Advanced Wreck Diver

Typical Course Content

1. Knowledge Development

• Wreck hazards and risk assessment: Understanding structural integrity, entanglement risks, and silt-out scenarios.
• Equipment configuration: Use of redundant air systems (e.g., pony bottles or twinsets), dive lights, line markers, and reels.
• Dive planning: Gas management using the rule of thirds, penetration limits, emergency planning, and team protocols.
• Navigation inside wrecks: Techniques for maintaining orientation and avoiding disorientation in confined spaces.
• Environmental considerations: Preserving the wreck site and minimising impact through good buoyancy control and awareness.

2. Confined Water Skills (or dry runs)

• Line laying and retrieval using primary reels.
• Simulated silt-out exits while maintaining contact with guidelines.
• Gas-sharing drills with a redundant system in overhead conditions.
• Trim and buoyancy control in confined environments.

3. Open Water Dives

• Dive 1 – External Wreck Survey: Assess entry points, hazards, and structural layout.
• Dive 2 – Line Practice: Lay and recover guidelines along a set route, simulate restricted visibility.
• Dive 3 – Penetration Dive: Conduct limited penetration staying within daylight limits and gas rules.
• Dive 4 (optional): Deeper wreck dive or extended penetration with emphasis on team navigation and emergency protocols.

All dives are conducted under controlled conditions with direct instructor supervision. Divers are expected to demonstrate a high level of situational awareness, precise buoyancy, and clear communication throughout.

Exact course content may vary slightly between SSI, BSAC, and PSAI, but all adhere to rigorous safety standards and promote responsible wreck exploration.

With this certification, divers are qualified to plan and execute advanced wreck dives, including limited penetration into overhead environments. You'll be trained to use lines and reels for navigation inside wrecks, manage redundant gas systems, and apply structured dive planning protocols, such as the rule of thirds for gas management. Depth limits and penetration guidelines vary by agency—SSI and PSAI typically allow penetration within natural daylight zones and no more than one-third of a cylinder's gas supply. BSAC divers may progress to Advanced Diver status with further training.

This course also serves as a stepping stone to more technical diving, including courses in decompression procedures, trimix, or full cave diving. You’ll gain confidence working in complex environments, and the training can be applied to a wide range of wreck types, from shallow steel hulks to deep historical shipwrecks. After certification, you’ll be better equipped to join advanced wreck tours or plan your own explorations safely.

• Certified as a Wreck Diver or equivalent from a recognised agency (e.g., SSI, BSAC, PSAI, PADI).
• Certified as an Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent.
• Minimum age: 18 years.
• Minimum of 24 logged dives (varies slightly by agency).
• Must be medically fit to dive with no contraindications (medical form or physician's clearance).
• Comfortable using a reel, torch, and redundant gas source.
• Previous experience with limited penetration is highly recommended.

The Advanced Wreck Diver course is typically conducted over 2–3 days, including classroom sessions, confined water skills practice, and 3–4 open water dives. Some agencies may include an additional day for extended wreck penetration scenarios or technical configuration familiarisation. The course is usually delivered in small groups to ensure safety and effective skills development.

The Advanced Wreck Diver certification from SSI, BSAC, or PSAI is typically assessed through a combination of knowledge development sessions and in-water skills evaluations. Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in advanced wreck penetration techniques, guideline handling, emergency procedures, and dive planning. Instructors closely assess buoyancy control, trim, and awareness in overhead environments. Final assessments often include multiple dives into actual wrecks under supervision, with depth and penetration limits suited to training level. Some agencies integrate written exams or quizzes to confirm theoretical understanding. While requirements vary slightly between agencies, all follow strict safety protocols and training standards to ensure divers are well prepared for the challenges of wreck penetration. Many dive centres offer this course on Adventuro, where you can compare providers and book directly.