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How Deep Can You Scuba Dive?

How Deep Can You Scuba Dive?

Written by Rianne Poesse
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Published on January 31, 2023
two scuba divers observing rocks

The ocean is deep, very deep. The deepest point is at 36,201ft (11,034m). This point, called Challenger Deep, can be found in the Pacific Ocean at the Mariana Trench. No scuba diver has ever been close to dive depths like this as physics limit a divers’ maximum depth. It’s not strange that they say we know more about the moon than our own oceans. The moon is easier accessible! Having said that, scuba divers are able to dive all over the world, just not that deep. How deep exactly can you scuba dive depends on your training and if you’re a recreational diver or a technical diver.

scuba diver open cave
Image via Shutterstock

How Deep Can a Recreational Diver Dive?

When we use the term “recreational diver”, we refer to most divers. Recreational divers can dive as deep as 130 feet (40m). Although, this exact depth does not apply to all recreational divers as it all depends on the age and training of the divers.

The maximum depth of a certified PADI Scuba Diver is 40ft (12m) and the maximum depth for a certified PADI Open Water Diver is 60ft (18m). There is an exception for Junior Open Water Divers. A PADI Junior Open Water Diver aged 10 or 11 can dive a maximum of 40ft (12m) while those aged 12 up to 14 years can dive a maximum of 60ft (18m) deep. Junior divers must always be accompanied by a certified adult. The exact same depths apply for SSI certified divers.

Once you’re Open Water certified, the next step is Advanced Open Water Diver. When you’re an Advanced Open Water Diver your maximum depth limit increases to 100ft (30m).

The last (optional) step is becoming a deep diver. You achieve this by following the specialty course PADI Deep Diver or SSI Deep Diver (or the respective course of another agency). Completing this course will allow you to dive up to 130ft (40m). This is the deepest you’re allowed to dive as a recreational diver. This is also the limit for professional Dive Masters and Instructors unless they’ve had technical dive training.

How Deep Can a Technical Diver Dive?

While each scuba agency has its own definition of what technical diving is, as a rule of thumb, we can say that any deco diving or diving deeper than 130ft (40m) is considered technical diving. When you start looking into technical diving, you’ll soon learn that you’ll need specific gasses and/or equipment to reach deeper depths safely.

In general, there are two different ways to dive deeper. The first is by using a gas called Trimix. This is a blend of helium, oxygen, and nitrogen. The second way, is to dive with a Closed-Circuit Rebreather (CCR). This is a device that allows you to re-use your exhaled air. The device filters out excess nitrogen from the exhaled air and adds oxygen back to the mix. You then “re-breathe” your earlier exhaled air.

Most technical diving courses are designed to let you dive a little deeper with each course. There are several technical dive agencies such as TDI, IANTD, GUE, and PADI. Gradually you increase your knowledge and develop your dive skills to such a high level that you can dive incredible depths.

Usually, completing the final course means there’s no more depth limit. However, most tech divers do not exceed depth limits over 328ft (100m).

two scuba divers observing rocks
Image via Shutterstock

How deep was the deepest dive?

The deepest open circuit scuba dive in the world stands at 1,090ft (332m). The diver who set this successful Guinness World Record in 2014, Ahmed Gabr, spent more than 10 years preparing. He had a team of over 30 people helping him successfully complete this record attempt. This depth, though very impressive, is by no means a real representation how deep you dive as a scuba diver. It took Ahmed only 15 minutes to reach the depth but going up took him over 13 hours as he had to make many deco stops.

It’s also worth mentioning that the deepest closed-circuit dive (CCR) was recorded at a depth of 951ft (290m). The record was set by Will Goodman. It took him nearly 9 minutes to reach this depth and almost 10 hours to reach the surface again.

Conclusion

It’s yet to be determined how deep the true depth limit is for scuba divers. New depth records are still attempted and set by advanced technical divers. Most recreational divers will stop their dive education at Advanced Open Water diver, which limits them to a depth of 100ft (30m). This is often more than sufficient, as 100ft is also the depth limit set by most dive shops. This depth allows you to have a nice dive of around an hour while enjoying beautiful corals, fish, and other marine life. Simply, it’s perfect.

Rianne Poesse

Rianne Poesse

Rianne Poesse is a passionate scuba diver and writer. She is the founder of the scuba blog Dutch Mermaid and travels around the globe, exploring the underwater world. She writes articles for travel agencies and dive magazines. When diving, she always has a camera with her and you can follow her on YouTube to get […]