PADI Wreck Diver Course

Are you curious about ships that have been claimed by the sea? Are you a history buff, a photographer, or an underwater naturalist?

For as long as there have been divers and shipwrecks, there have been wreck divers. There are so many diving opportunities on shipwrecks in New England and beyond that divers are interested in shipwrecks for a variety of reasons.

Mystery and curiosity: Shipwrecks have always fascinated divers with their mystery. When a diver approaches a shipwreck there is a feeling of curiosity. How did it get there? What was it carrying? What men once lived and worked here? History: Increasingly, the remains of sunken ships tell marine archeologists about man's history. A wreck diver willing to research archives may find the history of a favorite shipwreck and add to it by sifting through clues on the wreck itself. Aquatic Life: Shipwrecks quickly become artificial reefs (some ships are sunk intentionally for that reason). These wrecks attract new underwater life & provide new habitat. In many areas, shipwrecks are among the best places to observe aquatic life. Photography: Thanks to their structures, the life that inhabits wrecks tends to attract photographers trying to catch the perfect shot.

Course Highlights

The purpose of the PADI Wreck Diver course is to familiarize divers with the skills, knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, hazards and enjoyment of wreck diving. You will develop practical knowledge of the shipwreck environment, raise your awareness of the historical value of wrecks and the social and legal issues surrounding that value, and learn skills that will enable you to plan and organize dives to safely explore wrecks within the limits of recreational diving. One evening academic session and four open water dives.

Prerequisites: PADI Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Minimum age is 15.

Instructional Equipment: Students will receive the PADI Wreck Diver manual and access to the PADDI Wreck Diving video. Students will need a pony bottle and separate reg. (Items can be rented from Northeast Scuba).

Required Equipment and Materials: Students are responsible for providing a complete SCUBA equipment package including mask, fins, snorkel, boots, appropriate exposure protection, (students wishing to use dry suits must show proof of dry suit certification or they may elect to use Northeast Scuba's dry suit option for the course), hood, mitts or gloves, BCD with LPI , regulator with octopus or alternate air source (not a "Spare air"), SPG, depth gauge, timer or watch, compass, weight system, two tanks, knife, whistle, RDP and log book. Note: some of the very basic equipment items may be available for rental, however items such as masks, fins, snorkels, timers, knives, and whistles must be purchased. A pony bottle and separate regulator is required for the pool orientation session and dives. This may be rented from Northeast Scuba for $20.00

Tuition: $250.00 + Material and Boat dives.