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 and Recovery Diver Specialty course is for you. There are effective ways to search for objects underwater that increase your chances of success. There are good and better methods to bring up small, large or just awkward items. Search and recovery can be challenging, but a whole lot of fun.

What Will You Learn?

Gathering information and resources, then carefully planning a search are the first important steps you learn. Your Search and Recovery manual, along with discussion on the course, will form the basic theory for the course. 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

What Scuba Gear Will You Use?

Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a compass and underwater slate. You are also going to be using a marker buoy, rope for securing items and a lift bag to bring them to the surface. We can provide any equipment you don’t already own for the course.

Prerequisites

PADI Advanced Open Water Divers who are at least 12 years old can sign up for the Search and Recovery Diver course. PADI Open Water Divers with a PADI Underwater Navigator certification also qualify.