Search and Recovery Training
PADI Search and Recovery Diver teaches certified divers how to organize underwater searches and recover objects safely when the task is appropriate for their training. The official PADI page describes learning search patterns, using a lift bag, planning a search operation, and handling recovery problems. The course brings structure to a common real-world diving question: how do you find something underwater without creating a bigger problem?
This specialty is for PADI Advanced Open Water Divers or PADI Open Water Divers with Underwater Navigator certification, with a minimum age of 12. It is useful for divers who want better navigation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Students should already have good buoyancy and buddy awareness, because search patterns, lines, lift bags, and limited visibility can quickly increase workload.
Training usually includes knowledge development and open-water dives practicing circular, U-pattern, or other search methods, object recovery, rigging, and controlled lifting. In High Springs, Florida, Search and Recovery Diver can be useful around training areas and spring sites where careful planning matters. The expected outcome is a diver who can plan the search, communicate with a buddy, use a lift bag conservatively, and know when an object should be left alone.
