The courses in the PSS Worldwide Free Diving division cover a number of activities generally defined using the terms "free diving" and "snorkeling" or "snorkelling" (in American or British English). When using the term "snorkeling" PSS means the activity of observing the underwater world from the surface while simply swimming using snorkeling equipment. Snorkeling activities may also include making a few shallow dives ("skin diving"), within the ability of even beginners, below the surface. Instead, the term "free diving" means a more demanding activity carried out at deeper depths and therefore not limited to proximity to the surface.
In each case it is generally an activity carried out for personal enjoyment and is therefore often defined as "recreational". It is therefore necessary that PSS Worldwide establishes the safety limits able to fully define the concept of a " recreational activity carried out in safety".
Limits for recreational snorkeling and free diving activities:
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Snorkeling for Juniors: max 1.5 m (5 feet)
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Snorkeling: max 2.5 m (8 feet)
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Skin Diver: max 5 m (16 feet)
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Junior Free Diver: max 8 m (26 feet)
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Free Diver: max 10 m (33 feet)
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Advanced Free Diver: max 20 m (66 feet)
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Technical Free Diving: varies with the course level
The snorkeling and free diving courses are conducted in collaboration with the world champion Gianluca Genoni.