SDI Boat Diver
Ready to master the art of boat diving?
Course Details
This essential speciality course prepares divers to confidently navigate all aspects of boat diving – from small private vessels to luxury liveaboards. You’ll learn proper boarding techniques, safety protocols, and how to adapt your diving skills to different marine environments, ensuring smooth sailing on dive trips worldwide.
The programme covers critical knowledge like boat selection, emergency equipment location, and marine etiquette while teaching practical skills for entries/exits in varying conditions. Whether you’re planning Caribbean charters or local lake dives, these skills will make you a competent, self-sufficient boat diver who crews appreciate and fellow divers trust.
Course Details:
- Prerequisites: SDI Open Water Diver (or equivalent), minimum age 18 (10-17 with parental consent)
- Requirements: 80% pass on boat safety knowledge, 2+ practical boat dives
- Junior Divers: Must boat dive with parent/guardian/professional post-certification
What You Will Learn
- Boat Types: Identify features of liveaboards, charters and private vessels
- Safety Systems: Locate and use life preservers, emergency oxygen and navigation equipment
- Dive Planning: Prepare boat-specific gear configurations and checklists
- Marine Protocols: Master boarding procedures, ladder techniques and crew communications
- Specialty Entries: Practice giant stride, back roll and current-line deployments
Key Benefits:
- Global Readiness: Dive confidently from any vessel worldwide
- Safety Awareness: Understand US Coast Guard and international boat standards
- Trip Confidence: Maximise enjoyment on paid charters or friends’ boats
- Advanced Preparation: Counts toward SDI Advanced Diver Development
- Professional Edge: Essential for divemaster/instructor career paths
