You have to take a dive with a DPV (scooter) to realise how much fun they are. Whether diving from a shore or the boat, these vehicles can add much more fun and enjoyment to your dive. They propel you through the water without you having to fin, or if you want to, fin and go that little bit faster.
It can make one of your regular dive sites more interesting; get you farther around the shore, or just get you to your favourite spot quicker, giving you more air/time to relax.
The ‘PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle Specialty’ introduces you to the skills and excitement of using DPVs. The course will familiarise you with the knowledge, planning, organisation, procedures, techniques, potential problems and hazards associated with using DPVs.
Course Details
- The maximum number of students on each course is 4
- Each course is led by an Instructor, with an additional safety diver and surface support
- You will need to undertake the independent study of the Diver Propulsion Manual, bringing the completed knowledge reviews with you
- There are 2 open water training dives, conducted on one day.
- Cost of the course is £150.00 inclusive
Before Starting The Course
- You must be certified as an Open Water Diver or above
- You must be aged 12 years or older
- Please read and understand the medical questionnaire
- If you would like to use your own equipment then please check this against the minimum equipment required for this course.
Course overview
Within this course we are going to look at:
- planning, organisation, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of diving with a underwater propulsion vehicle.
- equipment considerations including but not limited to battery care, maintenance and precautions.
- proper procedures for; determining a turnaround point, vehicle failure, runaway motor, descents and ascents and avoiding propeller entanglements.
- techniques to avoid harming fragile aquatic life
- techniques for entering and exiting the water with a DPV
Knowledge Development
Before starting the open water training you’ll need to complete the two knowledge reviews. These are found in the manual, with further information found on the DVD (both items supplied).
Open Water Training
Training Dive One – Depth Range 6 to 18 mtrs
We start this dive by looking at how we prepare the DPV for use. With our equipment on and pre dive safety check completed, you’ll demonstrate an effective water entry with a DPV, and conduct a short swim with the DPV on the surface.
Then we’ll make a proper descent with the DPV, and when underwater will carry out various manoeuvres, including straight and steady, depth changes and making pivot and banking turns.
We then have an underwater tour and also ensure that we maintain proper buddy contact underwater.
We finish the dive by demonstrating a proper ascent with the DPV, and when back at the shore look at proper post dive care of the DPV
Training Dive Two – Depth Range 6 to 18 mtrs
This dive is up to you!
With the skills learnt in the first dive, it’s up to you to plan and execute a dive using a DPV according to the procedures and safety guidelines provided in the course.
Have Fun!
Course Fee Includes
- Diver Propulsion Vehicle Crew Pack – includes Manual, DVD, Diploma & Chevron
- Certification costs
- All equipment* and air fills
- Possibility of transport to and from the site (please contact us for details)
*If you are using your own equipment then please read and complete the Own Equipment Liability form
When Can I Start?
We run these courses to suit individual needs, so please contact us to discuss your requirements. The next course will be starting sooner than you think!
Other Relevant Courses
If you are looking to get to new locations, then why not extend your no stop limit through Enriched Air Nitrox Diving? Or maybe take along your camera and put to practice those skills taught in the Digital Underwater Photography course?