PADI Advanced Open Water and optional training in Vanuatu
The current trips are enjoyable guided dive holidays first. Training is available only when arranged and confirmed; a diver does not need to buy an advanced course to appreciate the suitable Moso reefs. Different certifications open different planned profiles, but none overrides current conditions or a guide’s decision.
Do I need Advanced Open Water for Moso?
No. Suitable Open Water routes exist in the region. An adult PADI Open Water Diver’s usual maximum is 18 metres, or the shallower limit reached in training. More demanding depths, exposed currents, overhead terrain or wreck interiors need the right course, experience, equipment and local assessment. Ask which sites are realistic for your current level rather than buying a course solely for a named site.
Can I complete PADI Advanced Open Water on the Long Weekend?
Eligible Open Water divers may add an optional PADI Advanced Open Water course, currently advertised at A$449, if arranged with Abyss before departure. Assigned eLearning is completed before travel and five required Adventure Dives are integrated into suitable parts of the seven-dive schedule. Deep and Underwater Navigation are required; three others are selected for the destination and diver readiness.
Is the Advanced course included in the A$1,995?
No. The A$449 add-on is an additional charge shown on the current Long Weekend page. Other guests can enjoy the seven guided dives without enrolling. Course completion is not automatic: it depends on the assigned learning, safe conditions, satisfactory skills and instructor approval. Check current pricing and prerequisites when enquiring.
Can I become Advanced on the New Year trip?
The New Year page suggests asking Abyss about an Advanced pathway before departure, but the A$3,895 package does not list a course or eLearning as an inclusion. Ask the team what training could be organised, when it would take place, what it would cost and whether the local dive plan and instructor capacity make it feasible.
Is Nitrox included?
The New Year trip advertises Nitrox fills for properly Nitrox-certified divers; the fills are a package inclusion for those eligible, not a Nitrox course. The Long Weekend lists tanks and weights, with no general Nitrox inclusion in the published package. Confirm gas availability, certification and any extra charges for the exact trip before assuming you can use it.
Can I learn night, wreck or technical diving during the trip?
The Long Weekend includes a guided night dive, but a guided dive alone is not a stand-alone speciality certification. Neither group package advertises wreck-penetration or technical training. Ask Abyss separately if you want a course, and do not interpret a site name or a photograph as permission to exceed your current training.
Will Advanced certification guarantee Paul’s Rock or the Coolidge?
No. Paul’s Rock still depends on weather, current, access and individual suitability. The Coolidge is on Santo, outside the Moso trip entirely, and its deep or penetrative routes require separate training and local planning. A certification expands possible dive profiles; it does not add another island or guarantee a famous site.