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Diver Propulsion Vehicle



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.

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Dates are for place holding purposes only. Select the Month you are interested in beginning and your Instructor will reach out to you and finalize dates.

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Included Materials


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This class cannot be purchased online. Please contact the store for more information.