SDI Wreck Limited Penetration Course

SDI Wreck Limited Penetration Course: Explore Sunken History, Safely

Wreck diving offers a unique glimpse into history and a chance to see marine life thriving in an artificial reef environment. The SDI Wreck Limited Penetration Course teaches you the essential skills and techniques to explore wrecks safely and responsibly.

This course covers both non-penetration and limited-penetration wreck diving. Limited penetration is defined as staying within the ambient light of the entry point – essentially, exploring swim-throughs and larger openings. You'll learn about:

• Wreck Research and Planning: How to gather information about a wreck before you dive it.
• Specialized Equipment: The use of lights (primary and backup), knives, cutting devices, and lines/reels.
• Navigation and Mapping: Techniques for charting a wreck and finding your way, even in limited visibility.
• Line Handling: Proper use of lines for navigation and safety during limited penetration.
• Buoyancy and Propulsion: Mastering skills to avoid silting and protect the wreck environment.
• Emergency Procedures: Handling potential hazards and emergencies specific to wreck diving.
• Buddy Techniques

This course is designed for certified divers who want to expand their skills and explore the fascinating world of wrecks.

Prerequisites:

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent
• Minimum age 18 (15 for limited penetration with parental consent, 10 for non-penetration with parental consent)
• Deep Diver Specialty certification (or proof of experience) for dives deeper than 18 meters/60 feet.
• Junior Open Water Divers may not participate in any penetration activities or dives deeper than 18 meters/60 feet.

What You Get: Upon successful completion, you'll be certified to dive wrecks similar to those you experienced during training, and to plan and execute wreck dives (including limited penetration, if that option is chosen). This certification also counts as one specialty towards the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program. This course can be taught with 2 dives (non-penetration) or 3 dives (limited penetration).

Key Topics:

• Why wreck dive?
• Surface support considerations
• Communication (when/if necessary)
• Backup procedures
• Buddy system techniques
• Navigation and charting
• Special equipment (lights, knives, lines/reels)
• Limited visibility diving techniques
• Psychological considerations of wreck diving
• Safe wreck diving practices
• Mapping techniques
• Emergency procedures

Prerequisites:

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent
• Minimum age 18 (15 for limited penetration, 10 for non-penetration, with parental consent)
• Deep Diver Specialty or equivalent experience for dives > 18m/60ft.

Outcomes:

• Certification to dive wrecks similar to training
• Ability to plan and execute wreck dives (including limited penetration, if chosen)
• Counts as one specialty towards SDI Advanced Diver Development Program
• Counts towards Master Scuba Diver