Search and Recovery Diver

OVERVIEW

This course is to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge to do those underwater tasks commonly needed by the experienced recreational diver and to minimize the risks of such tasks.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Specific subject areas to be covered are as follows:

• Underwater navigation – provides the diver with the skills needed to use a compass and natural aids for orientation, in order to establish position, get about and find particular locations while submerged. The theory, problems, methods, equipment, distance/time relationships and use of charts are to be included.
• Limited visibility diving - prepares the diver with the skills and knowledge needed to function and minimize the risk of diving in turbid water and at night. The problems, methods, equipment, hazards and cautions, plus safety procedures are to be included.
• Search methods - provide the diver with the background to understand and select a search pattern and then perform a search using proper techniques. The problems, methods, procedures and equipment are to be included.
• Light salvage or recovery - prepares the diver to handle the recovery of small to intermediate-size objects with limited equipment. The theory, problems, hazards, methods, equipment and principles involved are to be covered. The necessary rigging and knot tying are also to be included.

PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE

• Age. Minimum is 15 years.
• Certification: Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.