PADI Underwater Search & Recovery Specialty Course

Underwater search and recovery requires methodical planning, precise navigation, and careful equipment handling. This course teaches you the practical techniques used to locate and retrieve lost items safely and efficiently. Across four dives, you’ll learn structured search patterns, lifting methods, and problem-solving strategies essential for successful recovery operations.

Key Details 🧭

• Course duration: 2–3 days
• Session duration: 2–3 hours
• Daily start times: 9:00, 12:00, 15:00
• Number of dives: 4
• Maximum depth: 18 metres
• Minimum age: 12 years

Key Skills 🔍

• Executing multiple search patterns
• Compass and natural navigation
• Using lift bags safely
• Recovering small and medium-sized objects
• Planning and running search operations
• Assessing visibility, currents, and site conditions
• Handling equipment during task-focused dives

What to Expect 🌊

Training begins with e-learning and instructor briefings that introduce search theory, lift-bag mechanics, and recovery planning. You will learn how to gather information about the lost item, assess environmental factors, and choose the appropriate search pattern. Structured preparation ensures each in-water session is focused and efficient.

Across four dives, you will practise expanding-square, U-pattern, and circular search techniques, using both compass-based and natural navigation methods. You’ll work individually and with a buddy to locate objects of differing sizes, simulate real-world recovery tasks, and learn how to manage time and air use during problem-solving dives. Your instructor will also guide you through the safe use of lift bags, including securing loads, controlling ascent rates, and maintaining situational awareness.

By the end of the course, you will be able to plan and conduct basic underwater search operations confidently, applying structured methods to locate and recover items safely.

Location 📍

Sessions take place at Dubai or Fujairah sites chosen for their stable conditions and suitable depth profiles. These locations provide enough space for conducting multi-directional search patterns and controlled lift-bag exercises.

Visibility, topography, and environmental factors vary day-to-day, offering realistic conditions that help you learn how to adapt your approach and refine your navigation accuracy.

Prerequisites ✔️

To enrol, you must hold a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certification along with the PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty or an equivalent navigation qualification. These skills are essential for compass-led search patterns.

Participants must be at least 12 years old and should review the course manual or e-learning materials before the first session to maximise in-water practice time.

Why Choose Us 💬

This centre’s instructors bring extensive experience in navigation and task-focused training, allowing them to break down complex skills into practical, understandable steps. Their approach ensures you develop confidence handling equipment, running search procedures, and solving unexpected challenges underwater.

Well-maintained training gear, a supportive teaching style, and carefully selected dive sites help create an environment where you can learn search methodology safely and effectively. You’ll leave the course with practical skills that are valuable for recreational diving, dive-team support, and further speciality training.