SDI Propulsion Vehicle Diver

The SDI Diver Propulsion Vehicle Diver Course is designed to train divers in the use of a Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) and familiarize them with the skills, knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, and hazards of using a DPV in a non-overhead environment.

Who this course is for:

The certified diver looking to maximize the amount of area they can cover during a dive by using a DPV Individuals that may have limited use of their legs for diving

Course prerequisites:

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent
• Minimum age 18, 15 with parental consent

What you can expect to learn:

The SDI Diver Propulsion Vehicle Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

• Physics
• Pressure review
• Review of air embolisms and decompression theory
• Review of ascents/descents with regards to pressure changes
• Review dive tables and computers
• Diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) considerations
• Advantages of using a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV)
• Features to consider when choosing a DPV
• Types of DPVs
• Accessories
• Overview of DPVs used for this Course
• Maximizing battery life
• Battery safety tips
• Maintenance, storing and transporting
• Dive planning and safety considerations
• Air consumption and decompression
• Battery endurance
• Determining the turn-around time point
• Safety considerations
• Vehicle failure
• Depth and descent/ascent considerations
• Avoiding propeller entanglements and obstructions
• Using the Buddy System SDI Instructor Manual
• Diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) use
• Pre-dive preparation
• Water entries
• DPV use at the surface
• Riding tandem
• Orientation and descent procedures
• Ascent and exit procedures
• Post dive maintenance

Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:

• Dive plan
• Proper entry
• Surface use of DPV
• Descent with DPV
• Underwater tour
• Monitor DPV and air consumption
• Ascent and exit
• Log dive

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in diving activities without direct supervision of the SDI Instructor* so long as the following limits are adhered to:

• The diving activities approximate those of training
• The areas of activities approximate those of training
• Environmental conditions approximate those of training

Also, the SDI Diver Propulsion Vehicle Diver certification counts towards a single specialty rating to achieve the SDI Advanced Diver Program.