Search and Recovery

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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.

PADI (Junior) Advanced Open Water Divers who are at least 12 years  old can enroll in the Search and Recover Diver course. PADI (Junior)  Open Water Divers with a PADI Underwater Navigator certification also  qualify.

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.

You may be able to get college credit for the Search and Recovery course – ask your instructor.

Also, 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.