SDI (Scuba Diving International) certification levels are organized in a clear progression from entry-level recreational diver to professional instructor. SDI is the recreational arm of TDI/ERDI, and its standards are internationally recognized.
1. Beginner / Entry Level
🟢 Discover Scuba Diving
- Try-dive experience (not a certification).
- Conducted under direct instructor supervision.
- Shallow water only.
🟢 Open Water Scuba Diver
- First full SDI certification.
- Dive independently with a buddy.
- Max depth: 18 m (60 ft).
- Digital certification (SDI pioneered e-cards).
2. Continuing Education Levels
🔵 Advanced Adventure Diver
- 4 specialty dives (no full specialties required).
- Introductory exposure to different dive types.
- Often used as a bridge to Advanced Diver.
🔵 Advanced Diver
- Requires 4 full SDI specialty certifications + experience dives.
- Focused on real skills, not just depth.
- No single “advanced course” like PADI AOW.
3. Safety & Rescue
🟡 Rescue Diver
- Emergency response and diver rescue skills.
- Stress and accident management.
- Required for professional tracks.
4. Master Recreational Level
⚫ Master Scuba Diver
- Highest non-professional recreational level.
- Requirements:
- Advanced Diver
- Rescue Diver
- 5 SDI specialties
- Logged dives (usually 50+)
5. Professional Levels
🔴 Divemaster
- Supervise and guide certified divers.
- Assist instructors during courses.
- First professional SDI rating.
🔴 Assistant Instructor
- Teaching assistant role.
- Transitional step to Instructor.
🔴 Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
- Can teach and certify SDI divers.
- Full professional teaching status.
6. Instructor Leadership Levels
⚫ Instructor Trainer
- Trains and evaluates SDI instructors.
- Very limited, elite level.
7. Popular SDI Specialty Certifications
Can be taken at various stages:
- Deep Diver
- Enriched Air Nitrox (very common in SDI)
- Wreck Diver
- Night & Limited Visibility
- Drift Diver
- Computer Nitrox Diver
- Solo Diver (distinctive SDI feature)
- Navigation
- Underwater Photography
Key Differences vs PADI (Quick Insight)
- SDI is more digital-first (no paper manuals).
- Strong emphasis on dive computers from day one.
- “Advanced” is skills-based, not a single course.
- Offers Solo Diver certification (rare among agencies).
Typical SDI Progression Path
Open Water Diver
→ Advanced Adventure / Advanced Diver
→ Rescue Diver
→ Master Scuba Diver
→ Divemaster
→ Instructor
Practical Note (Hurghada / Red Sea)
- SDI certifications issued in Hurghada are fully recognized worldwide.
- Accepted alongside PADI and SSI by Red Sea dive centers.