Wrecks, whether sunk on purpose to act as artificial reefs or lost as the result of a tragedy, make up some of the most fascinating dive sites. While anyone can stay outside a wreck and enjoy looking at its exterior while encountering schooling fish and other marine life, only wreck divers have the knowledge and skills required to penetrate sunken ships and aircraft – even partially. Every wreck offers the opportunity for discovery. If you think wreck diving might be for you and are considering wreck diving training, you’ll appreciate this quick look at what to expect from a wreck diver course.
What You’ll Learn During Wreck Diver Training
There are many different types of underwater wrecks, including historic ships, artificial reefs, aircraft, and even sunken cars and subway trains. You’ll begin your training with instruction that covers different types of wrecks, as well as specific guidelines for researching them, understanding the laws that safeguard their cultural and historical significance, and tips for respecting the history they represent.
During a series of dives – the number may vary depending on which agency your instructor is affiliated with – you will learn a number of practical skills including the following:
- Safety skills for navigation
- Important safety skills for wreck exploration
- How to survey a wreck
- How to map a wreck
- How to use specialized tools, including reels and penetration lines to make exploration easier and safer
- Finning techniques to avoid disturbing silt, damaging the wreck, or disturbing the creatures that live there.
Qualifications for Wreck Diver Training
Qualifications for wreck diver training vary from one agency to the next, so be sure to check into your specific agency’s requirements to ensure you meet them in the event you want to go forward with training. In most cases, the following requirements hold true for those who wish to enroll in wreck diver training:
- You must be at least 15 years old
- You must have a PADI Adventure Diver certification, the equivalent, or higher
- You must have access to basic scuba equipment. Most agencies require you to have a dive light, a reel and line, a slate, and a compass. Additional gear may be suggested depending on the agency you wish to qualify with, as well as conditions in the area where you dive.
Where to Get Qualified
You may be able to obtain wreck diver qualification close to home, or you may find it is easier and more fun to get wreck diver training while on vacation. Many resorts and dive shops located near world-class wreck diving sites offer wreck specialty courses, allowing divers to enjoy “hands on” learning in an environment that facilitates the training process while promoting safe exploration. It’s a good idea to spend at least a little time shopping for a wreck diving course that suits your needs, desires, and skill level, as well as for one that suits your budget.
Keep in mind that diving in an overhead environment does pose some interesting physical and psychological challenges. Carefully consider whether wreck diving is for you before investing in a course, then take the steps to get properly trained. Your safety – and your level of enjoyment – depend on it!