SDI Research Diver

The purpose of this specialty course is to acquaint the open water diver with the fascinating topic of research diving.

After the completion of this course, a diver will be better able to discover, explore, and appreciate the underwater environment by using research techniques and better preserve and protect the underwater environment.

Who this course is for:

• The certified diver looking to learn research techniques used during diving and to learn more about the underwater world including the environment and the aquatic life

Course prerequisites:

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

What you can expect to learn:

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

• Water environment, fresh and salt water
  • Ecology
  • Food chains
  • Habitat
  • Niche
  • Interactions with other forms
  • Basic oceanography
  • Coral reefs
  • Kelp
  • Bays and open coast
• The marine animals
  • Fishes
  • Mollusks
  • Invertebrates
  • Mammals
  • Dangerous animals
• Diving methodology
  • Collection of data
  • Detailed mapping techniques
  • Survey methodology
  • Marking and capturing
  • Research for sport
• Conservation

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

• Plan dives
• Test and check all equipment
• Enter and descend
• Compass usage
• Familiarization with the area and ecology
• Area survey/research techniques
• Marine life identification
• Record data
• Log dives

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 Research Diver certification counts as one of the specialty rating to achieve the SDI Advanced Diver.