Boat diving course
Diving from a boat is one of the easiest ways to dive: the boat takes you where you cannot reach from the shore, you dive from it and come back to it. But it still takes skills: choosing the boat and where to leave it, entering the water properly and getting back safely, and when you surface, telling your boat from the others.
The Boat Diver course is for new divers and for those who want to dive confidently from all kinds of boats, on lakes, at sea and on trips.
What you learn
- Entering the water safely and climbing back on board, even in waves.
- Choosing the boat and dive site with currents, weather and surroundings in mind.
- Getting ready on board: stowing your gear, boat etiquette and basic nautical terms.
- Telling your boat from other floating objects and finding your way around it.
- Using lines and a surface marker buoy (SMB) when needed.
- Coordinating with your buddy or group and reacting quickly when something unexpected happens.
How the course runs
Theory
Types of boats and their safety equipment, dive planning, weather and currents, behaviour on board and handling emergencies.
Boat dives
You make two dives from a boat with your instructor. You practise entering and exiting, stowing your gear on board, swimming away from the boat and back to it. For each dive you work out and log the plan yourself, including the surface interval and the no-decompression limit.
Certificate
When you finish you receive an international PADI or SDI Boat Diver certificate.
What comes next
In warm countries diving from boats is an everyday thing, so this course is especially useful when you travel. To dive on wrecks at sea, continue with the Wreck Diver course.
Frequently asked questions
Is it for me if I have never dived from a boat?
Yes. An Open Water Diver or equivalent certificate is enough; no boat diving experience is needed.
How many dives are in the course?
Two dives from a boat with your instructor.
Why learn boat diving?
Many dive sites can only be reached by boat. The course teaches you to get off the boat and back on safely, keep order on board and not get lost in the water.
Do I need my own equipment?
No. Diving equipment is included in the course price.