Adventure Collective
null - Las Palmas

PADI Search and Recovery

Puerto Ricomoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in good physical shape with basic swimming ability and comfortable with diving equipment.

Overview

Discover the art of underwater search and recovery with this personalized PADI course in Puerto Rico. Perfect for divers seeking to enhance their skills in a stunning marine environment, this private experience offers hands-on learning with expert guidance.

Scuba
Puerto Rico, Canarias

PADI Search and Recovery

€200 per Person | 1,5 days | Minimum age 12 (certified divers)

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Adventure Photos

PADI Search and Recovery photo 1

About This Adventure

PADI Search and Recovery Diver


Rates

Per person (Ages 12+): €200 For certified divers


Duration

1,5 Days


About

Retrieve lost items that have fallen overboard or over a dock. Learn effective swimming patterns and using a lift bag for heavy objects.

Description

It happens: People accidentally drop things from docks, off boats or even while scuba diving. If you’ve ever lost something in the water and wanted to go find it, then the PADI Search and Recovery Diver Speciality course is for you. There are effective ways to search for objects underwater that increase your chances of success. And there are good and better methods to bring up small, large or just awkward items. Search and recovery can be challenging, but a whole lot of fun.

PADI (Junior) Advanced Open Water Divers who are at least 12 years old can enroll in the Search and Recover Diver course. PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers with a PADI Underwater Navigator certification also qualify.

Academic Gathering information and resources, then carefully planning a search are the first important steps you learn. During four scuba dives you’ll practice:

  • Swimming search patterns using your compass and natural navigation.
  • Locating large and small objects using various search patterns.
  • Using a lift bag for large or heavy objects, plus other recovery methods.
  • Planning a search operation based on facts gathered about a lost object prior to the dive.

The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

Equipment Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a compass and underwater slate. Your PADI Instructor may suggest other gear that may help with your searches, such as a dive light, marker buoys, lines and reels.

Adventure Tips

Use consistent search patterns

Practice established search techniques like grid or circular patterns to efficiently locate objects underwater.

Check your buoyancy frequently

Maintaining neutral buoyancy helps conserve energy and protects marine life during recovery drills.

Communicate clearly with your trainer

Use underwater hand signals and stay in constant contact to ensure safety and clarity during exercises.

Plan your recovery route

Pre-plan your approach to retrieving objects to minimize lost items and environmental disturbance.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Sea turtles
  • Giant moray eels

History

Puerto Rico's coastal waters have been navigated for centuries, with many sunken ships adding to the underwater history treasure trove.

Conservation

Blue Water Diving emphasizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal impact on the delicate marine ecosystems.

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Adventure Hotspots in Las Palmas

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Full wetsuit

Essential

spring specific

Mask and snorkel

Essential

summer specific

Underwater flashlight

Surface marker buoy (SMB)

Essential

fall specific