Take your wreck diving experience to the next level by learning how to safely explore and navigate wrecks, including limited penetration dives. This course teaches the techniques needed to plan and execute wreck dives confidently while staying aware of safety, structure, and your surroundings.
The course begins with a confined water session to introduce you to line-handling, reel techniques, and buoyancy management — essential skills for wreck exploration. Once confident, you’ll progress to four open water dives across sites such as the Farne Islands, Eyemouth, or Capernwray, depending on conditions.
Each dive builds on your competence and confidence. You’ll learn to evaluate wreck stability, understand entry and exit strategies, and practise communication techniques with your dive buddy. Instructors will also guide you through simulated penetration scenarios where precision and calm decision-making are key.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to plan and conduct wreck dives responsibly, using advanced navigation and safety practices. This experience gives you the independence to enjoy wreck diving while maintaining the highest level of control and situational awareness.
Wreck dives are typically held at locations known for their fascinating underwater structures and accessibility. The Farne Islands and Eyemouth offer some of the UK’s best wreck sites, teeming with marine life and full of character, while Capernwray and Ellerton provide sheltered conditions ideal for skill development.
Each dive site varies in depth and visibility, helping you adapt your skills to different wreck environments. Whether you’re gliding past historic vessels or exploring smaller submerged structures, every dive builds experience in real-world conditions.
To join this course, you’ll need to hold a RAID Explorer 30 certification (or equivalent) and have some experience diving in open water. Comfort with basic navigation and buoyancy control is important, as the course focuses on more advanced techniques used around wrecks.
You should also be confident with your equipment setup and emergency procedures before starting the confined session.
With instructors who have logged extensive wreck diving experience around the UK, you’ll gain insight into real techniques used by professional divers. Training is kept personal and small-scale, ensuring plenty of individual feedback and hands-on learning.
You’ll get to experience a range of exciting dive sites and practise skills that directly apply to future advanced or technical diving pathways. The emphasis is on safe, enjoyable learning — all supported by a relaxed, encouraging environment.
This course develops the skills needed to safely explore wrecks, including limited penetration. You’ll learn about planning, navigation, and managing potential risks while building confidence in confined spaces.
It’s designed for divers who already enjoy wrecks and want to explore them more safely and effectively.
Depths vary depending on the chosen site but generally range between 15 and 30 metres. The focus is less on maximum depth and more on safe entry, exit, and movement around wreck structures.
All dives are conducted under close supervision and within your current certification limits.
Yes, equipment hire isn’t included in the course. You can bring your own kit or arrange rental directly with the centre.
Having your own setup can be beneficial for comfort and familiarity, but the team can help ensure any hired gear fits and functions correctly.
The initial confined session focuses on handling reels and lines, maintaining perfect buoyancy, and controlling movement in tight spaces.
You’ll also practise managing silt and maintaining clear communication with your buddy — both crucial when visibility drops inside a wreck.
Only stable wrecks suitable for training are chosen, and penetration dives are limited and closely monitored. You’ll learn how to assess safety before entering and how to use lines to ensure you can always find your way out.
This structured approach builds confidence and helps develop safe diving habits for future independent wreck dives.
After successful completion, you’ll receive the RAID Advanced Wreck Diver certification, recognised worldwide. This qualification also counts towards future RAID technical programs.
It’s a great stepping stone if you plan to progress into deeper, more challenging wreck or decompression diving.
About the centre
Broadway West Playing Fields, Broadway West, Gosforth, NE3 2HY
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
