Level 3 / Master
Molchanovs Wave 3
6 to 7 days · Min depth 34 m
Take your freediving to a semi-professional level. Learn advanced equalization (mouthfill), FRC diving, stretching, and mental training. Includes 3 theory sessions, 2 pool sessions, 5 open water sessions, full equipment, certification. Can be done during a Master or Half Master course.
Wave 3 is the semi-professional tier of the Molchanovs system, the level that separates competent freedivers from genuinely advanced ones. You learn the mouthfill equalization that makes real depth possible, FRC (functional residual capacity) diving, dedicated stretching, and the mental training that keeps you calm past 34 metres. The course runs over six to seven days with 3 theory sessions, 2 pool sessions, and 5 open water sessions, full equipment and certification included. It can be taken on its own or folded into a Master or Half Master course.
What is included
- 3 theory, 2 pool and 5 open water sessions
- Mouthfill equalization, FRC diving and stretching
- Mental training for depth, min 34 m
- Full equipment and Molchanovs Wave 3 certification
Packages and add-ons: Can be done during a Master or Half Master course
Frequently asked questions
What do I need before Wave 3?
Wave 3 is the semi-professional Molchanovs level, so you should already be an advanced freediver, typically Wave 2 certified or equivalent. The course assumes you are comfortable at depth and ready to work on real advanced technique.
What is the depth requirement?
Wave 3 has a minimum depth requirement of 34 metres for certification. The training is built around taking you there with control and awareness.
What is mouthfill and FRC, and why do they matter here?
Mouthfill is the advanced equalization technique that makes deep dives possible past the point where normal equalization runs out, and FRC (functional residual capacity) diving trains you to dive on less air. Both are core to Wave 3 and to diving safely at semi-professional depth.
Can I do Wave 3 as part of a Master course?
Yes. Wave 3 can be taken on its own over six to seven days, or folded into a Master or Half Master course, which gives you more water time to reach the Molchanovs requirements.
Prerequisites
- Lap/Wave 2 certification (for Lap 3) or Wave 2 certification (for Wave 3), or successful completion of the corresponding crossover evaluation
- CPR/First Aid certificate (less than two years old)
You will learn to
- Understand advanced freediving physiology, including lung measurements, breathing, and failure depth
- Perform attention deconcentration before dives
- Comfortably hold your breath for 3'30"
- Dive 75 m in DYNB and 50 m in DNF with refined technique
- Perform dry packing, reverse packing, and mouthfill equalization
- Dive comfortably to 34 to 40 m in CWTB and FIM
- Refine depth technique and freefall for greater efficiency
- Perform Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) dives
- Safety freedivers from 20 m
- Act as an assistant instructor on Lap/Wave 1 and Wave 2 courses
Performance requirements
Pool
- STA 3'30"
- DYNB 75 m
- DNF 50 m
Open water
- CWTB & FIM 34 to 40 m or 29 m
- CNF 25 to 30 m
- CWTB Buddying 20 m
- Rescue 20 m + Surface Tow 20 m
This runs from our sailboat
Most of our sessions cast off from SV Freedom Fargo, our 40-foot twin-mast yacht and floating home base on the Gulf of Thailand.
See our boat