Ice diving course
When the lakes freeze in winter, the diving season does not end. Under the ice you find a different world that few divers ever see, and you will discover that even in midwinter a lake is full of life. But ice diving means diving with a ceiling overhead: you can only return to the surface through the hole, so it takes special training, equipment and a team.
The Ice Diver course teaches you to plan and carry out dives under the ice safely, to work as a team and to act in unexpected situations.
What you learn
- Planning an ice dive and assessing the site and the safety of the ice.
- Preparing and marking the hole, and organising the work on the ice.
- Preparing equipment for cold water: dry suit, redundant regulators, protection against freezing.
- Using a safety line and communicating by line signals with the person on the surface.
- Taking the different team roles: diver, line tender and safety diver.
- Acting in emergencies: losing your orientation, a broken line, equipment failure.
- Understanding the effects of cold on the body and equipment, and keeping warm.
How the course runs
Theory
What makes ice diving special and its main hazards, team structure and responsibilities, contact with the surface, equipment configuration, keeping warm, emergency procedures and dive planning. The theory is backed up by real cases.
Dives under the ice
The practice takes place in winter in Lake Galvė, when the ice is thick and safe. Each dive starts with checking the site and the ice, preparing the hole and a final equipment check. Underwater you move on a safety line, work on your buoyancy and orientation under the ice, communicate with the surface team by line signals and practise emergency procedures. Between dives you are part of the surface team.
After the course
With a PADI or SDI Ice Diver certificate you understand the risks of ice diving and can plan and carry out a safe dive under the ice, working as a team with surface support.
Frequently asked questions
When does the ice diving course take place?
In winter, when the lake ice is thick and safe. We agree the date according to the ice conditions.
Is a dry suit required?
Yes, a dry suit is required for the ice diving course. If you have not dived in one yet, we recommend the dry suit course first.
Which certificate do I need?
Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent. The minimum age is 18.
How many dives are in the course?
The SDI Ice Diver course has two dives under the ice, PADI Ice Diver has three.