The purpose of this specialty course is to acquaint the open water diver with the fascinating topic of research diving. After the completion of this course, a diver will be better able to discover, explore, and appreciate the underwater environment by using research techniques and better preserve and protect the underwater environment.
The SDI Research Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:
- Water environment, fresh and salt water
- Ecology
- Food chains
- Habitat
- Niche
- Interactions with other forms
- Basic oceanography
- Coral reefs
- Kelp
- Bays and open coast
- The marine animals
- Fishes
- Mollusks
- Invertebrates
- Mammals
- Dangerous animals
- Diving methodology
- Collection of data
- Detailed mapping techniques
- Survey methodology
- Marking and capturing
- Research for sport
- Conservation
Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:
- Plan dives
- Test and check all equipment
- Enter and descend
- Compass usage
- Familiarization with the area and ecology
- Area survey/research techniques
- Marine life identification
- Record data
- Log dives
As long as you are 18 years or older (12 with parental consent) and in good physical condition, you can enroll in a Diver’s World Specialty course. You will also need to hold a NAUI or SDI Scuba Diver certification.
Click here to review our Medical History Questionnaire. Your safety is the most important thing to us: You may be asked to review your health with your family doctor just to be sure.
Your class fee will cover the costs of class, training materials, your Instructors and Dive Master, and SDI Specialty certification.
Student Provides
Students shall furnish and be responsible for the care and maintenance of their own diving equipment. You will need to have, or rent, all of the redundancy equipment required for the training dives. The instructor shall initially assist the student in checking all student gear to ensure it is adequate and in proper working order.
100% Internet Price Matching*: Remember, if you find a lower price for the exact same item, we will match it!
*Some restriction apply. See store for details.
A minimum of two open water dives with your instructor are required.
You will need to provide your own transportation, rental equipment, environmental suit and accommodations. Rental equipment is available through Diver’s World. Many of our local dives are within a couple of hours drive (or right here in our own Lake Erie or Presque Isle Bay) and classmates frequently arrange for travel together.
