SEARCH AND RECOVERY DIVER

Find What Others Can't

Whether it's a dropped camera, a lost anchor, a missing piece of dive equipment, or another valuable object, knowing how to locate and recover items underwater is a skill that every experienced diver can appreciate.

The PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty teaches you the techniques used by professional divers to efficiently search for and safely recover objects from beneath the surface. Through hands-on training, you'll learn how to conduct organized underwater searches, use lift bags, and work as part of a dive team to recover objects safely and effectively.

If you've ever wanted to become a more skilled, confident, and capable diver, this specialty is an excellent addition to your training.

During four open water training dives, you'll develop practical skills that can be applied on recreational dives around the world.

We will teach you how to:

Plan and organize underwater search operations
Use natural and compass navigation during searches
Perform expanding square, circular, and U-pattern search techniques
Work effectively with a dive buddy during recovery operations
Locate lost objects efficiently
Tie secure recovery knots
Safely use lift bags to recover heavy objects
Manage buoyancy while handling recovered items
Avoid common recovery hazards and entanglement risks
Conduct safe recovery operations while protecting the underwater environment

You'll gain valuable experience through realistic search scenarios designed to build confidence and problem-solving skills.

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Prerequisites

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another recognized training organization)
Minimum age: 12 years

Course Goals & Schedule

Typically completed over two days, including academics and four open water training dives.

Learn professional underwater search techniques
Gain confidence using lift bags and recovery equipment
Improve underwater navigation skills
Strengthen buoyancy and teamwork
Become a more capable and self-reliant diver
Prepare for more advanced diving opportunities
Build skills useful for dive clubs, local cleanups, and volunteer projects
Add one of the most practical specialty certifications to your diving résumé

Course Price and inclusions

$479 PER PERSON

PADI Search and Recovery Diver eLearning (if selected)
Knowledge development and instructor review
Four open water training dives
Professional instruction from a certified PADI Instructor
Lift bag and recovery equipment training
Underwater search exercises
PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty Certification upon successful completion