How to find and raise an object underwater
The search and recovery course teaches you to search for objects underwater systematically and to raise them safely. Whether it is something lost in a lake, a sunken anchor or an archaeological find, what helps is a plan, the right search pattern and teamwork with your buddy. Luck is not much use underwater: visibility is often poor and the bottom looks the same everywhere.
What you learn
- Planning a search: assessing the site, visibility, currents and the kind of object you are looking for
- Using search patterns: circular, jackstay, grid and compass-based
- Measuring distance by kick cycles, time or line, and finding your way by the shape of the bottom, plants and light
- Marking where you found something and communicating with your buddy and the surface team
- Using lift bags, lines and markers
- Judging an object's weight and shape and raising it safely to the surface
How the course runs
Theory
Search planning and patterns, measuring distance, natural navigation, choosing and filling lift bags, knots, assessing the object and safety while lifting. You also cover marking a position at the surface and agreeing on signals.
Practice on land
You fill lift bags, lay lines, use a marker and practise communicating with the surface team.
Dives
First you search for small objects in shallow water, combining search patterns with the compass and natural references. Later you look for larger objects in harder conditions, including poor visibility, and raise objects of different weights with a lift bag. After each dive the instructor assesses your skills and talks through what could be done better.
Where it helps
Search and recovery skills are useful for finding lost equipment, exploring wrecks and taking part in underwater expeditions in Lithuania and abroad. The course also sharpens your navigation and buoyancy, because searching takes precision.
Frequently asked questions
Which certificate do I need to start?
For the PADI course you need Advanced Open Water Diver, or Open Water Diver plus Underwater Navigator. For the SDI course Open Water Diver or an equivalent is enough.
How many dives are in the course?
The PADI course has four dives, made over at least two days. The SDI course has two dives.
Do I need my own equipment?
No, we provide the diving equipment for the course.
Which certificate will I get?
An international PADI or SDI Search and Recovery Diver certificate.