Freediving Certification Systems: How to Choose Among the Three Main Agencies?
The world's most widely recognized freediving certification agencies are AIDA, SSI, and PADI. Molchanovs (Matcha) and CMAS are also options. For beginners, there is no need to overthink which system to choose—choosing a reliable instructor matters more than choosing a system.
System | Features | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
AIDA | The oldest freediving organization, with rigorous assessment standards, a focus on both competition and teaching, and the highest global recognition | People who want systematic learning and ongoing progression |
PADI | The world's largest dive training system, with flexible courses, a gentle pace, and a leading position in recreational diving | People who are worried about pressure and want relaxed learning |
SSI | Good digital learning experience, complete online materials, and a detailed level structure | People who are used to online learning |
Molchanovs | Founded by a legendary freediver, focused on advanced, technique-driven diving, with cutting-edge theory and practice | People with a foundation who want to challenge deeper depths |
AIDA Freediving Levels Explained
AIDA is the world's largest freediving organization and currently has the largest market share.
Level | Name | Assessment criteria | Duration | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
★ | One Star | Introductory level, no assessment required | 1 day | Complete beginners who want to try it out first |
★★ | Two Star | Static apnea 2 minutes, dynamic apnea 40 m, constant weight 16 m | 2.5-3 days | The first choice for most beginners |
★★★ | Three Star | Static apnea 2 min 45 sec, dynamic apnea 55 m, constant weight 24 m | 3-4 days | People who want to advance their skills |
★★★★ | Four Star | Static apnea 3 min 30 sec, dynamic apnea 70 m, constant weight 32 m | 4 days | People heading toward becoming an instructor |
AIDA 2 is the starting point for most people and the most cost-effective certification option. The pass rate is about 60-70%; the main sticking points are equalization and the duck dive.
PADI Freediving Levels Explained
PADI is the world's largest dive training organization, and its freediving course system is similarly well developed.
Level | Depth range | Description |
|---|---|---|
Basic Freediver | 6 m (pool) | Basic course, conducted in a pool only |
Freediver | 10-16 m | Formal entry-level certification, static apnea 1 min 30 sec |
Advanced Freediver | 20-24 m | Advanced course |
Master Freediver | 24-40 m | Master Freediver |
PADI's course flow is fairly flexible and progresses on a performance-based basis. Knowledge development can be completed independently through the PADI Freedivers Touch app, followed by pool training and open-water training. The recommended course time is about 15 hours.
SSI Freediving Levels Explained
SSI's course system emphasizes digital learning; students can complete all coursework except practical sessions on a phone or computer.
Level | Depth | Static apnea |
|---|---|---|
Level 1 (Entry level) | 10-20 m | 1 min 30 sec |
Level 2 (Advanced) | 20-30 m | 2 min 30 sec |
Level 3 (Higher level) | 30-40 m | 3 min 30 sec |
SSI Level 1 is equivalent to AIDA 2 and is suitable for people who want to start from the basics and progress level by level.
CMAS Freediving Levels Reference (Hong Kong Standard)
If you are in Hong Kong or are looking into the CMAS system, the CMAS freediving levels are as follows (for reference):
Level | Static apnea | Dynamic apnea | Constant weight |
|---|---|---|---|
Level 1 | 1 min | 25 m | 10 m |
Level 2 | 2 min | 40 m | 18 m |
Level 3 | 2 min 30 sec | 60 m | 25 m |
Level 4 | 3 min | 75 m | 30 m |
Certification Cost Reference
Course | Price range | Days |
|---|---|---|
AIDA One Star | ¥999-1,800 | 1 day |
AIDA Two Star | ¥2,500-4,300 | 2.5-3 days |
PADI Freediver | ¥2,380-3,980 | 2-3 days |
SSI Level 1 | ¥2,500-3,500 | 3 days |
Fees usually include teaching materials, equipment use, facility fees, and certification fees, but may not include transportation and accommodation. Before registering, it is advisable to ask clearly whether equipment, photography, and retests incur extra charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I learn freediving if I can't swim?
Yes, but basic swimming ability will make it easier. PADI requires you to be able to swim 200 m (any stroke, no time limit), and AIDA 2 also has a swimming test requirement.
Q: How long does it take to learn freediving?
AIDA 2 usually takes 2.5-3 days, and the PADI Freediver course is recommended to take about 15 hours.
Q: Which system is easiest to pass?
PADI's requirements are relatively gentle (static apnea of 1 min 30 sec is sufficient), while AIDA 2 requires 2 minutes. If you are a complete beginner and feel nervous, PADI may be more approachable.
Q: Are there age limits for certification?
Most systems require you to be at least 15 years old (AIDA/PADI), and CMAS Level 1 requires ages 14 and above. In some regions, PADI Basic Freediver certification allows registration from age 12.
Q: Do certifications expire?
Valid for life. However, if you have not dived for more than a year, it is recommended to take a refresher course to regain your feel for the water.
Summary: Which Should Beginners Choose?
Your situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
Complete beginner, worried about pressure | PADI Freediver or AIDA One Star |
Can swim, want to learn seriously | Sign up directly for AIDA 2 (most cost-effective) |
Want to become an instructor | AIDA (the most rigorous competition and teaching system) |
Used to online learning | SSI (good digital experience) |
A certification is just a ticket for safe entry. Choosing a system that suits you and a responsible instructor is more important than worrying about which system to choose.