SDI Wreck Diver Course
The most exciting part of scuba diving is wreck diving.
Underwater, you will find old ships, planes and man-made reefs.
These wrecks have been stable for many years and are full of marine life, history and mystery.
The SDI Wreck Diver course at Blue Water Ascent teaches you how to explore wrecks in a safe and controlled manner.
You will learn the skills, knowledge and discipline needed to dive around and inside wrecks without risk.
This course is suitable for divers who love adventure, history, photography and technical diving.
It also helps divers who want to improve their advanced diving skills.
Why Choose the SDI Wreck Diver Course ?
Wrecks are beautiful and scenic, but they can also be dangerous.
It requires planning, control, and proper technique.
This SDI-certified course covers everything step-by-step, including:
- Safe wreck searching
- Proper use of lines and reels
- Wreck mapping
- Handling low visibility
- Staying calm in confined spaces
You learn both theoretical and practical skills so you feel confident and prepared.
Who This Course Is For ?
This course is suitable for the following people :
- Divers who want wreck-specific skills
- Divers interested in underwater history
- Mapping and exploration enthusiasts
- Adventure-focused divers
- Divers planning future technical or advanced wreck dives
This course is suitable for both beginners and divers who want to improve their wreck techniques.
Course Prerequisites
To join this course, you will need:
- SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (or equivalent)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Minimum age 15 years for limited entry with parental consent
- Minimum age 10 years for no entry with parental consent
Junior Open Water Divers:
- Cannot enter wrecks
- Cannot dive deeper than 18 meters / 60 feet
For dives deeper than 18 meters :
- Deep Diver Specialty Certification
- Or proof of deep diving experience
What You Learn in This Course
The SDI Wreck Diver Course provides comprehensive training in wreck safety and exploration.
Safety and Communication
You learn:
- The importance of surface support
- Clear communication methods
- Backup and emergency procedures
- Buddy contact and positioning
- Line signals
- Handling poor visibility
- Managing drift-out situations
Navigation and charting
You practice:
- Reading charts and maps
- Pre-planning wreck dives
- Using slates and markers
- Mapping features outside the wreck
- Mapping features inside the wreck
- Directional awareness and exit planning
Equipment and gear skills
You learn the proper use of :
- Primary and backup lights
- Cutting devices and knives
- Reels and lifelines
- Directional markers
- Tie-offs and line placement
You also practice :
- Light failure procedures
- Lost buddy procedures
- Emergency egress
All reel and line skills are practiced on land before diving into the water.
Psychology and the Environment
You will learn :
- Stay calm in confined spaces
- Handle dark or poorly lit areas
- Understand psychological stress in wrecks
- Identify safe and unsafe wrecks
- Avoid dangerous or unstable structures
After completing this course, you will
- Be able to perform a wreck dive as a training wreck
- Plan and execute a wreck dive safely
- Use proper wreck diving techniques
- Increase confidence and awareness
- Count this certification towards the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need advanced diving experience?
No. Open water certification is sufficient. Deep dive experience is required for advanced wreck diving.
Is wreck diving dangerous?
All diving involves risk, but SDI training reduces the risk through planning and safety skills.
Will I actually dive on a wreck?
Yes. Limited-entry students will enter the wreck. Students who do not enter will stay out.
What equipment do I need?
- Two dive lights
- Cutting device
- Slate
- Reel.
A full list is provided before the course begins.
Can young divers join?
yes
- Age 10+ for entry without parental consent
- Penetration dive is for older divers only
