SDI Wreck Diver
Develop the knowledge and practical skills required to safely plan and conduct recreational wreck dives while respecting the historical, environmental, and operational considerations of wreck diving environments
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 Wreck Diver course develops the knowledge and practical skills required to safely explore and enjoy wreck-diving environments.
Wrecks offer unique opportunities to experience history, marine life, and underwater exploration. However, they also present hazards that require specialised planning, awareness, navigation, and safety procedures.
Training focuses on:
- wreck-diving hazards,
- wreck assessment,
- navigation techniques,
- line procedures,
- emergency planning,
- and environmental responsibility.
At N9BO℠, Wreck Diver training develops the confidence and situational awareness required to safely conduct recreational wreck dives while respecting the historical and ecological significance of wreck sites.
Course Facts
- Course name: SDI Wreck 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 equipment appropriate for wreck diving operations, including underwater torch, cutting device, delayed surface marker buoy, dive computer, underwater compass
- Depth / environment: Within recreational no-decompression limits, Artificial reefs, Shipwrecks, Aircraft wrecks, Open water wreck diving environments, Recreational wreck sites
- Format: Academic development + wreck diving theory + wreck-assessment procedures + navigation exercises + 2 open water dives
- Duration: Approximately 1 day, 2 open water dives
What You’ll Learn
- Learn how to identify and manage hazards commonly found on wreck dives
- Apply wreck assessment, navigation, and dive planning procedures
- Develop confidence operating safely around wreck structures and debris fields
- Practise line awareness, orientation, and emergency management techniques
- Improve situational awareness, underwater navigation, and wreck diving safety
Prerequisites
- Be at least 10 years old.
- Certified as SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (or equivalent).
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
Wreck diving involves exploring submerged vessels, aircraft, and other man-made structures that have become underwater dive sites.
No.
The SDI Wreck Diver course focuses on recreational wreck diving procedures and external exploration. Overhead penetration training requires specialised advanced wreck diving programmes.
Common hazards include:
- entanglement
- sharp metal surfaces
- restricted access areas
- structural instability
- reduced visibility
- navigation challenges
Yes.
The programme is designed to introduce recreational divers to safe wreck diving procedures while remaining within recreational diving limits.
Many divers continue into:
- SDI Deep Diver
- SDI Search and Recovery Diver
- SDI Solo Diver
- TDI Intro to Tech
- TDI Advanced Wreck Diver
- advanced technical and exploration diving pathways
Ready to Explore Historic Wrecks?
Whether you are fascinated by maritime history, artificial reefs, or underwater exploration, our team will help you develop the knowledge and practical skills required to safely enjoy recreational wreck diving.
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.
