PADI Search and Recovery Diver
Find What Others Can’t.
A torch slips from a pocket. A camera is dropped. An anchor is misplaced. A mooring line needs locating. Knowing how to organise an efficient underwater search is an incredibly useful skill.
The PADI Search and Recovery Diver course teaches proven search techniques, recovery methods and teamwork, giving you the confidence to locate and recover objects safely within recreational diving limits.
Why Take Search and Recovery?
Searching underwater isn’t simply about swimming around until you spot something. Successful recoveries require planning, communication and methodical search patterns.
During this course you’ll learn how to plan an effective search, select the appropriate search pattern, work efficiently with a buddy, recover objects safely, use lift bags where appropriate, and improve teamwork and communication.
Is This Course Right For Me?
This course is ideal if you:
- Enjoy practical diving skills
- Dive regularly in the UK
- Are part of a dive club
- Want to improve your underwater navigation
- Are interested in wreck diving
What You Will Learn
- Organising underwater searches
- Choosing suitable search patterns
- Compass-based searching
- Natural navigation
- Recovery planning
- Lift bag awareness and safe use where included
- Risk assessment
Course Requirements
- Be at least 12 years old (Junior Search and Recovery Diver available from age 12 under current PADI standards).
- Hold a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification or a qualifying certification.
- Be medically fit to dive.
- Complete the required participant paperwork.
What Is Included?
- Instructor-led tuition
- Practical search and recovery dives
- Air fills during training
- PADI Search and Recovery 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?
Search and Recovery is one of the most enjoyable specialty courses because every dive has a clear objective. Rather than simply swimming around, you’ll solve problems, work as a team and learn techniques that experienced divers regularly use.
- Small groups
- Experienced instructors
- Real-world search scenarios
- Practical coaching
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course physically demanding?
Some exercises involve moving or recovering objects, but the course is designed to teach efficient techniques rather than relying on strength.
Will we use lift bags?
Where appropriate to the course objectives and current PADI standards, you’ll be introduced to the safe use of lift bags under instructor supervision.
Is this useful for recreational divers?
Absolutely. The planning, navigation and teamwork skills you learn can be applied to many recreational dives.
Is this a good UK diving specialty?
Yes. The course is particularly useful for divers who regularly dive quarries, inland sites and UK coastal locations.
What should I do after Search and Recovery?
Many divers continue with Rescue Diver, Wreck Diver and Divemaster.
Related Courses
Where Could Your Diving Journey Take You?
- Become More Methodical — you are here
Develop structured underwater search techniques.
- Improve Teamwork
Work more effectively with your dive buddy.
- Expand Your Skills
Combine Search and Recovery with Navigation, Wreck Diver and Rescue Diver.
- Progress Towards Leadership
Build valuable experience before starting Divemaster training.
Ready to Put Your Skills to the Test?
The PADI Search and Recovery Diver course is practical, rewarding and a great way to build confidence.
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.