Freediving courses are tiered, and the levels line up closely across the major agencies. Knowing what each level covers — and roughly how deep it goes — helps you book the right course instead of guessing. Depth figures below are approximate and vary by agency and instructor.
Try freediving (no certification)
Before any course, you can book a guided "try freediving" session: a half-day taster where an instructor teaches the basics and stays with you in shallow water. No commitment, no certification. It's the best way to find out if you enjoy the sport — see Try Freediving in Anilao: Your First Session.
Entry level (AIDA 2 / SSI Level 1 / Molchanovs Wave 1)
The first full certification. You learn proper breathing, relaxation, equalization, finning technique, and — crucially — buddying and rescue basics. Most entry courses certify you to around 20 metres and run two to three days. This is where the vast majority of recreational freedivers happily stay.
Intermediate (AIDA 3 / SSI Level 2 / Wave 2)
Intermediate courses refine technique and introduce free immersion and deeper equalization (including the start of mouthfill), typically extending depth to around 30 metres. You also take on more responsibility as a safety buddy.
Advanced (AIDA 4 / SSI Level 3 / Wave 3)
Advanced training focuses on deep-diving technique, advanced equalization (mouthfill), and managing the physiological and mental demands of depth — often 35–40 metres and beyond. These courses assume a solid base and a lot of practice.
Choosing where to train
The level structure is similar everywhere, so your choice comes down to the agency's style and, above all, the instructor. Compare the agencies in AIDA vs Molchanovs vs SSI vs PADI, learn how to verify an instructor, and browse freediving schools in Anilao.