issued by RAID. The certification is permanent and downloadable from the RAID portal. It authorizes no-decompression buddy diving to 35 meters (115 feet).
Next Steps to Enroll
1. Create a free account on the RAID User Portal: https://user.diveraid.com
2. Purchase the digital Advanced 35 course materials in the RAID Store and access them via https://diveraid.com/free-learning/
3. Contact the center to book, discuss fees, and schedule your session. The center will unlock training materials, conduct the program, and handle any recognition.
The RAID Advanced 35 certification provides certified divers with the skills and qualification for safer, deeper recreational diving, serving as a key step toward mastery and further specialized training.
