Skills & Training
How deep can you dive? Depth limits by certification
With PADI, an Open Water Diver is trained to 18 metres, an Advanced Open Water Diver to 30 metres, and the Deep Diver specialty takes you to 40 metres — the recreational limit for diving without decompression stops. Junior divers have shallower limits: 12 metres at ages 10–11 and 18 metres at 12–14. Deeper diving is technical diving, with extra training and gases.
By 71 Guardians · Published 18 Oct 2026
What are the depth limits for each certification?
- Open Water Diver: 18 m (60 ft), or the depth reached in training if shallower.
- Advanced Open Water Diver: 30 m (100 ft).
- Deep Diver specialty: 40 m (130 ft) — the deepest recreational limit, diving without required decompression stops.
What are the limits for children and teenagers?
- Junior Open Water, ages 10–11: 12 m (40 ft), diving with a certified parent or guardian, or a PADI Professional.
- Junior Open Water, ages 12–14: 18 m (60 ft), with a certified adult.
- Junior Advanced Open Water, age 12+: 21 m (70 ft).
- Age 15+: adult limits apply.
How do I dive deeper than 40 metres?
Beyond recreational limits you need technical training — PADI TecRec, TDI and similar programmes — with planned decompression and specialised gases. Our Tec 40 course is the first step.
Do other agencies use the same limits?
Recreational agencies such as PADI, SSI and SDI follow broadly similar limits; check your own card and agency standards. On our boats every diver stays within their certification.
Frequently asked questions
Can an Open Water diver go to 30 metres with a guide?
No — Open Water divers are trained to 18 metres. The Advanced Open Water course extends this to 30 metres.
Is deeper diving more dangerous?
Deeper dives mean less no-decompression time, faster gas use and more narcosis — which is why training increases step by step.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
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