PADI Deep Diver Course Prerequisites

[DevonDiver]

so to do a padi deep diver course you need to be at least a padi "adventure diver". adventure diver is any ow diver that has dived at least 3 of the listed padi adventure dives. funny enough, a deep dive is one on the list.

so for an ssi diver to qualify, they would have to achieved "advanced adventurer" which is any ow diver that has dived at least 5 dives from the list of specialty dives. so assuming the ssi diver has done 3 of the 5 dives that are also on the padi adventure dive list they should qualify to do the padi deep diver course.

I looked in the instructor manual for exact definitions of the prerequisites:

Prerequisite Certifications

Continuing education courses have PADI, TecRec or EFR certification prerequisites.
You may accept divers with certifications through other training organizations into a PADI course using this general guideline, and after conducting a knowledge and skill preassessment.

Qualifying Certification Description:
....
3. PADI Adventure Diver — proof of certification beyond entry-level (at least two certifications total).

4. PADI Advanced Open Water Diver — proof of certification beyond entry-level (at least two certifications total); proof of 20 or more logged dives; documented experience in deep diving and underwater navigation.

PADI Instructor Manual 2013, General Standards and Procedures.

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So, where the prerequisite for PADI Deep Diver training is 'Adventure Diver' (it isn't AOW), the student only has to show proof of two certifications total (OW + anything). There isn't a requirement for navigation or deep (30m/100ft) training.

That said, IMHO the need for a robust "knowledge and skill preassessment" is probably quite high....