Advanced Diving Courses & Specialty Courses in Frankfurt

Advanced training for certified divers – dive deeper, learn new skills, gain more independence.

Already have your diving certification and want to take it further? The Frankfurt Dive Center offers a comprehensive range of advanced training—from Advanced Open Water Diver to Dive Leader—along with a wide variety of specialty courses.

All courses adhere to the internationally recognized standards of S.U.B. International (ISO-certified) and are conducted in small groups with personalized instruction. Whether you want to dive deeper, navigate, lead your group, or learn a new discipline—we have the right course for you.

Who is it suitable for?

OWD holders who want to dive deeper

Anyone who wants to navigate on their own or lead groups

Divers with specific interests: wreck, night, drift, sidemount, and more

Divers who want to refresh or expand their skills

Experienced divers on their way to becoming Master Divers or Dive Leaders

Core Courses

Core Courses

Advanced Open Water Diver

Diving to 30 meters · 3 specialty courses · starting with OWD

The next step after the Open Water Diver course. Three specialty courses—Navigation and Group Leadership are required, and you choose the third one yourself. Once you’ve completed the course, you can dive to 30 meters with a buddy, or to 40 meters if you’ve taken the Deep Diving specialty course.

Prerequisite: Open Water Diver certification, minimum age 14

dive leader / diver ***

Leadership Level · Prerequisite for Instructor Training · Starting at Master Diver

The Dive Leader course is the first step toward professional diving instructor certification. It qualifies you to lead dive groups as the person in charge and serves as the foundation for training to become a diving instructor assistant.

Prerequisites: Master Diver certification, at least 18 years old, 100 dives

Master Diver / Diver **

Diving to 30 meters · Independent & competent · AOWD or higher

The Master Diver is the highest level in recreational diving that does not require an instructor certification. It involves in-depth knowledge and practical skills in navigation, group leadership, and other specialty courses. Ideal for divers who want to dive professionally and independently.

Prerequisite: Advanced Open Water Diver *

nitrox diver

Diving with enriched air · less fatigue · longer bottom times

The Nitrox course allows you to dive using oxygen-enriched air (EAN). This reduces nitrogen buildup, extends your maximum dive time, and reduces post-dive fatigue—ideal for diving trips and multiple dives per day.

Prerequisite: Open Water Diver certification, minimum age 16

Specialized Courses

Specialized Courses

Specialty courses help you develop your skills in a specific area of diving. They can be taken individually or as part of the Advanced Open Water Diver program. All courses are offered on request—not all are permanently included in the regular program.

Navigation

Underwater navigation using natural landmarks and a compass. A required component of the Advanced Open Water Diver course.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver, 14 years old

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

Deep diver

Targeted training for dives up to 40 meters. Deepens your understanding of physics and risks at great depths
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver, 14 years old

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

dry suit diving

Diving in a dry suit in cold waters. Essential for diving in Germany and Northern Europe.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

sidemount diver

Side-mounted tank diving – a more modern, ergonomic setup for recreational and cave diving.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

Drift diving

Techniques for diving in currents – planning, drift currents, and safe diving in moving water.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver, 14 years old

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

apnea 1

Introduction to Freediving – Breathing Techniques, Relaxation, and First Exercises in the Pool and Open Water.
Prerequisite: Ability to swim, age 14

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

ice diving

Ice diving – an extreme experience with specific safety requirements and equipment.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver, Experience

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

altitude diver

Adjusting decompression planning for diving in mountain lakes at altitudes above 300 meters.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

marine biology

Discovering underwater flora and fauna – fostering greater awareness and respect for the marine ecosystem.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

Group tour

Safely leading a dive group above and below water. A mandatory component of the Advanced Open Water Diver course.
Prerequisite: OWD / CMAS*, 15 years old, 15 dives

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

Night diving

Night diving – a completely different underwater experience with your own light and heightened senses.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver, 14 years old

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

Diving Safety & Rescue

Recognizing and preventing problems, self-rescue, and assisting other divers. Prerequisite for the Master Diver course.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver, 14 years old

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

wreck diving

Safe Diving on and in Wrecks – Navigation, Safety Considerations, and the Fascinating World of Artificial Reefs.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver, 14 years old

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

CPR & First Aid: First Aid & CPR

Life-saving first aid skills for divers. Recommended for anyone aiming to become a Master Diver or higher
Prerequisite: None

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

apnea 2

Advanced freediving with advanced techniques, greater depths, and safety protocols.
Prerequisite: Apnea 1

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

scooter / DPV diving

Underwater scooters for longer ranges – handling, safety, and planning of DPV dives.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

medical practice

Practical knowledge of diving medicine, decompression sickness, and emergency management.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

diving in sea caves

Introduction to Overhead Cave Diving – Safety, Navigation, and Light Management.
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver certification, experience

Inquiries: info@frankfurtdivecenter.de

Why Frankfurt Dive Center?

01
Small groups:

No large classes – personalized attention in every course

February 2
: Full program:

From OWD to Dive Leader—all in one place

03
Modern Education:

S.U.B. International, ISO-certified, internationally recognized

April
Technical Background:

Solid skills and a strong foundation—also for future technical training programs

05
Flexible:

Weekend classes, individual scheduling

Ready for the next step?

We’ll give you personalized advice—the best next course for you depends on your experience and goals. Give us a call or send us a message.

  • No. Many specialty courses can be taken even without the Advanced Open Water certification. However, they can count toward that certification.

  • Yes. Qualifications from other organizations are generally recognized. We will review this during the consultation.

  • Depending on the course, between one day (e.g., CPR & First Aid) and a weekend (e.g., Navigation, Group Leadership). Details are available on the respective course page or upon request.

  • Yes—and that actually makes sense. Combining navigation and group leadership with a third course of your choice leads directly to the Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

  • Not all courses are listed in the regular course schedule. Many are organized on request or in small groups. Contact us for current dates.

  • Our dive center is located in Frankfurt and serves participants from throughout the Rhine-Main region: Offenbach, Eschborn, Bad Homburg, Wiesbaden, and Darmstadt.

FAQ