Master Course

Refine your depth, technique, and mastery

AIDA4 / Wave 3 is for advanced freedivers who want to train at a higher level with deeper knowledge, more precise technique, and stronger self-awareness in the water. This course is designed for serious progression. It builds on your advanced foundation and introduces deeper training concepts, more demanding equalisation work, and higher-level safety awareness. AIDA positions AIDA4 as training beyond recreational freediving, while Molchanovs presents Wave 3 as its Master Freediving level.

Duration

4+ Days

Level

Master Level

Max Depth

Pool + Open Water

Certification

AIDA4 / Wave 3

Experience Needed

Advanced Certification Required

For Freedivers Ready For Serious Development

This course is designed for certified advanced freedivers who want more than just the next number. At this level, training becomes more technical, more disciplined, and more individual. The focus is not only on going deeper, but on understanding how to train better, manage pressure more effectively, and build the control required for deeper freediving. AIDA says AIDA4 familiarises students with techniques, knowledge, and safety procedures for deep freediving beyond recreational freediving. Molchanovs says Wave 3 prepares students to train toward comfortable dives in the 34–40m range.

This Course Is For You If…

You already hold an advanced freediving certification
You want to progress into deeper and more technical training
You want to refine equalisation, efficiency, and control
You are serious about structured long-term development
You may be preparing for higher-level personal or professional goals

Both systems place this level after AIDA3 / Wave 2 and require prior advanced certification or crossover evaluation. AIDA also requires a recent First Aid with CPR qualification for AIDA4, and Molchanovs requires CPR/First Aid less than two years old for Wave 3.

What You Will Build At Master Level

Deeper freediving theory and training concepts
More advanced equalisation skills
Better efficiency and relaxation under pressure
Stronger depth awareness and technique refinement
Higher-level safety judgement
More structured understanding of long-term training

AIDA says AIDA4 introduces techniques including FRC diving, mouth-fill equalization, and packing. Molchanovs says Wave 3 teaches students to equalize below residual volume and train for deeper open water performance

How The Course Works

1. Theory

Develop a deeper understanding of advanced freediving concepts, training methods, pressure, equalisation, and safety considerations. AIDA includes higher-level theory topics as part of AIDA4, while Molchanovs frames Wave 3 as mastery-level education.

2. Pool / Confined Water

Refine breath-hold control, relaxation, technique, and body awareness in a more demanding training environment. Both AIDA4 and Wave 3 include pool-based performance and skill development.

3. Open Water

Apply advanced skills in depth sessions focused on control, efficiency, and deeper adaptation. AIDA lists a maximum open water depth of 38m for AIDA4 standards, while Molchanovs says Wave 3 prepares students to freedive comfortably to 34–40m.

Before Joining

An advanced freediving certification is required
A recent CPR / First Aid certificate is required
You should already be comfortable with structured depth training
You should be medically fit to dive
This is not an entry-level or intermediate course

AIDA’s published prerequisites for AIDA4 include being 18 or older, completion of AIDA3 or an AIDA3 crossover evaluation, and First Aid with CPR within the last two years. Molchanovs Wave 3 similarly requires Wave 2 or crossover evaluation plus CPR/First Aid less than two years old.

One Master-Level Stage, Two Recognised Systems

This page presents Master Freediving as one clear stage in the progression. Depending on how the course is delivered, certification may be through AIDA4 or Molchanovs Wave 3. Both represent a serious step into deeper and more technical freediving, with stronger standards, more advanced theory, and greater training demands than the advanced level below.

What This Level Works Toward

At this level, performance matters more, but it still sits inside a bigger goal: mastering technique, safety, and control. AIDA’s published AIDA4 requirements are 3:30 STA, 70m DYNB, 32m CWTB, and a 75% theory exam pass mark. Molchanovs Wave 3 lists pool requirements of 3:30 STA, 75m DYNB, 50m DNF, with open water requirements in the 34–40m range depending on discipline. The exact standards followed will depend on the certification route offered.

FAQ

Do I need previous certification?

Yes. This course is for freedivers who have already completed an advanced-level certification such as AIDA3 or Wave 2, or who meet crossover requirements.

Is this suitable for recreational freedivers?

It is suitable for serious recreational freedivers who want to train at a much higher level. AIDA specifically says AIDA4 goes beyond recreational freediving in terms of techniques and safety procedures.

Will I train in both pool and open water?

Yes. Both AIDA4 and Wave 3 include theory, pool training, and open water depth work.

What is the difference between AIDA4 and Wave 3?

They are two recognised certifications at a similar master-level stage. The exact standards and structure differ, but both are designed for experienced freedivers progressing into deeper and more technical training.

What comes after this course?

For many students, the next step is instructor development or a more customised long-term training path.

Train With Greater Depth And Mastery

If you already have advanced certification and are ready for a more serious stage of freediving, this course helps you refine technique, deepen understanding, and progress with more control.
After Master level, some freedivers continue into instructor training or more specialised long-term development.

AIDA’s education ladder continues from beginner to instructor level, and Molchanovs also places Wave 3 as a precursor to higher-level instructor pathways.