PADI Wreck Diver
Discover the Stories Beneath the Surface.
Every wreck has a story. Some were lost to storms, others to conflict, while many now provide thriving artificial reefs teeming with marine life.
The PADI Wreck Diver course teaches you how to plan and conduct recreational wreck dives safely and responsibly while developing the skills and awareness needed to enjoy these fascinating sites.
Why Take the Wreck Diver Course?
Wreck diving is about much more than swimming around an old ship. Every wreck presents unique opportunities and unique hazards. Learning how to approach, assess and explore a wreck safely helps you become a more confident and capable diver.
The course will help you plan safe wreck dives, identify potential hazards, improve buoyancy around structures, and protect fragile historic sites.
Is This Course Right For Me?
This course is ideal if you:
- Enjoy history and exploration
- Want to dive UK shipwrecks
- Plan overseas wreck diving holidays
- Have completed Advanced Open Water
Many students combine Wreck Diver with Deep Diver and Enriched Air (Nitrox).
What You Will Learn
- Planning recreational wreck dives
- Assessing wreck conditions
- Identifying potential hazards
- Responsible exploration techniques
- Buoyancy around wreck structures
- Appropriate use of reels and lines where included
- Respecting protected and historic sites
Course Requirements
- Be at least 15 years old.
- Hold a PADI Adventure Diver certification with the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive, or a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification).
- Be medically fit to dive.
- Complete the required participant paperwork.
What Is Included?
- Instructor-led tuition
- Practical wreck dives
- Air fills during training
- PADI Wreck Diver certification upon successful completion
No upcoming dates are currently scheduled for this course.
Includes instructor-led tuition, practical course sessions and PADI certification upon successful completion. Any site entry, boat fees, equipment hire or other course-specific costs are listed separately where applicable.
Classroom & Practical Sessions
Private Training
We can offer 1:1 teaching and private pool sessions by enquiry for many of our PADI courses.
This is ideal if you would prefer a quieter learning environment, want extra support, or need training arranged around your availability.
Private training is subject to instructor and pool availability, so please get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk through the best option for you.
Contact UsWhy Train With Wiltshire Scuba?
As a PADI 5★ Instructor Development Centre, we understand that confidence comes from preparation. Our instructors focus on helping you become a thoughtful wreck diver who understands planning, buoyancy, teamwork and responsible exploration.
- Small group sizes
- Experienced PADI Professionals
- Practical UK diving experience
- Real-world coaching
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we enter wrecks?
Training follows current PADI standards and the planned course objectives. Your instructor will explain exactly what skills are included before the course begins.
Is wreck diving dangerous?
Like any form of diving, wreck diving requires proper planning, appropriate training and sound judgement.
Do I need Deep Diver first?
Not necessarily. However, many divers choose to combine Deep Diver and Wreck Diver because many recreational wrecks lie beyond the depth typically experienced during Open Water training.
Is this suitable for UK diving?
Absolutely. The UK offers excellent wreck diving opportunities.
What should I do after Wreck Diver?
Popular next steps include Deep Diver, Search and Recovery, Rescue Diver and Divemaster.
Related Courses
Where Could Your Diving Journey Take You?
- Explore Historic Dive Sites — you are here
Develop the confidence to enjoy recreational wreck diving safely.
- Build Specialist Skills
Combine Wreck Diver with Deep Diver and Nitrox for even greater versatility.
- Become a More Experienced Diver
Continue developing your confidence through Rescue Diver and further specialties.
- Progress Towards Professional Diving
Build experience that will benefit you throughout your diving career.
Ready to Explore Beneath History?
Shipwrecks offer some of the most memorable recreational dives you’ll ever experience.
Diving more is the point of every course on this page, and the Wiltshire Scuba Dive Club is what makes that cheaper and easier — 10 free air fills a year, 10% off cylinder testing and servicing, free Club pool sessions and guided Club dives. Have a look at the Club.