It happens: People accidentally drop things from docks, off boats or even while scuba diving. If you’ve ever lost something in the water and wanted to go find it, then the PADI Search & Recovery Diver Specialty course is for you. There are effective ways to search for objects underwater that increase your chances of success. And there are safer and better methods to bring up small, large or just awkward items. Search and recovery can be challenging, but a whole lot of fun.
To enroll in this course you must be:
- A PADI (Junior) Advanced Open Water Diver (or similar from another diving agency)
- At least age 12 or older
- A PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver with a PADI Underwater Navigation qualification.
Course Outline:
Gathering information and resources, then carefully planning a search are the first important steps you learn.
During four scuba dives you’ll practice:
- Swimming search patterns using your compass and natural navigation.
- Locating large and small objects using various search patterns.
- Using a lift bag for large or heavy objects, plus other recovery methods.
- Planning a search operation based on facts gathered about a lost object prior to the dive.
Get credit:
The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.
By completing this course you will also be one step closer to achieving the covenant title of Master Scuba Diver and joining the elite group of divers.
Equipment
Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a compass and underwater slate. Your Phoenix PADI Instructor may suggest other gear that may help with your searches, such as a dive light, marker buoys, lines and reels.
Getting Started
As soon as you sign up (added the course to your cart and payment cleared) with Phoenix Divers to do your PADI Search & Recovery Diver Course, you will receive an email with the learning information you need.
You will also get a PADI Search and Recovery Crew-Pak that includes your manual and video. By studying before class, you’ll be better prepared to start practising your search and recovery skills when you meet with your instructor.
Your Phoenix Divers PADI Instructor will then contact you about scheduling time for practical training.
- This course requires 3 - 4 days of practical assessment
- Normally over weekends but possible for during the week training