SDI Drift Diver
Start riding underwater currents like a pro.
Course Details
This exhilarating course teaches you to harness ocean currents effortlessly, transforming strong flows from potential hazards into nature’s underwater conveyor belt. You’ll learn specialised techniques for entering, navigating, and exiting drifts safely while covering expansive reef systems with minimal energy expenditure – perfect for photographers and marine life observers.
The programme combines current analysis with practical skills for managing buoyancy and positioning in moving water. From deploying surface marker buoys to communicating with boat crews, you’ll develop the confidence to enjoy drift dives in destinations worldwide while understanding when and how to exit currents safely.
Course Structure:
- Prerequisites: SDI Open Water Diver (or equivalent), minimum age 18 (10-17 with parental consent)
- Requirements: 2 drift dives (max 18m/60ft) demonstrating current management
- Junior Divers: Must drift dive with parent/guardian/professional
- Duration: Typically completed over 1-2 days
Drift Diving Reality:
While often described as “underwater flying”, the course emphasises that successful drift diving requires active participation – monitoring depth, air supply, and buddy positioning throughout the dive.
What You Will Learn
- Current Analysis: Read tides, waves and surge patterns
- Equipment Setup: Configure floats, reels and signalling devices
- Buoyancy Control: Maintain perfect trim in moving water
- Boat Protocols: Master drift-specific entry/exit techniques
- Safety Procedures: Deploy SMBs and navigate ascents in current
Key Benefits:
- Effortless Exploration: Cover large reef systems comfortably
- Marine Life Encounters: Approach pelagics moving with the current
- Travel Ready: Dive confidently in current-prone destinations
- Advanced Preparation: Counts toward SDI Advanced Diver Development
- Safety Awareness: Learn to assess when to avoid strong drifts
