PADI vs Molchanovs Freediving Courses in Melbourne: Which Should You Choose?
A practical comparison of the two main certification systems available in Melbourne — what's different, what matters, and how to decide.
If you're researching freediving courses in Melbourne, you'll encounter two primary certification systems: PADI Freediver and Molchanovs. (AIDA is also available through Drifters Freediving, but this guide focuses on the systems most Melbourne providers offer.)
The Short Answer
The quality of your instructor matters more than the certification system.
A great instructor teaching PADI will give you better training than a mediocre instructor teaching Molchanovs, and vice versa. Both systems can produce competent, safe freedivers when taught well.
Understanding Each System
PADI Freediver
Background: PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world's largest dive training organisation, founded in 1966 primarily for scuba diving. They expanded into freediving education more recently.
Philosophy: PADI brings a recreational diving focus with systematic, standardised training materials. Their approach emphasises accessibility and clear progression.
Melbourne availability: Salt Sessions Freediving is the primary PADI Freediver provider in Melbourne.
Molchanovs
Background: Created by Natalia Molchanova (the most decorated competitive freediver in history) and continued by her son Alexey Molchanova (current world record holder). Co-developed with Adam Stern, Australia's national record holder.
Philosophy: Designed specifically for freediving by elite competitive freedivers. Emphasises technique, relaxation, and the mental aspects of breath-hold diving.
Melbourne availability: Freediving Family/Freediving Australia is the primary Molchanovs provider in Melbourne.
Level Structure Comparison
PADI Freediver Levels
Basic Freediver: Pool only introduction
Freediver: Foundation including depth (~10m)
Advanced Freediver: 2:30 static, 50m dynamic, 20m depth, 10m rescue
Master Freediver: 3:30 static, 75m dynamic, advanced skills
Molchanovs Levels
Molchanovs splits into two tracks:
Wave (Open Water/Depth Focus): Wave 1 through Wave 4, progressing from foundation to expert depth training.
Lap (Pool/Dynamic Focus): Lap 1 through Lap 4, progressing from foundation to expert pool disciplines.
The Wave/Lap distinction allows divers to specialise based on their interests.
Key Differences That Matter
1. System Origin and Focus
PADI: Developed within a scuba diving organisation. Freediving is one program among many.
Molchanovs: Developed by world-champion freedivers specifically for freediving. The entire system focuses on breath-hold diving without scuba heritage.
2. Ongoing Training Integration
PADI: After certification, continued development depends on taking additional courses.
Molchanovs: Includes "Base Training" — ongoing training programs written by elite athletes. Certified divers get access to structured post-course development.
3. Wave/Lap Specialisation
PADI: Integrated progression through each level covers both pool and depth.
Molchanovs: Allows divers to pursue depth (Wave) or pool (Lap) tracks independently.
4. Brand Recognition
PADI: Enormous global recognition. Universally known if you travel and dive with international operators.
Molchanovs: Growing recognition, especially in dedicated freediving communities. Less known in general diving circles.
Melbourne Provider Comparison
Salt Sessions Freediving (PADI)
PADI Freediver courses (Basic through Master)
Molchanovs courses also available
Monthly courses from the Mornington Peninsula
Pool sessions at Yawa Aquatic Center or Pines
Kilsby Sinkhole retreats
Freediving Family / Freediving Australia (Molchanovs)
Molchanovs Wave and Lap courses
Part of a national network
Maximum 8 students per course, 4:1 ratio
Unlimited return sessions if requirements not met
Weekly pool training sessions
Access to Base Training post-certification
What About AIDA?
AIDA (Association Internationale pour le Développement de l'Apnée) is the third major certification system, available in Melbourne through Drifters Freediving.
AIDA strengths:
International governing body for competitive freediving
Strong competitive pathway
Long history and established standards
Often more affordable courses
If competitive freediving is your goal, AIDA certification connects you to the competitive structure.
Making Your Decision
Choose PADI If:
Global brand recognition matters to you
You already have PADI scuba certifications
You plan to travel and dive internationally
You prefer integrated pool and depth progression
Choose Molchanovs If:
You want ongoing training (Base Training) included
Specialisation in depth or pool appeals to you
You value the elite freediving origins of the system
Freediving Family's community appeals
Choose AIDA If:
Competitive freediving is your primary interest
Budget is a significant constraint
You specifically want AIDA-recognized certification
Don't Choose Based On:
Assumptions about quality: Both PADI and Molchanovs can deliver excellent training
Marketing claims: Every provider says they're the best
Price alone: The cheapest option isn't necessarily the best value
The Most Important Factor
The instructor matters more than the system.
A great instructor will explain concepts clearly, watch you closely, provide specific feedback, prioritise your safety, and build your confidence progressively.
When evaluating providers:
Ask about instructor experience and background
Ask about student-to-instructor ratios
Ask what happens if you don't meet requirements
Trust your instincts about communication quality
Can You Switch Systems Later?
Yes. Certifications aren't permanent locks into one system. You can take courses in different systems, and cross-over certifications exist in some cases. The knowledge and skills transfer.
Final Thoughts
Both PADI and Molchanovs produce competent freedivers when taught by quality instructors. Choose based on which provider's schedule and location works for you, whether ongoing training integration matters, your specific goals, and your gut feeling about the provider.
Then focus on learning as much as possible, practicing consistently, and building experience progressively. The certification card matters far less than the skills, knowledge, and habits you develop.
Welcome to freediving — whichever system you choose.