Advanced Freediver Course
Build advanced techniques for longer dives, better efficiency, and improved relaxation
PFI Advanced Freediver Certification in Nanaimo
Train for deeper, safer, and more refined freediving up to 60 metres
The PFI Advanced Freediver course is designed for experienced freedivers who want to improve technique, expand their depth range, and develop the mental and physical skills needed for high-level freediving.
Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters gives you structured coaching, safe progression, and a professional environment where you can push your limits with confidence. This program blends classroom instruction, confined-water skills, and open-water depth training, all leading toward constant ballast and free-immersion dives up to 60 metres as your performance and conditions allow.
Who is the Advanced Freediver course for?
The PFI Advanced Freediver course is designed for divers who want to:
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- Progress beyond intermediate-level freediving
- Develop advanced depth technique and equalization
- Train in a structured, performance-focused environment
- Learn advanced safety and rescue protocols
- Build physical and mental conditioning programs for deeper diving
Minimum requirements include a PFI Intermediate Freediver certification or an equivalent crossover, comfort diving between 25 and 40 metres, and a static breath-hold of at least three minutes.
Advanced Freediver course structure at Nanaimo Dive Outfitters
This is an intensive course that includes 22 hours of classroom work, 10 hours of confined-water training, and 15 hours of open-water depth development. Your training follows a progressive structure that emphasizes proper technique, safety, mental readiness, and controlled depth adaptation.
A typical schedule includes:
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- Classroom workshops covering physiology, equalization, psychology, and performance strategies
- CO₂ and O₂ tolerance training sessions
- Confined-water static apnea training and safety drills
- Open-water depth dives with progressive targets up to 60 metres
- Coaching on recovery breathing, buddy procedures, and team communication
This format gives you the time and repetition needed to make measurable improvements in depth performance, relaxation, and safety.
Skills you’ll build in your Advanced Freediver training
The Advanced Freediver program includes three main phases.
#1. Knowledge development
Training covers advanced topics such as:
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- Psychological strategies for deep freediving
- Physiology of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and depth adaptation
- Equalization workshops for deep descent
- Competition standards, formats, and safety protocols
- Personal training plan development for depth and static performance
#2. Confined-water training
Pool sessions focus on:
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- Static breath-holds of at least four minutes
- Recovery breathing and coaching techniques
- Managing LMC and blackout scenarios
- Negative-pressure dives and equalization drills
- Safety-team communication and rescue practice
#3. Open-water depth training
Open-water sessions include:
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- Constant ballast and free-immersion dives with proper entry and exit technique
- At least 12 depth dives reaching a minimum of 40 metres
- Advanced rescue scenarios at depth and on the surface
- Mask-flood and ascent skills at depth
- Weight-removal and ascent drills
Open-water work places a strong emphasis on efficiency, technique, equalization control, and safe team-based diving.
Gear needed for the Advanced Freediver course
Students use standard freediving equipment, which can be rented or purchased through Nanaimo Dive Outfitters. You’ll use:
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- Mask, snorkel, fins
- Exposure protection suited to local cold-water conditions
- Freediving weight system
- Freedive computer or timing device
Additional training tools such as stretching aids, neck weights, and breathing equipment may be incorporated depending on instructor requirements.
Stronger skills for more confident dives
Developing advanced freediving skills in British Columbia’s colder, more demanding conditions gives you a strong foundation for diving anywhere in the world. If you can dive efficiently and comfortably here, warm-water progressions feel smooth and straightforward.
Your PFI Advanced Freediver certification is recognized internationally and prepares you for higher-level programs, including competitive freediving development and professional-level training.
What’s included
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- PFI Advanced Freediver classroom instruction
- Confined-water training sessions
- Open-water depth development sessions
- CO₂ and O₂ conditioning workshops
- Safety and rescue-team skill development
Student perks include access to ongoing training opportunities, depth sessions, and a supportive local freediving community.
Coming from out of town?
If you’ve already begun your Advanced Freediver training elsewhere, we can finish your certification through a multi-agency referral. Vancouver Island offers consistent conditions, professional coaching, and a focused training environment, making it an ideal destination for advanced depth development. Whether you’re here for focused training, travel, or performance progression, we offer flexible scheduling and personalized coaching. Contact us for availability.
Advanced Freediving FAQ
How do I know if I’m physically ready for advanced-depth freediving?
Most divers are ready if they can comfortably dive to intermediate depths without stress, recover well after each dive, and maintain consistent technique. Your instructor will evaluate your breathing control, equalization, and recovery to confirm readiness.
What kind of mental training is involved in preparing for deeper freediving?
You’ll work on relaxation strategies, visualization, breath-control patterns, and task-focused awareness to stay calm as depth increases. Mental training is as important as physical conditioning at this level.
Do I need special insurance for advanced freediving?
Depth-based freediving insurance is recommended because it covers training, competition, and depth-related incidents not included in many standard dive plans.
Will my existing freediving gear work for this course?
If your gear fits well and is freediving-specific, it may be suitable. However softer fins, low-volume masks, and better-fitting suits often provide meaningful performance gains at depth.
How long does it typically take to progress from 40 metres to 60 metres?
Progress varies widely. Some divers make the jump in a training cycle, while others take months of conditioning and repetition. Safe adaptation always comes first.
What type of training should I do before enrolling?
Equalization practice, CO₂/O₂ tables, finning drills, breathwork, and aerobic conditioning offer the best preparation.
Ready to become a certified diver?
Scuba diving opens the door to new experiences, travel, and friendships. Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters gives you confidence in one of the richest cold-water ecosystems in the world.
Start your SDI eLearning today or contact us to reserve your spot in an upcoming class.
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