Search & Recovery Diving with Paragon Diving in Big Pine Key
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate physical fitness and be comfortable handling dive gear and swimming.
Overview
Take your diving skills deeper with Paragon Diving’s two-day Search & Recovery certification in Big Pine Key. Learn hands-on techniques and gain confidence retrieving objects underwater in this immersive course.
Adventure Tips
Bring Your Own Underwater Slate and Compass
This course requires an underwater slate, compass, line, reel or finger spool, and DSMB for training exercises.
Be Prepared for Boat-Based Dives
Expect at least one boat trip with two dives on the reef as part of your training.
Maintain Team Communication
Clear, practiced underwater communication is critical during search and recovery operations.
Finish Your Open Water Certification First
Participants must hold a valid Open Water Diver certification before enrolling in the course.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Spotted eagle rays
- Parrotfish
History
Big Pine Key’s marine environment has long supported local fishing communities and was a strategic WWII submarine base area.
Conservation
Paragon Diving emphasizes responsible dive practices to protect Florida’s fragile coral reefs and prevent marine life disturbance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Underwater Slate
Important for note-taking and communication during search patterns.
Dive Compass
Crucial for navigation and executing systematic search patterns underwater.
Lift Bag
Used to safely raise heavy objects during recovery exercises.
Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB)
Signals your location to the surface team during recovery missions.