SDI Deep Diver
Develop the knowledge and practical skills required to safely plan and conduct dives beyond 18 metres while managing the risks associated with increased depth
Duration
1 days, 2 dives
Max Depth
40 metres / 130 feet
Level
Advanced Recreational Speciality
Next Step
SDI Wreck Diver / TDI Intro to Tech
Overview
The SDI Deep Diver course develops the knowledge and practical skills required to safely conduct dives beyond the limits typically experienced during entry-level training.
As depth increases, divers encounter additional challenges including increased gas consumption, narcosis awareness, reduced no-decompression limits, equipment considerations, and emergency-planning requirements.
Training focuses on:
- deep-diving physics,
- physiological considerations,
- gas management,
- emergency procedures,
- dive planning,
- and operational awareness.
At N9BO℠, Deep Diver training develops the confidence, discipline, and situational awareness required to safely explore deeper recreational dive sites while remaining within recognised recreational diving limits.
Course Facts
- Course name: SDI Deep Diver
- Level: Advanced Recreational Speciality
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 10, SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (or equivalent)
- Ratio: Maximum of 4 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: Students use standard open water scuba equipment including mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy compensator device, regulator system, cylinder, dive computer, delayed surface marker buoy
- Depth / environment: 40 metres / 130 feet, Open water training sites, Deep recreational dive sites, Coastal environments, Inland diving environments
- Format: Academic development + deep-diving theory + dive-planning workshops + gas-management procedures + 4 open water dives
- Duration: Approximately 2 days, 4 open water dives
What You’ll Learn
- Learn the physiological and operational considerations associated with deep diving
- Apply deep-dive planning procedures, gas management, and safety protocols
- Develop confidence conducting dives to recreational depth limits
- Practise emergency procedures and problem management in deeper environments
- Improve situational awareness, discipline, and decision-making during deep dives
Prerequisites
- Be at least 10 years old.
- Certified as SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (or equivalent).
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
For recreational diving, a deep dive is generally considered any dive deeper than 18 metres.
Training may be conducted to a maximum depth of 40 metres, within standards, environmental conditions, and instructor discretion.
As depth increases, divers experience:
- greater gas consumption
- reduced no decompression limits
- increased narcosis effects
- increased task loading
- greater emergency planning requirements
Yes.
Many recreational wrecks are located deeper than entry-level training depths, making Deep Diver an excellent preparation course for wreck-diving activities.
Many divers continue into:
- SDI Wreck Diver
- SDI Solo Diver
- SDI Night and Limited Visibility Diver
- TDI Intro to Tech
- TDI Advanced Nitrox
- advanced recreational and technical diving pathways
Ready to Explore Deeper Dive Sites?
Whether you want to visit deeper reefs, wrecks, walls, or advanced recreational dive sites, our team will help you develop the knowledge, planning ability, and confidence required to dive safely at greater depths.
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.
