PADI Drift Diver Specialty Course

Master Current Diving with PADI Drift Diver

The PADI Drift Diver Specialty teaches you the skills and techniques to safely dive in currents. Learn to use currents to your advantage, manage buoyancy in moving water, and navigate efficiently. Perfect for Fort Lauderdale divers who want to explore current-swept reefs and dive sites.

What You'll Learn:

• Current types and how to read them
• Pre-dive current assessment
• Drift diving techniques and procedures
• Buoyancy control in moving water
• Navigation in currents
• Gas management while drifting
• Communication in current environments
• Emergency procedures in currents
• Proper entry and exit techniques
• Buddy procedures for drift diving

Course Details:

Duration: 1 day (flexible scheduling)

Dives: 2 open water dives in current

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water or equivalent

Class Size: Max 4–6 students per master scuba instructor

Certification: PADI Drift Diver card upon completion

Includes: eLearning, 2 dives, boat fees, equipment rental, certification

Perfect For:

• Divers wanting to explore current-swept sites
• Reef diving enthusiasts
• Fort Lauderdale divers
• Recreational divers seeking new skills
• Divers wanting to maximize dive time
• Underwater photographers
• Adventure seekers

Why Take Drift Diver at Divers Cove?

1. Expert drift diving instructors
2. Real ocean training in actual currents
3. Small class sizes (4–6 students max)
4. Local current expertise
5. Lifetime certification support
6. 37-year perfect safety record
7. 10% student discount on all gear
8. Professional service available

Understanding Currents

Currents are natural water movements caused by tides, wind, and geography. Learning to read and use currents safely transforms drift diving from intimidating to exhilarating.

Current Types:

• Tidal currents (predictable, tide-dependent)
• Wind-driven currents (variable)
• Rip currents (localized, powerful)
• Upwelling currents (nutrient-rich, productive)
• Seasonal currents (Gulf Stream, etc.)

Current Reading Skills:

• Pre-dive assessment techniques
• Surface observation
• Underwater current detection
• Depth variation in currents
• Timing and planning

Drift Diving in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale's reefs and dive sites often feature strong currents that make drift diving ideal. The Gulf Stream and tidal currents create dynamic diving conditions perfect for drift diving practice and adventure.

Popular Drift Dive Sites:

• Reef systems (various depths)
• Gulf Stream dives
• Tidal current sites
• Seasonal drift opportunities
• Nutrient-rich upwelling areas
• Pelagic encounter zones

Course Structure

eLearning (Self-Paced):

• Current types and formation
• Current reading techniques
• Drift diving procedures
• Buoyancy management in currents
• Navigation in moving water
• Planning drift dives
• Safety procedures

Confined Water Training:

• Drift diving skills practice
• Buoyancy control in simulated current
• Navigation drills
• Emergency procedures
• Buddy communication

Open Water Dives:

• 2 open water dives in actual currents
• Real-world application of drift diving skills
• Guided exploration with instructor
• Hands-on experience with current management

Equipment for Drift Diving

Drift diving requires proper equipment configuration to maintain control and efficiency in moving water.

Essential Gear:

• Well-fitted BCD for buoyancy control
• Streamlined regulator configuration
• Dive computer with current-diving features
• Proper weighting system
• Surface marker buoy (SMB) and reel
• Compass for navigation
• Appropriate exposure protection

Brands We Carry:

Atomic, Scubapro, Aqualung, Tusa, Zeagle, Oceanic, Hollis, Shearwater, Garmin, Suunto

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is drift diving dangerous? A: Drift diving is safe when you receive proper training and follow procedures. The course teaches you to manage currents effectively.

Q: What if I can't keep up with the current? A: Proper buoyancy control and technique allow you to drift with the current rather than fight it. You'll learn to work with currents, not against them.

Q: Do I need special equipment? A: Standard diving equipment works for drift diving. A surface marker buoy (SMB) is highly recommended for safety.

Q: Can I drift dive without certification? A: While not required, PADI Drift Diver certification ensures you have proper training and techniques for safe current diving.

Q: What if the current is too strong? A: The course teaches you to assess currents and make safe decisions. Dives are cancelled or rescheduled if conditions are unsafe.

Q: How do I navigate in a current? A: The course teaches compass navigation, landmark recognition, and other techniques to maintain orientation while drifting.

Q: What's a surface marker buoy (SMB)? A: An SMB is an inflatable device that marks your position on the surface for the boat crew. Essential for drift diving safety.

Q: How long is the certification valid? A: PADI certifications are valid for life. We provide lifetime support and refresher training if needed.

Ready to Master Current Diving?

Call (954) 473-1220 to enroll in PADI Drift Diver today. Our expert instructors will teach you to dive currents safely and confidently.

Divers Cove | 2335 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33324Mon-Fri 10am-6pm | Sat 9am-5:30pm | Sun 10am-4pm