How Deep Can You Go Scuba Diving?

The depth at which a human can dive depends on factors such as physical fitness, training, and equipment. The average recreational diver can safely dive up to 40 meters (130 feet) without special equipment or training. Professional divers can dive much deeper with specialized equipment. It is generally recommended that recreational scuba divers limit their dives to a maximum depth of 30 meters (98 feet) and a dive time of no more than 60 minutes.

Certified PADI Scuba Divers can go up to 40ft (12m) deep, while certified PADI Open Water Divers can go up to 60ft (18m). The maximum depth for recreational divers varies depending on the age and training of the divers. The maximum depth for a certified PADI Scuba Diver is 40ft (12m), and the maximum depth for a certified PADI Open Water Diver is 60ft (18m).

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) defines anything from 18 to 30 meters (59 to 98 ft) as a deep dive in the context of open-circuit scuba. The deepest dive record for open-circuit scuba currently stands at a staggering 332.35m depth, set by Ahmed Gabr in the Red Sea in September 2014. For non-certified divers without any training, 40 feet (12.19 m) are recommended. Adults with the basic open water certificate can increase the depth limit.

In the underwater world of scuba diving, descending to depths up to 40 meters (130 feet) is considered recreational scuba. When divers exceed this limit, most diving agencies recommend a maximum depth limit of 40 meters for safety reasons. Recreational diving means no decompression stops required, and they can go to the surface if needed. Below 130 feet, onboard nitrogen very quickly increases the depth.