Padi Diver Specialties

AWARE Fish ID | Boat Diver | Cavern Diver | Drift Diver | Deep Diver | Dry Suit Diver | Equipment Specialist | Multilevel Diver | Underwater Naturalist | Underwater Navigator | Night Diver | Enriched Air Diver (nitrox) | Underwater Photo | Peak Performance Buoyancy | Search & Recovery | Underwater Video | Underwater Hunter | Wreck Diver | Manatee Specialty

Aware Fish ID

If you'd like to take the AWARE ' Fish Identification Diver program, you'll need at least your PADI Open Water Diver (Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent) certification and be at least 10 years old.

During the AWARE ' Fish Identification Diver program you'll go on two open water dives (which will be completed in one day). The first dive allows you to practice basic fish identification techniques, while the second dive prompts you to collect fish identification data for submission to the REEF Fish Survey Project (if appropriate). After the dives, you're required to log the experience in your personal log book.

This program covers the knowledge and techniques for identifying fish common to your local area. The following is included in your PADI AWARE ' Fish Identification Diver program:

• The Project AWARE philosophy about protecting worldwide aquatic ecosystems.
• Fish family groupings and common characteristics of fish species found in the local area.
• Fish surveying techniques and strategies for collecting valid data.
• The planning, organization, and procedures for identifying fish families and species while diving.

At the discretion of your instructor, the AWARE ' Fish Identification elective dive from the Adventures In Diving program may count toward the certification requirements of this specialty program.

Boat Diver

The PADI Boat Diver program makes diving easy ' just take one giant step off the front and you're in the water! To start the program you'll need at least your PADI Open Water Diver (Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent) certification and be at least 10 years old.

During the Boat Diver program you'll go on two open water dives, which must be ' you got it ' conducted from a boat. (Both dives may be conducted in one day.) It's a good idea, but not required, that you enroll in this program to learn the techniques and procedures for diving from different types of boats (inflatable boats, hard-hulled day boats, cabin cruisers, live-aboards, sailboats, etc.). That's a good thing ' the more boats you dive from, the more diving you to do!

Deep Diver

PADI's Deep Diver program offers you the adventure of a lifetime ' going deep to see things others only dream about. To join the deep diving crowd, you'll need at least your Adventures In Diving and be at least 15 years old.

The program includes four open water dives, which are conducted over at least two days. The minimum depth for the deep dives is between 18 to 30 meters/60 to 100 feet, with no dive exceeding 40 meters/130 feet. All your dives will be conducted within the no-decompression limits, with deeper dives conducted first.

During your program, you'll cover the knowledge, skills and techniques needed to dive deep. The following is included in the PADI Deep Diver program:

• Planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of deep diving.
• Risk factors and decompression-tables review.
• Safety stops and emergency decompression procedures.
• Special equipment, descent lines and buoyancy-control considerations.
• Procedures for flying after diving and high-altitude diving.
• Orientation to re compression chambers.

The core Deep Dive conducted during the Adventures In Diving or Advanced Plus program may be counted toward this specialty at the discretion of the instructor.

Cavern Diver

Come learn at one of the most exciting cavern destinations in the world! To take advantage of this extraordinary program, you need to be at least a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and 18 years of age.

Cavern diving is defined as any dive conducted within the light zone of a cave. The light zone is area near the entrance of the cave where you can see natural light at all times. You'll go on four dives during the PADI Cavern Diving program (which will be conducted over two days).

During your first dive (which is conducted in open water), you'll practice the use of lines and reels and emergency procedures. The final three dives are conducted in the cavern environment. Your actual penetration-training dives are limited to within the light zone and within 40 meters/130 feet from the surface (vertical and horizontal distance included).

