Retrieve lost items that have fallen overboard or over a dock. Learn effective swimming patterns and using a lift bag for heavy objects.
It happens: People accidentally drop things from docks, off boats or even while scuba diving. There are effective ways to search for objects underwater that increase the chances of success— PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty course.
There are good & better methods to bring up small, large or awkward items. Search and recovery can be challenging, but a whole lot of fun.
PADI (Junior) Advanced Open Water Divers who are at least 12 years old can enroll in the Search and Recovery Diver course. PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers with a PADI Underwater Navigator certification also qualify.
Academic
Gathering information and resources, then carefully planning a search are the first important steps learned. During four scuba dives students will practice:
Locating large and small objects using various search patterns
Swimming search patterns using your compass and natural navigation
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
Equipment
In addition to basic scuba equipment, students will need a compass and underwater slate. When we meet, we will discuss any additional suggestions for other gear, such as a dive light, marker buoys, lines and reels.
To talk with our PADI Course Director, contact Michael Casey by calling (267) 257-9782.
Students may be able to get college credit for this PADI Specialty course. Ask the instructor. The first dive of this PADI Specialty course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward Advanced Open Water Diver certification. Ask the instructor about earning credit.
Requirements
12 years old
PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver
PADI Underwater Navigator certification
Getting Started
Contact me directly to enroll in the course and to get a PADI course manual. By studying before class, students will be better prepared when we meet for in-water components.
An eLearning option is available. Contact Michael Casey to obtain a code and to start the course.