SDI Research Diver
Develop the knowledge and practical skills required to participate safely and effectively in underwater scientific, environmental, and research-diving activities
Duration
1 day, 2 dives
Max Depth
Within recreational no-decompression limits
Level
Advanced Recreational Speciality
Next Step
SDI Search and Recovery Diver / SDI Deep Diver
Overview
The SDI Research Diver course develops the knowledge and practical skills required to assist with underwater research, environmental monitoring, and scientific diving activities.
Research diving requires divers to perform tasks underwater while maintaining safe diving practices, accurate data collection, environmental awareness, and effective teamwork.
Training focuses on:
- underwater data collection,
- research procedures,
- survey techniques,
- environmental monitoring,
- task management,
- and operational safety.
At N9BO℠, Research Diver training develops disciplined divers capable of supporting scientific, conservation, archaeological, and environmental projects while maintaining high standards of underwater awareness and professionalism.
Course Facts
- Course name: SDI Research Diver
- Level: Advanced Recreational Speciality
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 15, SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (or equivalent)
- Ratio: Maximum of 8 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: Students use standard open water scuba equipment together with equipment appropriate for research activities, which may include underwater slates, measuring devices, transect lines, quadrats, underwater cameras, survey equipment
- Depth / environment: Within recreational no-decompression limits, Open water training sites, Marine environments, Freshwater environments, Environmental-monitoring sites, Scientific diving project locations
- Format: Academic development + research-diving theory + survey exercises + data-collection procedures + 2 open water dives
- Duration: Approximately 1 day, 2 open water dives
What You’ll Learn
- Learn the principles and procedures used during underwater research projects
- Apply survey, measurement, and data collection techniques underwater
- Develop confidence performing tasks while maintaining safe diving practices
- Practise environmental monitoring, documentation, and research procedures
- Improve situational awareness, task management, and underwater observation skills
Prerequisites
- Be at least 15 years old.
- Certified as SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (or equivalent).
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
Research diving involves conducting underwater tasks that support scientific studies, environmental monitoring, conservation projects, archaeology, and marine resource management.
No.
The programme is designed to introduce divers to the procedures and techniques commonly used during underwater research activities.
Projects may include:
- marine-life surveys
- coral monitoring
- environmental assessments
- habitat mapping
- archaeological documentation
- conservation programmes
Yes.
Training includes practical methods for collecting, recording, and documenting information underwater.
Many divers continue into:
- SDI Search and Recovery Diver
- SDI Underwater Navigation Diver
- SDI Advanced Buoyancy Diver
- scientific diving projects
- environmental monitoring programmes
- conservation and research initiatives
Ready to Contribute to Underwater Research?
Whether you are interested in marine conservation, environmental monitoring, citizen science, or underwater documentation, our team will help you develop the knowledge and practical skills required to participate effectively in research diving activities.
Go Pro with the SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Expand your diving knowledge through internationally recognised SDI training programmes delivered by experienced course directors and instructor trainers at N9BO℠. Build confidence, aquatic awareness, and practical skills that support lifelong enjoyment of underwater activities.
