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Partner level

All the IAHD certificates have a "partner level" on their certificates. This allows almost anyone to go diving on the level that applies in relation to the restriction that that person has.

The IAHD partner level certifications have been developed to ensure that each diver can exercise his or her hobby in the water.

The levels determine with how many divers must be dived so that, in an emergency, everyone may return safe and sound back to the surface.

Level 1

This diver has fulfilled ALL theory and practice requirements of level 1, 2, 3 and 4 during the course.

This diver is also able to help itself AND the buddy diver in emergency situations.

Level 2

This diver CAN NOT fulfil the theory and/or practice requirements of level 1.

This diver has fulfilled ALL theory and practice requirements of level 2, 3 and 4 during the course.

This diver IS ABLE to help himself in emergency situations.

This diver is NOT ABLE to help the buddy diver in emergency situations.

Level 3

This diver CAN NOT fulfil the theory and/or practice requirements of level 1 and 2.

This diver has fulfilled ALL theory and practice requirements of level 3 and 4 during the course.

This diver is NOT ABLE to help himself or the buddy diver in emergency situations.

Level 4

This diver CAN NOT fulfil the theory and/or practice requirements of level 1, 2 and 3.

This diver shows that he/she CAN HANDLE scuba equipment in a normal way (level 4).

This diver is NOT ABLE to help himself or the buddy diver in emergency situations.

Number of buddy divers:

1 buddy diver with at least the 'Autonomous Diver' certificate or an equivalent.

Number of buddy divers:

2 buddy divers.

1 buddy diver must have at least the 'Autonomous Diver' certificate (OWD) or an equivalent with a minimum of 10 registrated dives.

1 buddy diver must have at least the 'Dive Partner' certificate or an equivalent.

Number of buddy divers:

3 buddy divers.

2 buddy divers must have at least the 'Autonomous Diver' certificate (OWD) or an equivalent with a minimum of 10 registrated dives.

1 buddy diver must have at least the 'Instructor Assistant' certificate or an equivalent.

Number of buddy divers:

1 buddy diver with at least the 'Dive Partner' certificate or an equivalent.

In addition, there should be a certified IAHD instructor in active status or an equivalent in the water and in direct control of the partner level 4 diver.

The partner level 4 diver is only allowed to dive in a controlled confined water area or in a swimming pool.

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IAHD Main Office
Wilhelminastraat 2
9611 JW Sappemeer
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 6 22 93 99 30