If you have completed the Wreck adventure dive during your Advanced Open Water course the you only need to complete three more dives to earn this specialty rating.
Keep getting lost on your dives? Not after you take this course. You'll spend a lot of time practicing different methods to find your way under water, so you can dive and lead with confidence. You will complete lots of different patterns underwater learning both compass navigation and underwater pilotage, also find out how to return to that exact same special place underwater.
Learn all about the myriads of underwater creatures you see when you dive - not just the fish, which are just a small part of the jigsaw.
Underwater maps can be used for dive briefings, survey work and environmental research. An asset for Divemaster candidates. After all you have to make an underwater map on your course, learn how to do this quickly and accurately.
The PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty Course teaches you how to configure and use one or two cylinders mounted at your sides instead of on your back. Experience a different way to streamline in the water, reduce lower back strain and take advantage of the increased gas supply for longer dives. Sidemount diving is configuring the diver’s cylinders under the diver’s arms, rather than on the back.
PADI’s overall training programs and philosophy support the proven system of diving with a partner for several reasons, not the least of which are its contributions to diver safety. PADI also recognizes that experienced divers, after being trained in the skills, knowledge and safety techniques of diving in a self-reliant manner, can be prepared to dive independent of a partner.
On this specialty course you will need to be completely at ease with your buoyancy control as during the course there will be a lots of tasks to complete underwater. You'll first examine and practice different search techniques then learn how and when to apply them. You will be covering circular, square pattern, " U " pattern and jackstay searches.
This course was written by our Course Director, Rod Abbotson and approved by PADI so that is counts towards Master Scuba Diver. It can be part of a special "Green" MSD package. This is also good on a diving CV if one wants to get a job in marine research as a PADI pro. The course primaraly looks at estimating aquatic life growth manmade structures.
If you're diving in the Red Sea, it's great to understand the reef and how to protect it. You'll examine reef organisms and ecosystems in the classroom, then apply your new knowledge in the water.
Buoyancy control is something many new divers complain about - this course will fine-tune your buoyancy skills with an array of exercises and games. Improving buoyancy helps to reduce air consumption, protects the reef (and the diver!) and, let's face it, makes you look cool when you're down.