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The skill levels listed below are basic recommendations for ranking dives and divers. Adverse conditions such as strong current, lower than normal visibility, cold temperatures or rough water can change the dive level to the next higher rating. Although experience is the main factor in the divers level, advanced dive training is also advisable. The number of logged dives indicated for each level below are cold water, low visibility, open water dives. Not to be counted are warm water high visibility dives, pool or quarry dives.
It is highly recommended that all levels of divers have training in CPR, Basic First Aid, DAN O2 administration, basic rescue skills and practice out of air emergency procedures.
Level I: 20 logged open water dives or less in the last three years. Maximum depth of 60' on club dives unless paired with a more experienced diver. Level IV dives should not be attempted even with a more experienced diver.
Level II: 21 to 60 logged open water dives. At this level the diver should have achieved the following skills. Buoyancy control, reduced air consumption, is comfortable in varying conditions such as current, waves, low visibility, and cold water and be able to cope with moderate stress. This diver should still be paired with a more experienced buddy when going beyond 80' depths. Level IV dives should not be attempted even with a more experienced diver. The diver should log at least 15 dives to greater than 60' before progressing to level III.
Level III: 61 to 100 logged open water dives. At this level the diver has mastered the skills listed in Level II, and should be able to recognize potential problems and prevent them from occurring. This diver should be skilled enough to take a Level I or II diver on Level I, II or III dives. It is recommended that the diver has taken some advanced training beyond basic certification. Maximum 110' on club dives. Before progressing to Level IV at least 20 dives should be logged beyond the 90' mark.
Level IV: Over 100 logged open water dives. Highly competent, no limitation on club dives (apart from 130', no‑D). The diver should possess all skills, training and specialized equipment necessary for the intended dives. This diver has the knowledge and judgment necessary to decide whether or not he or she is ready and equipped for the dive in question. This diver is skilled enough to take a Level I or II diver on Level III dives or a Level III diver on level IV dives. These dives have a maximum depth of 130'.
Level V: At this level the diver has mastered all skills required for Levels I-IV. The diver is responsible to have appropriate training, posses all the skills, and specialized equipment necessary for the intended dives. Equipment must be suitable to the conditions with redundancy, The depth limit as been extended to 180, and decompression restrictions have been eliminated. This level requires progressive dives with the dive operator and the dive operator makes the ultimate decision on skill level, diver readiness and equipment needs.