Ready to find a course or session?
The PSAI DPV course combines theory, confined water practice (where available), and open water dives to introduce divers to effective and safe scooter use. The focus is on developing competence in operating a DPV while maintaining good diving habits, situational awareness, and comfort underwater.
The course concludes with a knowledge review and instructor debrief. Divers are expected to demonstrate safe handling, environmental awareness, and responsible use of the DPV in real-world conditions. Some centres may offer additional dive time with varied DPV models or include dives in different environments such as wrecks or drift sites.
Completing the PSAI DPV certification allows you to dive with underwater scooters in a variety of recreational settings, provided the dive site is appropriate for your level of experience. With a DPV, you can cover more ground during a dive, reduce physical exertion, and extend your bottom time by conserving air through less finning effort. It's a game-changer for exploring larger areas such as shipwrecks, sprawling reef systems, or underwater canyons.
Additionally, the certification lays the groundwork for divers who may want to pursue more advanced applications of DPVs, such as technical diving or cave diving. Many centres also offer guided DPV tours or rentals once certified. As always, the key is to stay within your training limits and plan your dives accordingly. DPVs are powerful tools, but they require responsibility and good judgment to use safely.
And remember, adventuro lists hundreds of diving courses and guided experiences across the UK and beyond—ideal for putting your new skills into practice.
The DPV course usually takes 1 to 2 days, with a combination of classroom theory and at least two open water dives. Some centres may offer extended formats with additional DPV models or environments. Expect 6–8 hours of total training time, depending on conditions and student progress.
The PSAI Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) course is assessed through direct, in-water performance evaluations. Instructors observe your competence in handling the DPV, including safe entry and exit procedures, depth and speed control, emergency protocols, and effective buddy communication. You’ll typically complete a series of dives where you'll demonstrate safe DPV operation in both confined and open water. Debriefings after each dive help reinforce learning and correct technique. There is usually no formal written exam, but instructors may ask knowledge-check questions throughout the course. Assessment standards follow PSAI protocols for safety, skill mastery, and environmental awareness. Most students complete the course over one or two days, depending on conditions and prior experience.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesA Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV), also known as an underwater scooter, helps divers cover greater distances while conserving energy and air. It’s especially useful for exploring wrecks, caves, or large reef systems. By reducing physical exertion, it also helps improve gas consumption and dive time. The PSAI DPV course teaches you how to use one safely and effectively.
No, most training centres provide DPVs for the course. However, models may vary, so it's a good idea to ask in advance which unit you'll be using. If you already own a DPV, you can usually use it during the course, provided it meets safety standards and is in good working order.
The course typically takes one to two days to complete, depending on your prior experience and the dive site's conditions. It usually includes a theory session, confined water practice, and two or more open water dives. Some centres may offer it as a weekend program or spread it across multiple evenings and days.
You must be at least an Intermediate-level diver to enrol, typically holding an Open Water certification or equivalent. Some experience with navigation and buoyancy control is helpful, as operating a DPV requires good situational awareness and control. Always check with your training centre for their specific entry requirements.
Yes. PSAI (Professional Scuba Association International) is a globally recognised training agency, and its certifications are accepted by dive operators around the world. After completing the course, you'll receive an official certification card or e-card you can show when booking DPV dives abroad.
You’ll learn how to plan and conduct DPV dives safely, including pre-dive checks, handling techniques, trouble-shooting procedures, and how to respond to emergencies like runaway scooters or entanglement. You’ll also refine your buoyancy, situational awareness, and gas management while using the DPV.
Generally yes, but it depends on the dive site and local regulations. Some areas restrict DPV use to protect fragile environments or for diver safety. Always check with the dive operator beforehand. Conditions like strong currents or limited visibility may also affect whether a DPV is appropriate.
DPVs are ideal for large dive sites such as wrecks, reefs, or cave systems where covering more ground is beneficial. They’re also useful in drift dives or when diving with a buddy of different swimming speeds. However, they require careful use in confined or fragile environments to avoid damage or disorientation.
Absolutely. PSAI’s DPV training is often taken by technical divers who want to extend their range in overhead environments like caves or wrecks. The course lays a solid foundation for more specialised DPV training in technical diving contexts. Centres offering tech training may integrate it with other PSAI programs.
You can browse and book PSAI DPV training through adventuro’s dedicated diving pages. We work with high-quality, vetted centres across the UK and internationally to help you find the right course for your goals and experience level.
