SDI Search and Recovery Diver
Develop the knowledge and practical skills required to locate, recover, and safely manage underwater objects using search patterns, lifting techniques, and recovery procedures
Duration
1 day, 2 dives
Max Depth
Within recreational no-decompression limits
Level
Advanced Recreational Speciality
Next Step
SDI Underwater Navigation Diver
Overview
The SDI Search and Recovery Diver course develops the knowledge and practical skills required to safely locate and recover objects from underwater environments.
Whether recovering lost equipment, assisting with underwater projects, or developing advanced diving capability, search and recovery operations require systematic procedures, navigation skills, planning, and teamwork.
Training focuses on:
- search patterns,
- navigation techniques,
- recovery procedures,
- lift bag operations,
- underwater problem solving,
- and operational safety.
At N9BO℠, Search and Recovery Diver training develops disciplined underwater search techniques and practical recovery skills applicable to recreational, professional, and operational diving activities.
Course Facts
- Course name: SDI Search and Recovery Diver
- Level: Advanced Recreational Speciality
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 10, 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 underwater compass, search reels and lines, marker buoys, lift bags, recovery equipment, dive computer
- Depth / environment: Within recreational no-decompression limits, Open water training sites, Coastal diving environments, Inland diving environments, Recreational search and recovery locations
- Format: Academic development + search-pattern training + navigation exercises + recovery procedures + lift-bag operations + 2 open water dives
- Duration: Approximately 1 day, 2 open water dives
What You’ll Learn
- Learn systematic search methods used to locate underwater objects efficiently
- Apply navigation, line handling, and search pattern procedures during recovery operations
- Develop confidence using lift bags and recovery equipment safely
- Practise locating, marking, and recovering submerged objects
- Improve situational awareness, teamwork, and underwater problem-solving skills
Prerequisites
- Be at least 10 years old.
- Certified as SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (or equivalent).
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
Search and recovery diving involves locating, identifying, and recovering underwater objects using organised search procedures and specialised equipment.
Training may include:
- circular search patterns
- square search patterns
- jackstay searches
- compass-based search procedures
depending on site conditions and training objectives.
Yes.
The programme includes the safe use of lift bags and recovery procedures for raising objects from underwater environments.
Yes.
Search and recovery skills form part of the foundation for many professional, public safety, scientific, and operational diving activities.
Many divers continue into:
- SDI Underwater Navigation Diver
- SDI Deep Diver
- SDI Wreck Diver
- SDI Solo Diver
- advanced recreational and operational diving pathways
Ready to Develop Practical Underwater Recovery Skills?
Whether you want to recover lost equipment, improve underwater navigation, or develop advanced diving capability, our team will help you build the knowledge and practical skills required for safe and effective search and recovery operations.
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.
