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.
Search & Recovery
Ages 12+ • 2 Days • Ready to locate and safely recover items?
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a thrilling two-day journey to become a certified search and recovery diver. Master essential skills like search patterns and specialized equipment while diving with a team. Complete the course with confidence and earn your SSI Search & Recovery specialty certification, enhancing your underwater adventure experience.
Duration
2 days
About
In this fascinating program, you will learn all the skills you need to safely and confidently conduct search and recovery dives.
You will be taught how to use search patterns, specialized dive plans and equipment such as lift bags, lines and reels. By developing your search and communication techniques and practicing searches in a dive team, you will become a confident search and rescue diver in no time.
Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Search & Recovery specialty certification.
More Info
Once you have booked your course, you will receive your online academic materials (typically within 24 hours) and a course introduction letter laying out schedule and expectations for the course.
This course requires the student to have and use an underwater slate, compass, line and reel or finger spool, and DSMB.
This course includes 1 boat trip (2 dives) to the reef.
Prerequisites
- 12 years of age
- Certified as an Open Water Diver
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.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Key West
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.