SDI Search and Recovery Course

SDI Search and Recovery Diver Course: Become an Underwater Detective!

Ever wondered how divers locate lost objects underwater? The SDI Search and Recovery Diver course teaches you the specialized skills and techniques to plan, execute, and successfully complete search and recovery dives. This isn't just about finding things; it's about mastering navigation, problem-solving, and teamwork.

This course covers everything from basic compass use to advanced search patterns, including:

• Navigation: Mastering both compass and natural navigation techniques.
• Limited Visibility Diving: Learning how to operate effectively in low-visibility conditions.
• Search Techniques: Practicing various search patterns, like circular searches, grid searches, and current searches.
• Salvage Techniques: Understanding the principles of lift bags, lifting drums, and other recovery devices.
• Knots and Rigging: Learning essential knots for securing and lifting objects.
• Planning and Execution: Developing the skills to plan and execute a complete search and recovery operation.

You'll put these skills to the test in open water, practicing different search patterns and recovering objects from depth. It's a challenging and rewarding course that will significantly expand your diving capabilities.

Who should take this course? Any certified diver who wants to develop advanced skills, learn about specialized equipment, and add a new dimension to their diving.

Prerequisites: SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, SDI Junior Open Water Diver, or equivalent. Minimum age 18 (15 with parental consent).

What You Get: Upon successful completion, you'll be certified to engage in search and recovery diving activities, within the limits of your training and experience. This certification also counts as one specialty towards the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program.

Key Topics:

• Navigation (compass use, estimating distances, natural navigation)
• Limited visibility diving (factors affecting visibility, hazards, techniques)
• Search techniques (shotgun, circular, grid, current/overlap)
• Signals for search diving
• Salvage techniques (depth considerations, lift bags, lifting drums, fill techniques, mud/silt suction)
• Knots and rigging
• Dive planning for search and recovery
• Simulated scuba emergencies using search techniques

Prerequisites:

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent
• Minimum age 18 (15 with parental consent)

Outcomes:

• Certification to engage in search and recovery diving activities (within training limits)
• Counts as one specialty towards SDI Advanced Diver Development Program
• Counts towards Master Scuba Diver