You're Certified. Now What? Your Next Steps as a Diver
Christie Davis Sep 28, 2026
You passed. You've got the card. Now you're standing there wondering what comes next.
Good news: there's no wrong answer. Here's a simple way to think about it.
Step one: go diving
The best thing you can do right after certification is dive. A lot. Skills get sharper and your comfort grows with every dive you log.
If it's been a while since your last dive, our Scuba Refresher is made for exactly that. It's $150 for pool only, or $350 for the pool plus two open water dives.
Step two: pick your next course
Advanced Open Water is the natural next move. Despite the name, it's not about being an expert. It lets you try a handful of different dive activities and build confidence. You can add Nitrox for $50.
Rescue Scuba Diver teaches you to manage risks and handle problems and emergencies. A lot of divers say this is the course that changed how they dive. Self-rescue and buddy rescue are key parts of it.
Step three: choose specialties that match how you want to dive
Think about what you actually want to do:
- Dive in cold water? Take Drysuit. Staying warm means diving longer and enjoying it more.
- Want more time underwater? Enriched Air Nitrox can extend your bottom time.
- Curious about going deeper? Deep Diver requires you to be at least 18 with an Advanced certification or equivalent.
- Like the idea of exploring after dark? Night Diver.
- Want to find lost things? Search & Recovery teaches underwater navigation and recovery skills.
Step four: add safety training
Our DAN safety courses are a smart add-on at any point. Start with Oxygen First Aid.
Not sure what to pick?
Come by the shop at 1442 Commercial St or call (503) 741-3070. Tell us how you like to dive and what you want to do next, and we'll help you build a plan.
