SDI Diver 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 Development Program.