Drift Diver 

SPECIALTY 

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Who should take this course?

The Drift Diver Specialty course teaches you how to enjoy going with the flow as you scuba dive down rivers and use ocean currents to glide along. It feels like flying – except that you’re underwater using scuba equipment. Drift diving can be relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. If this sound like fun, then the Drift Diver course is for you. If you’re a (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the Drift Diver specialty course.

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What will you learn?

Along with drift diving techniques and procedures, you’ll:​

 

 

• Be introduced to drift diving equipment – floats, lines and reels 

• Get an overview of aquatic currents – causes and effects

• Practice buoyancy control, navigation, communication and methods for staying close to your buddy as you drift along

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

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How can you start learning now?

Get a Drift Diver manual or a Crew-Pak that includes your manual and video by contacting us to enroll in the course. 

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What scuba gear will you use?

Along with your basic scuba equipment, you’ll learn to use various surface marker buoys and floats with lines and reels. Ask your PADI Instructor or local dive center staff about other equipment you may need to get the most of your drift dives.

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Next Step

Dive deeper and earn your next certification:

• Enroll in a Deep Diver course 

• Browse the our Course Catalog for related specialty diver course, such as Wreck Diver, Multilevel Diver or Drysuit Diver.

• Look for scuba diving vacations to deep diving destinations.

• Check out the Master Scuba Diver rating.