PADI Boat Diver Specialty

Much of the world’s best scuba diving is accessible only by boat. Whether you’ve never made a boat dive or you’ve logged dozens, the PADI Boat Diver Specialty course will benefit you because boats in various parts of the world do things differently. Scuba diving from a boat is fun and relatively easy because you usually descend directly onto your dive site.

Minimum Requirements:
If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 10 years old, you can enroll in the Boat Diver course.

Academics

The PADI Boat Diver course will expand your knowledge about boats from small inflatables to large liveaboards. You’ll gain experience scuba diving by completing two dives from a boat in your local area and learn:

Boat terminology.

Boat diving procedures and etiquette, including how to enter and exit, and where to stow your gear.

Boating safety, including how to locate safety equipment.

Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.  Already have your advanced?  This specialty counts towards your Master Scuba Diver rating!

Equipment

Beyond using basic scuba equipment, you’ll want to have a surface signaling device, such as an inflatable signal tube. Having a complete spare parts kit is also a good idea. Your PADI Instructor and local dive center staff may suggest additional equipment depending on what type of boat and where your boat diving adventures take you.

Getting Started

You can start by reading the PADI Boat Diver Manual and watching the Boat Diving video in preparation for meeting with your instructor to schedule the boat dives. Stop by the shop to get your Boat Diver Crew-Pak and start learning.  You can enroll in the class while you're there or by phone.  You CANNOT enroll on the website.  The Boat diver specialty is normally done while on a shop trip.  Arrangements can be made for local boat dives as well.  This will incur additional costs.  The dates listed are flexible and subject to change.  Please contact us for more information.