Search and Recovery Diver

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. 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. And 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 you will learn

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.

Equipment

Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a compass, an underwater slate, marker buoys, lines and reels.

Getting Started

Start learning with PADI’s home-study materials – Search and Recovery eLearning. Read and watch the video about Search and Recovery, then interact with knowledge checks in preparation for your 4 drift dives with us.

Requirements & Rates

  • Minimum Age: 12 years old.
  • PADI (Junior) Advanced Open Water Diver.
  • OR PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers with a PADI Underwater Navigator certification.
  • Time Commitment: 4 dives in approx 2 days.
  • Price for eLearning: Click here for Rates
  • Price for practice part Click here for Rates

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