The purpose of this course is to acquaint a diver with the necessary procedures and knowledge to safely dive from shore. The focus of this specialty must be on how to handle different types of surf and shore conditions. Many great dive sites are accessible form the shore and do not require the use of a boat but do require some basic techniques and information how to execute the dives safely.
The SDI Shore and Beach Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:
- Dive planning
- Map of shore
- Compass review
- Navigation
- Emergency procedures
- Surface emergencies, no scuba
- Scuba emergencies
- Rescue procedures
- Review of lifesaving skills
- Shore diving procedures
- Set-up
- Navigation aids
- Land marks
- Site assessment
- Special procedures, i.e. keeping the water in fin pockets to wash off feet in sand
- Diving procedures
- Use of the dive flag
- Float handling and line attachment
- Surf zone considerations
- Buddy procedures
- Things to do off the beach
- Underwater collecting and hunting
- Photography
- Wreck diving
Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:
- Site selection
- Dive planning
- Assess current site conditions and potential changes
- Navigation review
- Surf procedure practice
- Descend
- Compass check and underwater compass use
- Natural navigation check and underwater use of natural navigation techniques
- Float control
- Ascend
- Return to beach
- Exit
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.
