A - DEFINITION
A TDA/CMAS Three Star Diver is a fully trained, experienced, and responsible diver who is considered competent to lead other divers of any grade in open water dives.

B - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- Since obtaining the two star diver certificate the diver should have carried out at least 40 dives in the l0-30 meters range, of which 20 should be in the 30 + meters range.

C - COURSE CONTENT
Knowledge
Must have a comprehensive understanding of:
- Diving physics and physiology, the causes and effects of diving-related illnesses and disorders and their treatment.
- Diving first aid, resuscitation techniques.
- The problems associated with diving beyond 30 meters, calculation of air requirements and correct use of decompression tables.
- The selection of dive sites, the principles of dive planning, and the selection and assessment of divers.
- The principles and practices of underwater navigation.
- The basic principles of seamanship and small boat handling.
- Hazards due to flora and fauna or resulting from local and weather conditions.
- The legal responsibilities of divers.
Skills
- Be fully competent and familiar with sports diving equipment, and its use at all depths.
- Be competent in the organization of diving activities for groups both from the shore and from boats.
- Be competent in self-rescue and buddy rescue techniques from depths in the lo-30 meters range, and the care and treatment of victims.

D - ASSESSMENT
In the "continuous assessment" system the above knowledge and skills will be assessed at various points during the course, and the certificate will only be awarded if the diver is judged to have reached the required standard.
In order to achieve the level of TDA/CMAS Three Star Diver, the students should demonstrate in the course of the program that they have the ability to carry out the following under diving conditions:
- Demonstrate competence in the use of mask, fins, and snorkel, by swimming 1500 meters, followed by a 10 meters surface dive to recover an object.
- Demonstrate fitness and ability to support self and/or victim following fast surface swim of 100 meters and 20 second surface dive, a surface period of 10 seconds maximum followed by a further snorkel dive to 3m to recover a mannequin of 1.5 kg apparent weight, to be towed on the surface for 50m.
- Wearing full equipment, swim on the surface 1000 meters using snorkel.
- Demonstrate self-rescue and buddy rescue techniques from depths in the lo-30 meters range, followed by surface tow of victim.
- Demonstrate ability to navigate underwater with and without use of compass over a distance of 50 meters.
- Demonstrate ability to handle ropes and tie knots underwater.
- Be able to participate in the normal running of a dive boat.
- Be able to lead a group underwater, maintaining control, following a dive plan and route, and returning safely to the surface from any depth range.
- Demonstrate the ability to use charts and tide tables in the selection and location of dive sites.
A test, using oral or written techniques, should be used to establish the diver’s standard of knowledge.
The assessment will be made in accordance with the rules of the TDA and CMAS.