PADI Wreck Diver Specialty Course

Master Wreck Diving with PADI Certification

The PADI Wreck Diver Specialty teaches you the skills, knowledge, and techniques to safely explore and dive wrecks. From penetration procedures to navigation and emergency protocols, you'll learn how to maximize your wreck diving experience while minimizing risks. Perfect for advanced recreational divers ready to explore Fort Lauderdale's famous wreck sites.

What You'll Learn:

1. Wreck diving hazards and safety procedures
2. Penetration techniques (entering and exiting wrecks safely)
3. Wreck-specific navigation and orientation
4. Emergency procedures in confined spaces
5. Proper equipment configuration for wreck diving
6. Wreck dive planning and site assessment
7. Communication signals for wreck environments
8. Buoyancy control in tight spaces
9. Light and visibility management
10. Decompression considerations for deep wrecks

Course Details:

Duration: 2–3 days (flexible scheduling)

Dives: 4 open water dives (typically boat dives on local wrecks)

Prerequisites: PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent experience

Class Size: Max 4–6 students per instructor (Divers Cove standard)

Certification: PADI Wreck Diver card upon completion

Price: $399 (course only); $556 with eLearning included

Black Friday: 15% off specialty courses

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

Perfect For:

• Divers interested in exploring wrecks
• Fort Lauderdale wreck enthusiasts
• Advanced recreational divers
• Technical diving progression
• Underwater photography enthusiasts
• History and archaeology buffs
• Divers seeking new challenges

Why Take Wreck Diver at Divers Cove?

• Expert wreck diving instructors (dive what they teach)
• Access to Fort Lauderdale's best wreck sites
• Small class sizes (4–6 students max)
• Real ocean training with boat dives
• Lifetime certification support
• 37-year perfect safety record
• 10% student discount on all gear
• Professional service and equipment available

Wreck Diving Hazards & Safety

Wreck diving presents unique challenges: confined spaces, reduced visibility, potential for disorientation, and structural hazards. The PADI Wreck Diver course teaches you to recognize and manage these risks through proper training, planning, and technique.

Key Safety Topics:

• Overhead environments (no direct ascent to surface)
• Entanglement hazards and prevention
• Navigation in low-visibility conditions
• Gas management and consumption rates
• Emergency procedures in confined spaces
• Proper weighting and buoyancy control
• Equipment configuration for wreck diving
• Buddy communication and teamwork

Fort Lauderdale's Best Wreck Diving

Florida is home to some of the Atlantic's most famous wreck sites, including the SS Oriskany, Doria, and numerous other vessels. After PADI Wreck Diver certification, you'll be qualified to explore these incredible underwater structures with confidence and safety.

Popular Local Wrecks:

• SS Oriskany (aircraft carrier)
• Doria (luxury liner)
• Benwood (freighter)
• Lady Luck
• Spiegel Grove
• Shallow wreck sites for practice dives

Course Structure

eLearning (Self-Paced):

• Wreck diving physics and hazards
• Navigation and orientation techniques
• Equipment and configuration
• Planning and site assessment
• Emergency procedures
• Quizzes and knowledge reviews

Open Water Dives:

• 4 open water dives on actual wreck sites
• Real-world application of skills
• Guided exploration with instructor
• Hands-on experience with penetration and navigation

Equipment for Wreck Diving

Wreck diving requires specific equipment configuration to ensure safety and efficiency in confined spaces. Divers Cove carries all major brands and can help you select and configure the right gear.

Essential Gear:

• Wreck-appropriate BCD (streamlined, minimal drag)
• Redundant lights (primary, backup, emergency)
• Cutting tools (knife, shears for entanglement)
• Compass and navigation tools
• Appropriate weighting system
• Streamlined regulator configuration
• Dive computer with deep diving capability

Brands We Carry:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to be an Advanced Open Water diver? A: Yes, PADI Wreck Diver requires PADI Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. We can verify your credentials and discuss prerequisites.

Q: How deep do wreck dives go? A: Wreck dives vary by site and diver certification. Recreational wreck dives typically range 40–130 feet. Deeper wrecks require advanced training.

Q: Is wreck diving dangerous? A: Wreck diving is safe when you receive proper training, follow procedures, and dive within your limits. The PADI Wreck Diver course teaches you to manage risks effectively.

Q: Can I penetrate wrecks after this course? A: PADI Wreck Diver teaches basic penetration techniques. Deep penetration and technical wreck diving require additional specialized training.

Q: What if I'm afraid of confined spaces? A: The course includes graduated training to build confidence. Many divers overcome initial concerns through proper instruction and practice.

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

Q: Can I use my existing gear? A: Yes, if your gear is appropriate for wreck diving. We recommend having your equipment reviewed by an instructor before your course.

Q: What's included in the course price? A: eLearning, 2 open water dives, boat fees, equipment rental, and certification card. Meals and transportation are not included.

Ready to Explore Fort Lauderdale's Wrecks?

Call (954) 473-1220 to enroll in PADI Wreck Diver today. Our expert instructors will guide you through every step of the process.

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