The program covers the knowledge and techniques of cavern diving and describes the dangers involved with *cave diving. Here's what's included in your PADI Cavern Diver program:

• The planning, organization procedures, techniques, problems, and hazards of cavern diving.
• Special equipment considerations including, but not limited to: lighting, guidelines, reel handling and redundant breathing systems.
• Proper body position and buoyancy control, air-consumption management and emergency procedures.
• Information that describes the specific hazards of cavern diving should include, but not be limited to: silting, line entanglement and breakage, disorientation from permanent lines and emergency situations unique to cavern diving.

Drift Diver

Gliding with the currents of the Rainbow River, enjoying over 200' of visibility, seeing a multitude of fish & turtles, and feeling the rush of flying underwater. If this sounds like fun to you, then you want to continue your education with the PADI drift diver specialty. To start your underwater aeronautics, you'll need to be at least a PADI Open Water Diver (Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent) certified and at least 12 years old.

During your PADI Drift Diver program, you'll go on two open water dives (which may be conducted in one day). We highly recommended that you enroll in this program to expose yourself to the techniques and procedures for drift diving.

You'll cover the following in the PADI Drift Diver program:

• The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of drift diving.
• Special equipment -- floats, lines, reels.
• Proper procedures for buoyancy-control, navigation and communication.
• Site selection and overview of aquatic currents causes and effects.
• Techniques for staying close to a buddy or together as a group.

The elective Drift Dive from the Adventures In Diving program may be counted toward the certification requirements for this specialty at the discretion of your PADI Instructor.

Dry Suit Diver

When staying warm in cold water is important, get with the program ' the PADI Dry Suit Diver program. This course is a great class to combine with your cavern course. To enter the Dry Suit Diver program, you'll need at least your PADI Open Water Diver (Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent) certification and be 12 or older.

During the Dry Suit Diver program, you'll go on one confined water dive and two open water dives, in addition to covering the knowledge and techniques of dry suit diving with emphasis placed on the use of dry suits -- operation principles, care and diving techniques. The following topics are included in your PADI Dry Suit Diver program:

• The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of dry suit diving.
• Proper procedures for buoyancy control.
• Ascent and descent technique training.
• Routine, user-level, preventative maintenance and performance checks on dry suits.

If a Dry Suit elective dive is conducted during the Adventures In Diving, it may count toward the certification requirements for this specialty at the discretion of the instructor.

Equipment Specialist

Whether it's a regulator problem, a wet suit tear or a broken mask strap, the Equipment Specialist course can help. This Specialty course prepares you for the basic equipment maintenance, care and adjustments you'll encounter every day. In addition, you'll get the valuable background on equipment repair and purchase, making you better able to protect your investment.

What do I need to start'

• PADI Scuba Diver, Junior Scuba Diver, PADI Open Water Diver, Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age: 12 years old (10 for PADI Junior Scuba Diver and PADI Junior Open Water Diver)

What will I do'

During your PADI Equipment Specialist program, you'll familiarize yourself with the operation and maintenance of your personal equipment. Your instructor might also provide the opportunity to review new or unfamiliar dive equipment.

The program is not an equipment repair program but it does give you:

• Theory, principles and operation of dive equipment
• Routine recommended care and maintenance procedures
• Common problems with equipment and recommended professional maintenance procedures
• Simple suggestions for comfortable equipment configurations and an introduction to new equipment

 Multilevel Diver

There's so much to see underwater that you'll want to make the most of your stay. So, to maximize your underwater adventure, you should learn how to plan and carryout a multilevel dive.

To experience the Multilevel Diver program, you'll need to be at least a PADI Open Water Diver, Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent and at least 12 years old.

During your Multilevel Diver program, you'll go on two open water dives, both of which may be conducted in one day. You'll also be exposed to a variety of different types of multilevel dive calculators (the Wheel and various types of dive computers). Topics covered include:

• The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of multilevel diving.
• Definition and advantages of multilevel diving.
• Methods of calculating multilevel dives. (The Wheel and/or dive computers).
• Review of decompression sickness theory.
• Review of emergency decompression procedures.
• Review of PADI's S.A.F.E. campaign.
• Procedures for flying after diving.
• Guidelines, rules and procedures for multilevel diving with the Wheel and/or diving computers.
• Care and maintenance of dive computers.

