Intent 

Minimum Instructor Rating 

Student Prerequisites 

• Minimum age: 12 years old.

Duration 

• Recommended hours for completion: 16–20.

Depth Limitations 

• Maximum pool/confined water depth limit: 5 meters.

• Minimum open water depth limit: 10 meters as outlined in the instructor manual.

• Maximum open water depth limit: 20 meters.

• Maximum open water depth limit for 12- to 14-year-olds: 12 meters.

In-Water Ratios 

Pool 

• The student-to-Instructor ratio is 8:1.

• The ratio may increase to 12:2 with one (1) certified assistant.

• The student-to-instructor ratio is 6:1.

• The ratio may increase to 8:2 with one (1) certified assistant.

Confined Water 

• The student-to-Instructor ratio is 6:1.

• The ratio may increase to 8:2 with one (1) certified assistant.

• The student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1.

• The ratio may increase to 6:2 with one (1) certified assistant.

Open Water 

• The student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1.

• The ratio may increase to 6:2 with one (1) certified assistant.

Minimum Supervision 

• An active status Freediving Assistant Instructor must directly supervise all academic and pool/confined water sessions.

• An active status Freediving Instructor must directly supervise all open water sessions.

Proximity 

• Students must remain under the direct supervision of the instructor so that physical contact can be made within an appropriate time during any in-water training.

Requirements For Completion 

• Complete academic sessions and assessments as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.

• Complete the program’s final exam.

• Complete at least one (1) breathing session as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.

• Complete at least two (2) pool/confined water sessions as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.

• Complete at least two (2) open water sessions as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.

Sequence 

• Pool/confined water sessions may only be conducted after all requirements and evaluations for the related academic sessions are completed as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.

• Open water sessions may only be conducted after the related academics sessions are completed, and after the related in-water skills are completed in the pool/confined water as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.

Certification 

• Certified Freedivers are qualified to freedive autonomously with an equally- or more-qualified buddy, in environments and to depths equivalent with their training.

• After certification, all Junior Divers younger than 15 years must dive with a certified adult or dive professional.

• Freediver | up to 25 meters