Sharpen your underwater problem-solving skills with the PADI Search and Recovery Specialty course. It’s designed for divers who want to gain confidence in locating and lifting objects underwater while improving teamwork, communication, and precision. A mix of practical dives and theory prepares you to execute searches safely and efficiently.
Training begins with a classroom session covering the theory behind search patterns, recovery planning, and lift bag operation. You’ll learn techniques such as U-pattern, expanding square, and circular searches, understanding how and when to use each method to maximise efficiency.
Practical dives put theory into action across four open water sessions. Tasks involve locating and recovering objects of various sizes using lift bags while maintaining precise buoyancy control. Each dive builds on previous skills, refining positioning, timing, and communication, ensuring recovered items reach the surface safely.
Teamwork and problem-solving are central to the course. Instructors provide guidance on planning, executing, and evaluating searches in a way that is both safe and environmentally responsible. By the end, divers will be confident leading effective recovery operations in diverse conditions.
Littlehampton Marina serves as the base for this course, offering sheltered, calm waters ideal for practising precise search and recovery techniques. On-site facilities support equipment preparation, briefings, and post-dive debriefs.
Nearby coastal dive sites provide varied conditions, from shallow reefs to moderate depths. These environments give divers the opportunity to adapt skills to different underwater scenarios while observing local marine life responsibly.
A minimum Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent with at least 100 logged dives is required. A medical screening ensures readiness for physically demanding underwater exercises.
Comfort in the water and basic swimming ability are essential. Prior experience with scuba equipment is expected, and instructors offer hands-on coaching to refine techniques and build confidence throughout the dives.
Instructors combine extensive PADI certification experience with real-world diving knowledge, delivering focused, practical instruction that emphasises safety, confidence, and skill development.
Training takes place in small groups, allowing for personalised guidance at every stage. With modern equipment, well-chosen dive sites, and a supportive environment, divers gain effective, practical skills while enjoying a safe and engaging underwater experience.
You’ll learn a variety of search patterns, including grid, circular, and expanding square techniques, to locate objects efficiently underwater.
In addition, you’ll master lift bag use and buoyancy control, enabling safe and controlled recovery of items from the seabed.
Divers must have Advanced Open Water Diver certification with a minimum of 100 logged dives or equivalent. This ensures you have sufficient experience and comfort in open water environments.
Instructors provide guidance throughout, helping refine techniques and build confidence in both search patterns and recovery operations.
Four practical dives allow you to practise different search patterns and object recovery. Each session focuses on safe lift bag deployment, buoyancy control, and effective teamwork.
Instructors supervise every dive to ensure skill application is correct, efficient, and safe while adapting techniques to site conditions.
All standard scuba equipment is included, including tanks, BCDs, regulators, and weights. Lift bags for recovery exercises are also supplied.
You can bring your personal equipment if preferred, and instructors provide support to ensure everything is correctly set up for safe, effective dives.
Yes, successful completion earns the internationally recognised PADI Search & Recovery Specialty certification.
This certification allows you to perform search and recovery dives independently while demonstrating advanced dive skills to potential dive operators and peers.
A two-hour classroom session covers theory and planning, while the practical component includes four open water dives.
The schedule is flexible, allowing dives to be spaced to suit availability while ensuring comprehensive skill development.
About the centre
Littlehampton
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.
Operated by Abyss Scuba School, a partner of adventuro.