The elective Multilevel Dive from the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or Adventures In Diving may count toward the certification requirements for this specialty at your PADI Instructor's discretion.

Underwater Naturalist

If you're interested in aquatic life then the PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course is for you. This course is an introduction to the underwater aquatic environment and will help develop safe and responsible aquatic life interaction techniques.

What do I need to start'

• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age: 10 years old

What will I do'

During your PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course, you'll learn underwater naturalist dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques and potential problems. You'll also get an overview of the major aquatic life groupings, interactions and factual information that dispels negative myths. You'll put this information into practice during your two open water dives.

Night Diver

Even your local dive site offers a whole new adventure by moonlight! To take advantage of this extraordinary specialty, you'll need to be at least PADI Open Water Diver (PADI Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent) and 12 or older.

During your program you'll go on three open water dives. You'll learn to prepare night dive activities and develop your knowledge and techniques for night diving.

Some of the topics covered in PADI Night Diver Manual are:

• Planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of night diving.
• Proper procedures for buoyancy control, navigation and communication.
• Use of dive lights and buddy-system techniques.
• Disorientation and emergency procedures.
• Orientation to nocturnal aquatic life.

The elective Night Dive conducted during the PADI Adventures In Diving program may count toward this specialty at the discretion of the instructor.

Underwater Navigation

Knowing where you are ' underwater ' and where you're going comes in real handy, especially if you're looking for an object or locating that beautiful reef that you heard about. If you're a PADI Open Water Diver (PADI Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent) and at least 10, then this program is for you.

During your PADI Underwater Navigator program you'll go on three open water dives familiarizing yourself with the skills, knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, hazards and enjoyment of underwater navigation. You learn:

• procedures and techniques for planning, organizing underwater navigation and problems and hazards associated.
• methods of estimating distances underwater.
• natural navigation techniques.
• how to use underwater patterns.
• dive site relocation techniques.
• compass navigation techniques.

The elective Navigation dive conducted during your Adventures In Diving program may count toward this specialty at the discretion of the instructor.

Enriched Air Diver

Looking to extend your bottom time' Then check out PADI's Enriched Air Diver program. To enter the program, you'll need to be 15 or older, a PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent).

The PADI Enriched Air Diver program emphasizes the theoretical and operational considerations involved with enriched air diving. Additionally, you'll get to go on two training dives during the program.

Underwater Photographer

No photo experience required! That's what the program is for ' showing you how to take award winning pictures underwater. You'll need to be at least a PADI Open Water Diver (PADI Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent) and at least 10 years old to experience the program.

During your PADI Underwater Photographer program you'll go on two open water dives, which may be conducted in one day. This is where you'll put in to practice the tips and techniques you learned from your instructor and the PADI Underwater Photographer Manual and video.

Your elective Underwater Photography dive conducted during the Adventures In Diving program may count toward this specialty and visa versa at the discretion of your PADI Instructor.

Peak Performance Buoyancy

To take advantage of PADI's Peak Performance Buoyancy (PPB) program, you'll need to be a PADI Open Water Diver, Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent and be at least 10 years old.

PADI's Peak Performance Buoyancy program is the perfect opportunity to hone your buoyancy skills. Perfect your buoyancy and you'll conserve air, energy and our precious environment. Your program will include two open water dives, which may be conducted in one day.

