PADI Advanced Public Safety Diver (APSD)
Advance your operational capability, expand mission scope, and operate in complex public safety diving environments
Duration
3–4 days, 6 dives
Max Depth
12m / 40ft
Level
Advanced operational speciality
Overview
The PADI Advanced Public Safety Diver (APSD) course is the next step in developing a diver into a high-functioning operational team member.
It builds directly on foundational PSD skills and expands them into more complex, higher-risk operational environments, including:
- Away-from-shore operations
- Vehicle-related rescues
- Advanced search techniques
- Introduction to evidence recovery
The focus is not just skill expansion—but operational readiness, planning, and mission execution.
At N9BO℠, this course is delivered as scenario-driven operational training, emphasising decision-making, risk control, and team integration under realistic conditions.
Course Facts
- Course name: PADI Advanced Public Safety Diver (APSD)
- Level: Advanced Operational Diving Speciality
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 18, PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent), PADI Public Safety Diver (or equivalent)
- Ratio: Maximum 8 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: Public safety diving configuration including two scuba cylinders, two cutting devices, visual and audible surface signalling devices, rescue breathing mask, personal flotation device (PFD), and access to oxygen, first aid, and communications equipment
- Depth / environment: Maximum 12m / 40ft
- Format: Knowledge development + operational planning + open water scenario-based dives
- Duration: 3–4 days with 6 open water dives, recommended 36 hours
What You’ll Learn
- Plan and execute structured Dive Operation Plans (DOP).
- Conduct away-from-shore and vessel-supported operations.
- Execute vehicle location and access procedures.
- Apply risk assessment and mission planning.
- Participate in basic evidence location and recovery procedures.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold Public Safety Diver certification (or equivalent).
- Hold Rescue Diver certification (or equivalent).
- Meet the training requirements associated with the public safety team structure and support role components as applicable.
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
This course is for divers who have completed the PADI Public Safety Diver programme, and want to develop higher-level operational capability and mission readiness.
This course expands into:
- Increased task loading and team coordination
- More complex operational environments
- Advanced search and recovery techniques
- Structured dive planning and execution
You will complete 6 open water dives over at least 3-4 days, with scenario-based progression.
You will train for:
- Basic evidence recovery scenarios
- Away-from-shore operations
- Advanced search patterns
- Vehicle-related incidents
You will be qualified to participate in advanced public safety diving operations, within conditions equal to or better than your training, and progress into specialised disciplines.
Ready to Operate at an Advanced Level?
Send us your certifications and background. We’ll train you to perform in complex public safety environments with structure, discipline, and control.
Go Pro with PADI Advanced Public Safety Diver (APSD) Instructor
Develop into an instructor and train divers in public safety operations, team procedures, and mission-based diving environments.
