Queensland Search & Recovery Scuba Diver Course

• SDI E-Learning & Certification: Access to official SDI Search and Recovery Diver e-Learning course materials and digital certification card upon successful completion.
• 4 Training Dives: Guided open-water training dives focusing on underwater search patterns, object rigging, and lift bag operations.
• Specialized Gear Use: Use of search and recovery specialty equipment during training, including lift bags, search reels, compasses, and rigging equipment.
• Instructor Guidance: Professional instruction and direct supervision from a certified SDI Instructor.

Phase 1: Digital E-Learning (Prior to In-Person Training)

• Complete online SDI Search and Recovery Diver e-Learning modules covering navigation theories, underwater search patterns, lift bag physics, knots, and rigging safety.

Day 1: Search Patterns & Navigation Workshop

• 08:00 AM – Orientation & Knots Workshop
  • Meet at the dive center for registration, a briefing on search protocols, and hands-on practice tying search and recovery knots (bowline, two half-hitches, sheet bend).
• 09:30 AM – Open Water Dive 1 (Search Patterns & Compass Navigation)
  • Practice executing underwater search patterns (expanding square, circular, U-pattern/grid search) to locate missing objects using compass and line navigation.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch Break & Surface Interval
• 01:30 PM – Open Water Dive 2 (Object Location & Small Item Retrieval)
  • Perform search patterns to locate small-to-medium lost items and practice controlled underwater recovery procedures.
• 03:30 PM – Debriefing & Day 1 Review
  • Review navigation logs and practice knot-tying for Day 2 lift bag operations.

Day 2: Rigging, Lift Bags & Certification

• 08:30 AM – Lift Bag & Rigging Safety Briefing
  • Detailed safety briefing on lift bag capacities, rigging heavy loads, managing expanding air during ascent, and preventing runaway ascents.
• 09:30 AM – Open Water Dive 3 (Lift Bag Rigging & Heavy Object Recovery)
  • Rig heavy simulated submerged objects using appropriate knots, attach lift bags, and perform controlled ascents using lift bag dump valves.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch Break & Surface Interval
• 01:30 PM – Open Water Dive 4 (Scenario-Based Search & Recovery Operation)
  • Execute a complete simulated search and recovery scenario: plan the search operation, execute grid searches to locate a target, rig the object, and safely recover it to the surface.
• 03:30 PM – Gear Rinse & Certification Finalization
  • Clean and rinse lift bags and dive gear, log your training dives, and process your official SDI Search and Recovery Diver digital certification.

• SDI

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Suitable for divers with Advanced Open Water Diver (or hold a qualifying certification from another agency) age 16 years old or older. If you haven’t dived in over 12 months, a quick "Scuba Review" or Refresher session is required for your safety.

Not suitable for pregnant women or anyone that has a history of certain medical conditions (especially those affecting the respiratory, circulatory, or nervous systems—e.g., severe asthma, epilepsy, recent major surgery, or heart conditions)

A completed Medical Statement is required. If any "Yes" answers are marked, a physician's written clearance is mandatory.

Life happens so we keep cancellations simple. Enjoy free cancellation for 14 days from the time of booking or find an equally qualified suitable replacement up to 30 days prior to diving.