Some of the topics covered in your PPB program are as follows:

• Peak Performance Buoyancy fundamentals:
  • Buoyancy check
  • Fine-tuning buoyancy underwater
  • Weight position and distribution
  • Streamlining
  • Visualization
• Use of PADI's Basic Weighting Guidelines
• An opportunity to polish buoyancy control beyond the Open Water Diver level:
  • Positioning and distributing weight for comfort and desired body position (trim in the water)
  • Visualization techniques prior to dives
  • Buoyancy checks
  • Establishing neutral buoyancy during all segments of a dive
  • Fine-tuning neutral buoyancy underwater
  • Hovering

The elective Peak Performance Buoyancy Dive conducted during the Adventures In Diving program may be counted toward this specialty at the instructor's discretion.

Search and Recovery

Accidentally drop something in the water' Looking for lost treasure' Learn effective ways to locate objects underwater with PADI's Search & Recovery Diver program!

To take the program you'll need to be at least PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent) with the dive credential of PADI Underwater Navigation (Junior ratings accepted) or PADI Advanced Open Water Diver(Junior Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent). You also need to be at least 12.

During your program you'll go on four open water dives, which are conducted over at least a two-day period, with time being equally divided between academic and actual water-training sessions.

Your program will cover techniques and application of a variety of search and recovery methods and includes the following:

• The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, and hazards of search and recovery diving.
• Limited-visibility diving and underwater navigation techniques.
• Proper techniques and safety considerations for object location, including the use of various search patterns, lines and reels.
• Proper techniques and safety considerations for recovery of objects using various lifting devices.

The elective search and recovery dives conducted during the Adventures In Diving program may count toward this specialty at the discretion of the instructor.

Underwater Videographer

Want to become the next Hans Haas (he's an underwater motion picture pioneer from long ago)' Then sign up for PADI's Underwater Videographer program! You'll need to be at least a PADI Open Water Diver (Junior Open Water Diver or equivalent) and at least 12.

During your PADI Underwater Videographer program you'll go on three open water dives and put in to practice the information you learnt from your instructor. Information covered in your program includes:

• The selection, maintenance, care and handling of underwater video equipment.
• Safe diving practices while using underwater video equipment.
• Exposure, focus, and maintaining color with video equipment.
• Shot types, lengths and camera moves.
• Developing a story line and shot sequencing
• The planning, organization, procedures, techniques and problems of underwater videography.

The elective Underwater Videographer dive your Adventures In Diving count toward this certification at your PADI Instructor's discretion.

Wreck Diver

Want to explore sunken ships, crashed planes and lost treasures beneath the surface' Then the PADI Wreck Diver program is just want you want. To venture into PADI's Wreck Diver program, you'll need to be at least a PADI Adventures In Diving or Advanced Open Water Diver, and be at least 15.

During your PADI Wreck Diver program you'll go on four open water dives, which may be conducted over at least two days. This is where you'll put in to practice the information you gained from listening to your instructor and from the PADI Wreck Diving Manual and video. Information contained in your program includes:

• The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of wreck diving.
• The preparation and use of lights, air supplies, special equipment, penetration lines and reels.
• Limited-visibility diving techniques and emergency procedures.

The elective wreck dive conducted during the program may count toward this specialty at the discretion of the instructor.

*Wreck penetration-training dives are limited to within the light zone and within 40 meters/130 feet from the surface, vertical and horizontal distance included. If the wreck used for training is located in deep water (over 18 meters/60 feet), the Deep Diver rating is recommended as a prerequisite for the Wreck Diver program.

Underwater Hunter

Do you like Fresh seafood' Want to learn the ins and Outs of collecting and spear fishing' Then try PADI's Underwater Hunter program!

To take the program you'll need to be at least PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent) You also need to be at least 12.

During your program you'll go on three open water dives, which are conducted over at least a two-day period, with time being divided between academic and actual water-training sessions.

Your program will cover techniques and application of a variety of Underwater hunting techniques including:

• The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, and hazards of Underwater hunting.
• Where and how to obtain local regulations regarding underwater hunting.
• The knowledge and skills for underwater collecting of items, such as shells, bottles, fish or shell fish, as applicable to the local area.

This course follows PADI's Project Aware philosophy, concept, and future commitments

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